Addiction Blog. Insight and Advice
from Our Austin Area Addiction Recovery Experts.

A methamphetamine “Crystal Meth” high is an intense, lengthy altered state of mind that can have devastating effects on the mind and body. If you’ve ever wondered, “how long does meth last?” or “how long does a meth high last?”, the answer is that both of these things can vary based on a number of…

Individuals who suffer from alcoholism often latch onto excuses for not seeking treatment for the problem. A common excuse is that alcohol rehabilitation therapy takes too much time, and time spent in rehab and away from family, friends and careers will cause more harm than continuing to feed an alcohol addiction. The truth is that…

Our society portrays men as adventurous risk takers who are daredevils and seek any opportunity to climb the corporate ladder, scale tall buildings in a single bound and say yes to things that are dangerous. This is seen in movies and on television shows. Women used to be portrayed as homemakers, moms and busy wives…

The viciousness of crack cocaine that we typically associate with crime, petty assaults, and robberies stems from a ravaged urban America in the 1980s which led to some of the stiffest law enforcement ever to exist in a first-world country. Seldom does the medical aspect even come to mind for the public at large, apart…

Accessing rehabilitation services is a critical step for many in the journey towards recovery from addiction. However, for those without insurance, the path to obtaining these life-saving treatments can be fraught with financial obstacles. The cost of rehab programs often presents a formidable barrier, leaving many to wonder how they can afford the care they…

If a person in your life has succumbed to drug addiction, you should understand that his personality has been hijacked by whatever drug has taken over his life. That person may love you and care deeply for you, but the drugs that his body craves will always take precedence over both his own health and…

Working hard in substance abuse recovery can put things into perspective. Humility is one of the traits that are helpful to have when looking to build a successful recovery. Shaping your journey around humility helps you see things differently. It may not come naturally to you, but you can work towards this goal if you…

Recovering from addiction is a difficult and strenuous time for anyone involved. The people in your life are going to want to see you do well and conquer addiction, but it may be hard to get them to trust you again. Most people need time to feel you out to see for themselves if you…

Some of the bigger obstacles in recovery can feel like huge stumbling blocks on the road to feeling successful. Whenever you are faced with obstacles, there is also opportunity. You now have a chance to find your way back to a healthier way of looking at things rather than focusing on what isn’t working any…

Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug abuse costs the US about $700 billion annually, according to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). It’s become a national crisis that affects everyone–the rich, the poor, the young, the elderly. Still, finding out that a loved one is suffering from drug addiction can catch…

Every single day and year of your life is different. You progress through tracks in school, you work your way up the ladder at work, and hit milestone after milestone throughout your life. Whether you like it or not, life continues moving forward. When life stops becoming about hitting milestones, you begin to feel like…

Cocaine addiction can be very difficult to treat. Having a solid plan in preparation to help someone is crucial. There are three major areas associated with a strong plan for recovery: medical assistance, psychosocial support, and a promising aftercare plan. Understanding Addiction and Dependence Before figuring out how to help the addict, it’s important to…

Have you been wondering how to help a drug addict brother? If your sibling is struggling with an addiction to drugs, that puts you in a very difficult position. After all, knowing how to deal with drug addict brother who’s struggling with an addiction to meth, cocaine, heroin, PCP, Molly, or prescription drug abuse can…

A recovering drug addict will face a number of challenges that can hurt his chances for a successful recovery and push him into a relapse. His family should not add to those challenges, but should instead be a resource for support and encouragement as well as a backstop when all other coping mechanisms fail. Families…

Transitions are never easy for anyone. There are different challenges depending on the person. Men specifically struggle in unique ways that cause them to view their life differently as a result. When addiction enters the picture, men often use it as a reason to cover up the challenges they face with the transition. The mind…

Emotions often run high when a person you love is struggling with alcoholism. You can yell and aggressively command him to acknowledge his problem and stop drinking. You can offer comfort and solace in the hopes that your cares and concerns will convince him to get help. You might even buy alcohol for him as…

Leaving rehab is a time of great challenge for people in recovery. After completion of a program, you may feel ready to return to life but life has other plans. Executives especially may find it daunting to return to the previous pace of life and stay sober. Executive sober living programs can be a good…

Spiritual awakening helps people discover a different perception of the world. Colors are more vivid and life begins to appear through a clear vision of the world. When people realize their connection with everyone and everything, truth begins to emerge. This connection helps build energy and illuminates a higher spiritual pathway. Learn more about how…

Sobriety is not all sunshine and roses, all the time. Life is certainly better sober, but life still happens and sometimes that can be difficult. Without old behaviors to rely on, such as drinking or using drugs, it can feel confounding to figure out how to navigate life. When an emotional bottom happens, the feelings…

Addictions vary from person to person. Substance abuse, drug use, sex, work and relationships are just a few ways people become addicted. Sometimes, it is a combination or there can be co-occurring disorders along with addiction. Similarly, addictions are all based on doing something in excess, living out old habits and patterns but are likewise…

Almost everyone who has ever dealt with any form of addiction or substance dependence will familiar with the overwhelming feeling of anxiety. It’s one of those staples to the condition, and one that every addiction treatment program can relate to. Addiction comes with a whole line of confusing emotions and conflicting feelings but the tidal…