There’s a lot of information on how to deal with addiction yourself — but what should you do when a loved one is affected? The situation is especially challenging when they don’t want help at the moment as it can make you feel hurt and helpless. We know how painful these feelings can be and […]
Approximately 21.2 million Americans suffer from an addiction. And addiction doesn’t discriminate – it can impact any person from any social, economic, cultural, or religious background. The good news is that addiction is highly treatable, especially if a person gets professional help and learns the skills to thrive post-addiction. Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey. Staying engaged […]
It almost seems like the brain is wired for addiction. Once the brain experiences the intense euphoria produced by opioids or stimulants, it “tells” the user to repeat the behavior leading to this euphoria. Ultimately, an addict’s brain focuses on nothing but obtaining drugs and getting high again. One of the primary reinforcers of addiction […]
Amphetamines are a class of drugs that stimulate all body functions, especially the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Taking legal or illegal amphetamines will markedly increase your blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and cognitive processes. Three neurotransmitters are involved in producing side effects of amphetamines–norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Prescription and Illegal Amphetamines Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are […]
Planning your first sober party can seem a bit daunting. After all, many of us associate partying with alcohol and drug consumption so it’s only natural that you may feel a bit nervous. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, organizing a sober party can be a lot of fun and your friends are likely […]
Starting addiction treatment is an admirable endeavor and a great first step to healing. However, it comes with a lot of questions: how long will rehab take, what does treatment look like, and what results can you expect? There is no singular answer as of course everyone has their unique needs and challenges. However, here […]
The adverse effects of drug and alcohol consumption on the unborn baby have long been established. Deciding to detox when you’re pregnant is an admirable act; however, you might be wondering whether it’s medically safe to do so. Here are some things you should keep in mind if you decide to embark on the journey […]
Quitting drinking can seem quite scary. Not only is the process incredibly challenging on your psyche, but it can also be quite hard on the body. Even if you consider yourself relatively well-prepared to handle the psychological difficulties of detoxing, you may still be nervous about the physical side effects of the process. While there […]
One of the most common difficulties we hear about when it comes to recovery is the difficulty of going back to dating once you’re sober. Whether we like it or not, drinking and even substance use are quite popular so stating you’re sober may elicit uncomfortable reactions in potential dates. On top of that, most dates take […]
Much has been written about people’s experiences with getting sober and going into recovery. However, research shows that supporting your partner through that process is also incredibly challenging. This is further exacerbated by the relative lack of useful information on how to take care of yourself and your partner. Here are some simple steps you can […]