The path of recovery is different for everyone. Some people love to look at different recovery programs and find the right one, while others step into 12 steps and realize this is the way they will navigate recovery best. Until you want recovery from addiction, you are not likely to succeed at it. You have to be able to let go…
When people think about hitting ‘pause,’ it typically means they think of stopping altogether. Not just pausing to reflect on why sobriety is a powerful substance abuse recovery tool, but how to stop doing what they are doing altogether in favor of a different way of life. While there are bigger pauses in life, there is also an element of hitting…
Oxycontin, a powerful prescription opiate that is stronger than morphine, is highly addictive. The drug has become a well-known gateway to heroin and the face of the opiate crisis. Oxycontin side effects are extensive, with the most serious of which is its addictive qualities. The drug has led to changes in policies that restrict the ability of doctors to over-prescribe it…
Benzodiazepines are a prescription medication that commonly treat conditions such as anxiety disorders. Roughly 5% of Americans are prescribed benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium and Ativan and nearly 10% of Americans have abused or become addicted to benzos. Benzodiazepine abuse is increasing and can pose serious risks for users. Emergency rooms are seeing a significant rise in patients experiencing a benzodiazepine…
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can sneak up on you. One day, you wake up to the shakes and never really thought of yourself as having a drinking problem. Now, you want to quit using. How long does alcohol detox last? Is It Safe to Quit Drinking Cold Turkey? It’s not safe to do it alone. Alcohol is one of the drugs that…
Cocaine is a stimulant that hooks its users by causing a dopamine glut in the brain. Abuse of the substance results in a variety of physical signs. For you, these changes might be gradual. For others, the shocking signs of cocaine abuse can worry them enough to ask you to seek help. How Common is Cocaine Use Among Americans? Most people…
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 it is a broken record. Suddenly,…
One of the best things you can do in recovery is to take care of your health. Intermittent fasting may sound intense but it is something to consider if you are sober and ready for a challenge. Daily fasting takes place while we sleep. By taking control of periods of ‘fasting,’ we are better able to manage our cravings, see benefits…
Heroin’s typically a drug that people make from morphine, which comes from the poppy plant. It’s a potentially deadly substance that quickly hooks its users. A new way of doing the drug is via synthetic heroin abuse. What is it, and how do you get help? What is Synthetic Heroin? Synthetic heroin is a type of synthetic opioid drug that imitates…
The tension between inner and outer self is common in the modern world. Each person is tugged in many directions every day and our behaviors do not always align with our core values. Becoming aware of our inner-selves and how it balances out is what takes some thinking. It helps to consider what it looks like to find inner balance for…
The term ‘soft drugs,’ and ‘hard drugs’ are arbitrary terms with little to no clear way criteria. The term ‘hard drug’ has been used to categorize drugs including meth and marijuana. Marijuana is usually the only drug included in ‘soft’ drugs, although some people include nicotine and alcohol in this category for legal status use by adults. It is often referred…
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 to relieve symptoms. Some of them…
Drinking and smoking cigarettes can go hand-in-hand for many people. On days a person drinks heavily, they may also smoke a lot. The nicotine may actually contribute to the intensity of a hangover for people who drink too much. Smoking heavily on the same day as drinking creates more of a hangover experience than for people who do not smoke and…
BZP, or n-benzylpiperazine, is sometimes the slang term for ecstasy, A2, MDAI, Head Rush, Exotic Super Strong, and other similar street names. This ‘novel’ drug is emerging because they are different from common drugs and professionals are still learning the lasting effects. BZP is a component drug in ecstasy with many similar effects to MDMA. Much less is known about how…
Spirituality means different things to different people. To feel a connection to a higher power takes some thought and intentional action. Spirituality can help us derive a sense of meaning and purpose from our experiences. Maintaining a practice takes some work. Find some tips for remaining spiritual in recovery to boost your mental and physical well being. Don’t Need Religion Spirituality…
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 to know if spiritual awakening has…
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. This is the same for those…
Giving back to others is a great kind of medicine. Generosity is a trait that is needed to cultivate kindness. It matters because it is something that helps everyone see the world a little differently, in a positive light, and helps build momentum for the journey of recovery. The foundation of recovery is built on giving back to others. This is…
As a wife, you have probably already discovered you can’t make your husband stop drinking. Addiction is a powerful disease that often transcends emotions like love and passion. When your man is dealing with the cycle of alcoholism, drinking is his mistress. If your question is, “How can I help my husband stop drinking?”, you’ll want to try a subtle approach….
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 addiction. What is Family Sculpting The…
Why is Drug Use on the Rise Among Men? Prescription drugs are on the rise for many people, especially antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and other drugs as well. The numbers are especially increasing for men. The increased use of medication has to do with an increase in recognition of and diagnosis of mental disorders. Stigma against mental issues is eroding and people…