Stigma is harsh, but it’s usually easier than untangling the truth about opioid use disorder. Some people think substance use disorders are about moral failure or character flaws. These perceptions create stigma and shame for people coping with addiction. Opioid misuse is a complex health issue. Yet, stigma often gets in the way of treatment. …
Family and friends who try to help a drug addict get a lot of mixed messages: “You’re one of the single greatest influences in your loved one’s life.” “You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it and you can’t control it.” The first statement and the “three Cs” of addiction recovery are often both true,…
Despite weed’s social acceptance and legal status in some states, it’s still a substance with high potential for abuse and addiction. The main ingredient in weed is THC. It changes the brain in ways that make it very difficult to quit marijuana if you’re a heavy user. If you’re wondering how to stop smoking weed,…
When you think about addiction or substance abuse, you may forget about commonly abused prescription drugs. After all, people abuse not just marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and other illicit drugs. Millions of people also abuse prescription medicines throughout the world. It is important to know that prescription drug addiction treatment is available List of Commonly Abused…
The teen years are often considered the most difficult period of a person’s life. After all, how often do you hear anyone over the age of 30 wistfully say, “Oh, to be 15 again…”? Probably never. It’s a vulnerable time of life as teens attempt to navigate the precarious bridge between childhood and adulthood. And…
Opiates are central nervous system depressants that slow down your breathing and heart rate, making them especially dangerous to mix with other depressants. Because the opiate overdose timeline is short, experiencing symptoms of an opiate overdose requires immediate medical intervention. The rise in opiate abuse has led to overdoses becoming the leading cause of death…
Marijuana is usually smoked or vaporized, with effects occurring within 10-15 minutes of inhalation. In small amounts, marijuana causes mild intoxication and feelings of relaxation. THC is the main chemical in marijuana that causes intoxication. Using and abusing marijuana can lead to dependency, which can cause you to wonder do I need THC addiction treatment?…
Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that doesn’t discriminate. Anyone, regardless of age, race, background, or gender, can develop a substance abuse disorder. While certain factors can increase your risk of developing an addiction, such as having a close family member with a substance abuse disorder, there is no known reason why only some…
Recovering from addiction usually requires treatment because it takes time for your brain and body to fully heal. Since different recovery programs work for different people, it’s important to connect with a treatment center that aligns with your personal needs and goals. With 1 out of every 7 Americans eventually developing a substance abuse disorder…
Legal, illicit, and prescription drugs all carry the potential for abuse. What makes addiction so difficult to prevent and treat is that it’s a progressive and incurable condition. The reason treatment is almost always necessary to recover is because symptoms like cravings and triggers occur long after your last use. Another potential hazard of addiction…
