BAYSTATE RECOVERY CENTER BLOG

Cross addiction can often happen when people try out new drugs. Research shows that people who already struggle with addiction to one type of substance are of increased risk of becoming dependent on another one. As cross addiction makes can make it harder to manage symptoms or get sober, it should be taken seriously and prevented whenever […]

If you often have a bit too much to drink, this habit may start to interfere with your daily life and prevent you from attending to your responsibilities. When you find yourself intoxicated at a time when you know you really shouldn’t be, you may start looking for ways to sober up fast. Unfortunately, this […]

Much has been written about the addictive nature of opioid medications and the disastrous effect they can have on a person’s life if they’re taken beyond the recommended dose. This is doubly true for those who have a history of addiction or substance misuse, as taking opioids even temporarily can cause them to revert to […]

Over-the-counter cough and cold medicine contain psychoactive ingredients that cause extreme drowsiness, euphoria, and even hallucinations when taken in higher than recommended doses. For example, dextromethorphan (DXM) is an antitussive found in Vicks Dayquil Cough, Robitussin, and Delsym 12-Hour Cough Relief that suppresses brain signals triggering the cough reflex. Abusing or overdosing on cough medicines […]

Getting an adequate amount of sleep is essential for individuals of all ages, but it’s extremely important during the recovery stage of addiction treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults between the ages of 18 and 60 should get at least seven hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Dopamine levels, […]

Stimulants are psychoactive drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. Composed of the spinal cord and the brain, the central nervous system reacts to the ingestion of stimulants by releasing a surge of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two neurotransmitters regulate energy levels, mood, thought processes, and appetite. Excess levels of […]

It’s probably no surprise to you that social media has a negative toll on a person’s mental health. Most of us know social media is dangerous, but we continue using it. It’s estimated that 70% of Americans use social media regularly, and that number has risen dramatically over the years. Only 5% of Americans utilized these […]

Did you know that cleaning — in the springtime or otherwise — can have a major impact on your mental wellness? If you’re like most people, you’ve felt a boost in mood, motivation, or focus (or all of the above) from living and working in a cleaner space, but how does it work? In this […]

Have you ever been told that you should love yourself more? Some people say that you can’t really love another person if you don’t love yourself first or that loving yourself can protect you from being hurt. But self-love doesn’t always come naturally. If you’ve faced trauma, criticism from people you love or systemic discrimination […]

It’s a common misconception that marijuana doesn’t have any addictive properties. While it doesn’t affect the brain in the same way as most other illicit drugs, there is the possibility of developing dependence on the drug—particularly for those who begin using marijuana before the age of 18. How Marijuana Affects the Brain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the […]