Withdrawal can be a daunting process but a necessary one in healing from the disease of addiction. For individuals who abuse meth, the fear of meth withdrawal symptoms keeps many from seeking rehab. The severity of withdrawal symptoms is often a cause for relapse as individuals return to substance use to alleviate the discomfort of…
When individuals use drugs or alcohol even recreationally, they can develop a dependency or addiction. The more potent the substance and the more frequent the use, the greater the risk of addiction. One particular drug, cocaine, is frequently used in social settings. If you or someone you love uses cocaine, it’s essential to watch for…
WHAT IS ADDICTION? The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a “treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences”. WHAT DOES AN ADDICTION TO…
Zolpidem, commonly known by its brand name Ambien, is a medication primarily prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is quite effective for helping individuals fall asleep quickly, but as with many medications that influence the brain, it carries potential risks. As with any prescribed medication, it is wise to ask, “Is Ambien a…
Openly talking about addiction and actively listening for responses are some of the most significant ways you can help someone with an addiction. Opening these conversations around addiction isn’t especially easy; read on for tips to get this necessary conversation going. OVERALL: Know it is okay to have this conversation. Realistically multiple conversations will likely…
Alcohol is an embedded part of American culture. Many everyday cultural events include alcohol—a wedding reception, a regular guys’ or girls’ night out, a standing after-work happy hour, or a Super Bowl party. Drinking socially is an accepted and expected part of life for many Americans, but it is not without risk. For many people,…
Having an alcoholic in your life can be challenging and disruptive. The behavior of a person struggling with addiction can cause tremendous harm to relationships, especially if they are lying on a regular basis. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by an inability to control or stop alcohol consumption despite negative consequences…
Cocaine is a familiar illicit drug that has been popular for decades. Often playing a prominent role in movies and television, the drug has achieved widespread and mainstream recognition. However, cocaine addiction is a serious condition that has profound impacts on individuals and society as a whole. With its highly addictive nature, cocaine use can…
In recent years, Texas has faced significant challenges with drug addiction, impacting communities across the state. Texas’ major cities are often comprised of smaller cities and towns that were incorporated into the overall metropolitan area as the population of the Lone Star State grew. Addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, or both, affects not only individuals…
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held annually to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones. It was initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, as…