SIGNS YOUR LOVED ONE IS A COCAINE USER
Although cocaine, or “coke,” is derived from coca leaves, the most common form of cocaine for drug use is a fine white powder. Cocaine directly affects the brain through dopamine which results in euphoria and dramatic changes in the user’s personality. Users of cocaine tend to talk more, be more outgoing, and feel in control. […]
DOES METHADONE REALLY HELP HEROIN ADDICTS?
If you are a former heroin user or know someone who is battling this illness (or simply know the facts about drug culture), then you have probably heard a lot about methadone treatment. A synthetic opioid, methadone is as a tool for harm reduction and withdrawal for people suffering from opioid use disorder, most notably […]
WHERE DOES ADDICTION START?
After years of drug abuse, it can often be difficult for an addict and their family to look back and remember where the addiction started. In cases of alcohol abuse, since most people drink it can be even more difficult to notice the early signs of addiction before it’s too late. Addiction starts for many […]
THE DEADLY NEW THREAT OF FENTANYL-LACED CRACK COCAINE
Earlier this year, reports revealed that a particularly dangerous opioid called fentanyl was responsible for a spike in overdose-related deaths in the United States. By 2016 alone, these fatalities increased from 11.4% (2015) to 21.5% at maximum. Even more disturbing, back in March, Emily Feinstein (executive vice president of the National Center on Addiction and […]
HOW DO YOU HANDLE A DRUG ADDICT OR AN ALCOHOL WHO REFUSES TREATMENT?
Sometimes, as hard as you may try, convincing someone to get the help they need is not a foolproof task to complete. After all, stubborn and headstrong people do not always want your assistance and think they are more powerful than they really are (an unfortunate reality of human nature, at times). For a moment, […]
ADDICTION AND YOUR APPEARANCE
In addition to all of the other mental and physical tolls substance abuse can take on a person, it can significantly change your outward appearance. Different drugs have different effects, but generally speaking, weight changes, skin conditions, dark circles under the eyes, and bad teeth are good indicators. Drugs can also cause nutritional deficiencies, which […]
OVERCOMING THE STIGMA OF ADDICTION
Results from a stratified sample comparing the stigma of mental illness to the stigma of drug addiction showed that addiction to drugs is considered to be more blameworthy and dangerous compared to mental illness. This is likely because mental illness occurs against the individual’s control whereas drug addiction is chosen by the drug user. Although, […]
UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING STRESS DURING RECOVERY
For many people, their addiction stemmed from having too much stress in their lives and not being able to cope. That’s why stress can become a major trigger during recovery. But not all stress is bad! Stress is what helps get you off the couch and keeps you motivated during daily tasks. In order to […]
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
Many people diagnosed with a substance use disorder also suffer from a co-occurring mental health or behavioral disorder. This is known as a dual diagnosis. Individuals with a dual diagnosis require a special treatment plan that acknowledges both disorders as interconnected mental health issues. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 45 […]
ADDICTION STIGMA PREVENTS RECOVERY AND LEADS TO DEATH
When it comes to drug addiction, the sad and scary truth is that nearly 1 in 10 Americans suffers from addiction . Unfortunately, addiction it does not discriminate. No matter your age, sex, or race, a person can suffer from addiction. Close to 25 million Americans over the age of 12 suffer from addiction, yet […]