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

Alcohol is one of the most widely abused psychoactive substances worldwide. Alcohol is a fixture at many culturally significant events, like weddings and major sports events. Also, alcohol is a type of central nervous system depressant, which results in calming effects. Additionally, alcohol also can cause severe liver disease, memory loss, and cardiovascular problems. But,…

Like many pharmaceutical products, Ambien is an effective treatment for sleep disorders when it is used properly and pursuant to a prescribing physician’s recommendations. Ambien, shares a few less favorable traits with other prescription drugs, the most significant of which is a risk of addiction or dependence. A physician may prescribe Ambien for a short…

Gambling addictions do not create the same level of chemical dependence that are seen in substance addictions, but the withdrawal effects that compulsive gamblers experience when they are unable to indulge in their chosen gambling activities can be debilitating and disruptive to the gambler’s life. As with individuals who are addicted to alcohol or drugs,…

When people do drugs or drink, their bodies are in a state of malnutrition. They often don’t get proper nutrients and may be dehydrated as well. There are also mental health issues to focus on that will be key to figuring out how to deal with staying healthy in recovery. Common medical issues including heart,…

In the recovery community, detox refers to the detoxification process as an individual rids their body of drugs or alcohol. When detoxing from these addictive substances, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that can make this detoxification process particularly challenging. You may want to know the answer to “How long does it take to detox?” Determining…

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…

Sometimes people do not realize how much pressure they put on themselves to live a certain way, even in recovery. For those with drug addiction, the intention starts with the intentional choice to enter a drug rehabilitation center. This is an intentional first step that provides the foundation for recovery and a life of happiness….

People who drink to the point of being intoxicated usually have some hangover issues. The best cure for this is to prevent it but if that does not happen, there may be ways to mitigate symptoms. There are other steps in hangover prevention. Once symptoms begin, fewer options actually provide relief. Traditional ‘cures’ do little…

Among all the ways to classify a substance, drug scheduling may be the easiest to understand. When a client enters a drug addiction treatment center, this is one of the things that therapists help them to learn. Some of the drugs that have the least potential for abuse are schedule 5 drugs. Many schedule 5…

Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. You should take care to know what the symptoms of alcohol poisoning are if you spend time drinking or around people that do drink. This way you can identify alcohol poisoning before it becomes deadly. Anyone can get alcohol poisoning. Being aware of the dangers of heavy drinking can save…

The holidays for many people are a time filled with good times and good memories, a time when families get together to celebrate the season. It’s also a time when addicts find that their struggles with substance abuse are intensified. They often struggle to stay away from people and situations that enabled their addiction. The holiday season…

Made from the coca plant in South America, cocaine is one of the most powerful, deadliest, and highly addictive drugs in the world. Sadly, it is also one of the most popular. Cocaine overdose symptoms can occur quickly before you have time to react. As a result, you can suffer from severe health problems or…

Addiction is not something that only happens with drugs and alcohol. People can also suffer from an addiction to household items like inhalants. Doctors may diagnose an addiction when a person cannot manage his or her use of inhalants despite knowing the damage they cause. Even if you have an overwhelming desire to stop using…

Fentanyl is a controlled substance that is similar to the opiate morphine. However, it is much stronger than morphine by around 90 times. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate prescribed to manage pain from terminal illness and cancer. Much of the illegal fentanyl sold on the street comes from Mexico and China. It looks like heroin,…

Opioid addiction is a widespread health crisis impacting families across the country. If you or a loved one is facing opioid addiction, there is help. The Last Resort offers treatment programs for opioid addiction treatment. Prescription methadone detox is a common treatment route for patients needing help to break the cycle of opioid addiction. Understanding…

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…

To overcome an addiction to alcohol, clients will need a detox. This process means ending the consumption of alcohol, and it leads to withdrawal symptoms. While this can be an unpleasant experience, the right medical support can make a big difference. Alcohol withdrawal is nothing to be taken lightly. There are a number of health…

Any discussion about Xanax abuse has to address the fact that, yes, prescription medication can be addictive. If you have fallen victim to your prescription or buy Xanax on the streets, you are taking unnecessary risks. Xanax acts to depress the central nervous system. If you have an anxiety or panic disorder, Xanax could be…

Family therapy is part of rehab and recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Addiction affects the entire family system therefore, recovery needs to be happy for the entire family, not just the person suffering from substance abuse. The use of psychodrama for the family is one tool people can use to grow in recovery from…

A neurotransmitter does what it sounds like: carries signals between neurons in the body. The role of these messengers is to tell other cells what to do, which impacts how the body functions. Anything from sleeping to eating, breathing, and other behaviors are regulated by neurotransmitters. Our brain and body rely on these to work…

How Long Does Ambien Take To Kick In? Ambien is available in both fast-acting and extended-action formulas, but how long does it take for Ambien to kick in? The effects of fast-acting Ambien will be greatest within 1.5 to 2 hours after it is first ingested. How long does ambien take to work on a…