If you have relied on alcohol or drugs for any length of time to escape from reality or to relieve bad feelings, learning to live sober can be very challenging. The intense symptoms of withdrawal from substance use disorder are only the beginning. Although you may wish you could just get through detox and then live happily ever after, […]
Whether you are an alcoholic or alcohol-dependent and thinking about getting clean and sober, you are bound to worry about what that kind of life would be like without alcohol. There are many common fears about sobriety that you should put to rest once and for all. Here are some of the most common fears about
If you have admitted to yourself that you have a problem with alcohol, you may be considering attending a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. You may feel somewhat anxious and are wondering what to expect. You may have heard any one of a number of rumors about AA and other 12-step programs. For instance, you may have
The use of buprenorphine to treat opioid dependence has increased dramatically in the last ten years, particularly among general physicians. This trend is indicative of a clear shift in opioid maintenance therapy in the United States. Buprenorphine is a modern medication that can help people affected by opioid addiction break a pattern of uncontrolled drug or medication
Doctors Increasing Use of Buprenorphine in Addiction Treatment Read More »
When you love someone recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, you may feel a huge sense of relief when they agree to go into treatment and get sober. You want to believe that all the bad times are behind you. However, if your loved one ends up relapsing, it can be devastating for you. Relapses are not
3 Things You Shouldn’t Do If Your Loved One Relapses Read More »
Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down function in the central nervous system. A single instance of drinking does little to the system. However, continued drinking for several years or decades will eventually take its toll. Let’s take a closer look at the long-term effects of alcohol and why you should get help if you have an
Opioids are among some of the most challenging drugs to overcome. Unfortunately, coping with opioid withdrawal symptoms can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. One of the reasons for this is that people are often on opioids for several years, increasing their dosage to maintain the potency of the drug.The good
The effects of addiction go beyond the person with the disease. It spreads out and affects everyone in their lives, particularly their family. A person under the influence of drugs or alcohol often acts out in destructive ways that seem unforgivable. Family members lose trust and faith in the idea that the person they raised or grew up
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You’ve made it through the first step. You’ve admitted you are powerless over your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable. Perhaps you’ve made it several steps beyond. However, the steps that follow are equally important. As you begin to heal, you can rebuild your relationships with your family. Talking to your children is
How to Talk to Children and Teens about Addiction and Recovery Read More »
You might think that once a person with a substance use disorder recovers, their struggle with addiction has ended. However, addiction is an ongoing battle that can continue long after recovery. Many clients in recovery find themselves looking for ways to avoid the substance that once gave them pleasure. To address this issue, rehabilitation centers