IS RESIDENTIAL ADDICTION TREATMENT THE RIGHT CHOICE?
Once someone recognizes that they have a problem with substance abuse, there are a lot of options to consider when looking at ways to kick their habit. The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists the different types of treatment programs available. These include long and short-term residential treatments, outpatient treatment, individualized drug counseling, and group […]
WHAT IS PALCOHOL?
As its name might suggest, Palcohol is a powdered form of alcohol that was approved for sale by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau on March 10, 2015. The powder can be used to turn water, or other beverages, into an alcoholic drink; one package of Palcohol is considered to be the equivalent […]
POST ACUTE WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME
Substance addiction can reshape and transform the way the brain functions in significant ways and this altered brain functioning may persist even after a period of detoxification and withdrawal. Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) refers to the symptoms experienced during the period of time where abstinence has been obtained but the brain has not returned to normal […]
INTERVENTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Sometimes, a person addicted to drugs or alcohol will refuse to admit that they have a problem, and an intervention might be necessary. Rather than an ambush, an intervention should be well planned and rehearsed, preferably with the assistance of a medical professional or counselor. There are even professionals known as intervention specialists who can […]
THE BRAIN DISEASE CALLED ADDICTION
Those who suffer from substance addiction are typically viewed as weak or as having behavioral problems. These labels of addiction can imbed feelings of shame and hopelessness in the addict. Recent studies in neuroscience have shown that addiction has been found to be a disease that affects the brain and behavior. Therefore addiction is a […]
METHADONE VS BUPRENORPHINE
Individuals who have developed an addiction to heroin, a dangerous opioid derivative, will eventually require rigorous treatment and rehabilitation. As part of pharmacotherapy (e.g. medication treatment), doctors often prescribe equally potent drugs to counteract the effects of heroin and alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and detoxification. Two widely known prescriptions are methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone […]
WHAT ARE SOBER COACHES?
A sober coach is certified treatment professional that is akin to a personal trainer, but who, instead of focusing on getting clients into shape, focuses on helping them maintain their sobriety. Sober coaches are often used after the completion of a residential treatment program, where a patient is in need of more oversight and guidance than […]
IS YOUR PARENT AN ALCOHOLIC?
No matter what stage in life you are, and no matter what age you are, knowing that a loved one is in emotional and/or physical pain is heart-wrenching. It is particularly bad when there is a feeling that you cannot help them or you do not even know how to help them. This is particularly […]
DICTIONARY OF ILLEGAL DRUGS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
There are thousands of drugs out there, and some still undiscovered, but only a select variety of those drugs are deemed illegal in the United States. This is a brief dictionary guide to what drugs are illegal, why they are illegal, the categories of drugs, and the effects of each drug on the body. Knowing […]
WHEN IS TOO MUCH TO DRINK ALCOHOL POISONING?
While most people have had a little too much to drink, causing them to get sick, some people go even farther. In some cases, those who binge drink to excess can suffer from alcohol poisoning, a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. In some cases, alcohol poisoning can lead to death if someone […]