Alcohol is an extremely addictive substance and it can be difficult to stop drinking safely without professional assistance. Therefore, alcoholics should always seek help when detoxing since the withdrawal symptoms can be strong and painful. They should also get professional help throughout the recovery process since detox is only the beginning. People with alcohol use…
Alcohol use disorder and depression often occur together. Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. Meanwhile, depression can cause individuals to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Each condition can make the other worse, creating a cycle that can be pervasive if not treated. If you or a loved one is dealing…
Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is a drug that’s used to minimize withdrawal symptoms of opioid dependence. The buprenorphine component works as an opioid, activating the brain’s reward receptors on a milder scale and, therefore, eliminating cravings. Naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist meaning it will negate the effects of any opioid by…
It is well-known that opioid use can be dangerous. While prescribed opioids can bring much-needed relief to patients who are in severe pain, they also present risks. If you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, you need to know that other health issues could be looming. You need to get professional help in…
Many people think they know what a drug addict looks like. They think about someone who is emaciated, unable to keep a job, and possibly living on the street. This portrayal was never completely accurate, and it is even less so today. There is no “typical” image of an addict. They can be of any…
There are a number of reasons why people quit drinking alcohol. Sometimes, it’s because hangover symptoms are getting worse. Other times, it’s because drinking is affecting their job or family life and they want to get things under control. Some people stop before their alcohol drinking starts to cause serious problems. Whatever the reason, quitting…
There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding drug use and abuse. Terms like drug dependency and drug addiction can be difficult to understand. That’s because some people use the terms interchangeably and some organizations define them differently. In recent years, some experts have come to reject both terms. That being said, there are commonly accepted definitions…
If you’re in drug addiction recovery, you may believe that once you get treatment for that particular addiction, you’ll be cured. However, many people in recovery substitute one addiction for another. This is called addiction replacement and it helps to confirm that addiction is a disease. In many cases, addiction is not tied to just…
There are many misconceptions surrounding drug addiction. This is not surprising since it is quite a complicated disease. There is a wealth of information available. However, some people believe it results from a lack of willpower or that it’s a moral failing. Even the people who love you may not get that you have a…
Cocaine is an addictive stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant. Although it can be used for medical purposes, it’s recreational use is illegal. If you see it on the street, it’ll be a be fine, white powder. Sometimes dealers mix with it other powders like flour, talcum powder or cornstarch. It can…