XANAX – CONS AND CAUTIONS
Xanax (also known as alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication that directly affects your central nervous system (CNS). Even though it’s classified as a Schedule IV drug, Xanax has a high risk for abuse being that it possesses the ability to trigger calming feelings. It is also considered the second most popular abused drug in the […]
ALL ABOUT ATIVAN
Ativan (a benzodiazepine medication) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with a high potential for misuse. Obtaining or using Ativan without a doctor’s prescription is considered drug abuse. People often take medicine belonging to someone else (with or without their knowledge), buy pills via the internet, or purchase it from street dealers. Whether you […]
COPING WITH WITHDRAWAL FROM PERCOCET
Percocet is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, an opioid used to manage and treat pain. Short term and long term use of opioids change the chemistry in the brain, leading to physical and psychological dependence. This means that ceasing to use this drug will likely cause discomfort, along with painful symptoms of withdrawal. Percocet […]
THE JOURNEY FROM COCAINE TO INSOMNIA
A person who struggles with an addiction to cocaine may find it hard to find any enjoyment in life without the drug, so they begin abusing it more often in an attempt to feel better. The more frequently a person uses cocaine, the less sleep they get. Many people who use cocaine develop an accompanying, […]
OPIOID OXYCONTIN: THREE MAJOR WAYS IT’S HARMFUL
From health risks to the spread of disease, abusing OxyContin can produce regrettable consequences. OxyContin is the commercial name for the opioid/opiate medication oxycodone; it affects the brain in ways that cause euphoria and relaxation, a primary reason the drug is widely abused. Anyone who takes OxyContin (even as directed, coupled with a prescription) runs […]
MAKING WISE DECISIONS WITH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN RECOVERY
It is often said that old habits die hard. Despite working hard to recover and even making good progress, the thought of having a drink here or there may surface in your mind. This temptation alone may make it harder to reach your destination. Are there truly any pros to drinking during recovery? There […]
COMING OUT VICTORIOUS IN RECOVERY
What exactly makes up a successful recovery from substance abuse and addiction? Is it just checking into rehab? Is it quitting cold turkey? In reality, recovery is mainly defined on an individual basis. Yet there exists a key concept that leads to success: individualized assessment, then treatment. There are numerous different opinions among experts regarding […]
ACKNOWLEDGING AND COPING WITH NICOTINE ADDICTION
No matter what route it’s administered through, nicotine has been known to produce psychoactive effects (mood swings, positive reinforcement, and then, unfortunately, addiction). Tobacco smoke inhalation is the quickest and most efficient method of delivering nicotine to the brain. Less than 10 seconds after inhalation, roughly 25% of it reaches your brain, a rate nearly […]
MASQUERADE WITH MORPHINE
The power of morphine as a narcotic painkiller used to manage moderate to severe chronic pain, is a well-known fact. It binds to opiate receptors in the brain and changes the body’s perception of pain. However, morphine can also carry a strong potential for abuse, leading to these three main points: euphoric mood, tolerance, and […]
HOW A CHANGE IN SEASONS CAN AFFECT SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER
For anyone struggling with substance use disorder, the stress of the holidays can be overwhelming, but those diagnosed with co-occurring Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can find it especially challenging. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of seasonal depression that is common during the dreary winter months. It is closely related to other co-occurring conditions such […]