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We see it every day, the banter back and forth of whether or not addiction is a choice or a disease. The medical community widely accepts the brain disease model of addiction, and substance use disorder is listed in the DSM V, essentially explained as “patterns of symptoms resulting from the use of a substance…
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Of all the most commonly abused substances, benzodiazepines are perhaps the most difficult to stop using. Benzodiazepine belongs to a class of drugs called anxiolytics, used in the treatment of anxiety or insomnia. Some common benzodiazepines are Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin. Users experience a reduction in stress, euphoria, drowsiness, lack of coordination and dissociation. Benzodiazepines…
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I remember the exact moment when I realized I needed addiction treatment. I was 21, employed part-time as a delivery driver. It was Christmas day and I was sitting in my old pickup truck outside of my dealer’s house. I had finally gotten her to answer her phone, and step away long enough from her…
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Quitting opiates is no small feat. The nausea, diarrhea, sweats, chills, cravings, irritability, runny nose, sleepless nights, mood swings, headaches, cramps and restless legs are a terrifying prospect for someone who decides to get clean. However, thanks to science, things can be a bit easier. In the past, methadone was the go-to drug when trying…
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When people hear the word “rehab”, they often think of Florida and California. These states have some of the highest concentrations of treatment centers in the world. However, there are other options, one of which is North Carolina. From the beaches of Wilmington, to the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina is quickly becoming the…
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Each year, holistic recovery, and holistic medicine in general, is becoming more popular. Many people desire treatment that does not call for strong medications. Our society is quick to try to solve a problem with a pill. Need to lose weight? “Here take a pill.” Depressed? “Theres a pill for that.” Anxious, stressed, feeling overwhelmed? “We…
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One of the scariest and most pervasive thoughts in early recovery is often, “What am I going to do now?”. In our active using and drinking, we generally experience very little enjoyment. Out life is in shambles. Whether it be our home life, our self care, our careers, our grades in school…we are generally having…
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A question often frantically asked by those seeking recovery from themselves or a loved one, what is the success rate? I’ve heard relapse is so common and treatment doesn’t mean it’ll get better. Some of the statistics are frightening. So many factors go into these figures that it can be hard to navigate. What constitutes…
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When seeking recovery, most of us who drink and use is trying to get clean…not find god. Sometimes in meetings, it may seem that the whole program is centered around religion. “God, Him, spirituality” are mentioned throughout numerous recovery readings and even the 12 steps. First, let us look at the beginnings of 12 step…
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The idea of gratitude is a common theme when speaking about sobriety, but why is it important? Gratitude is the quality of being thankful. As addicts, especially addicts in early recovery, this can be difficult. By the time we seek help, we have created some substantial hardships in our lives. We may have relationship issues,…
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