Disease of Addiction

“I Look at my Past to Correct my Present, And Create my Future.”-Anonymous Addiction is a brain disease identified by cravings, tolerance, a loss of control, and an inability to discontinue the use of mind-altering substances despite adverse outcomes. While addiction is typically focused on drugs/alcohol, addiction may also include:  shopping exercise relationships sex video […]

Our personality is what makes us who we are. These traits influence the way that we act and treat others and they see us. Sometimes, though, these aspects of a person’s personality might just be the thing that is keeping them stuck in their own personal struggle with addiction.  Addictive traits can vary from person […]

With less access to the outside world during the Coronavirus Outbreak, it can be easy to fall back on old habits. You’re stuck at home all day. Maybe you’re in close quarters with someone who’s a bad influence. Maybe you’re just in close quarters with yourself. Sobriety is a difficult process on a good day, […]

It’s estimated that more than 21 million Americans are currently in the process of fighting a substance use disorder of some sort. Not only that, but with new drugs hitting the market every year, and experimentation with different combinations of substances, a clear recovery method isn’t always clear. After all, drugs are often made imprecisely […]

For more than a decade, the US has been experiencing an opioid epidemic. Each year the number of deaths by drug overdose continue to increase in the United States. Every day in America, on average, there are 130 deaths due to opioid overdose. In the United States, more than 700,200 people suffered death by drug […]

Addiction is a complex disease. The disease of addiction affects both the addicted, and those that are close to the addicted. The stigma of addiction can make it very difficult to ask for help. One who is battling addiction can feel ashamed, guilty, alone, and worthless. Supporting and encouraging your loved one’s sobriety will help […]

Recovery from addiction is a lifelong process and treatment for addiction varies for each individual based on individual needs. Treatment programs teach clients how to focus on healthy, sober activities as a way to cope with anxiety, stress, depression, or PTSD. The coping mechanisms that you learn in treatment must be used throughout recovery to […]

Deafening Silence… I heard this two word expression so many times, but I did not put much thought into it. That is until the day my life changed in just a quick moment. Our son’s behavior started to change in subtle ways. He seemed to be secretive and sneaking around at times. We caught him […]

Addiction is a complex brain disease and changes the brain chemically and physiologically. The addicted brain is a vital organ in the human body. It controls how we move, walk, talk, and speak. The brain adapts to environmental changes and allows us to cope with negative emotions, form memories, and learn. Drugs and alcohol affect […]

Addiction makes it difficult to quit drugs and alcohol, and puts a person at risk of developing serious mental and physical health problems. Drugs and alcohol hijack the brain and change the way the brain works to control a body’s functions. Eventually, the brain becomes dependent on the drugs and alcohol and needs more of […]

“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.” Abuse comes in many forms and sometimes leaves scars we cannot see. Verbal abuse destroys a person’s […]

Addiction does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone from any background, social status, race, and gender. When your loved one is addicted, it can be difficult to understand why he or she developed an addiction. Some people are at higher risk of developing an addiction than others are. There are factors that contribute to […]

Benzodiazepines (benzos), such as Xanax are prescribed for those who struggle with anxiety disorders. Benzos are addictive and put a person at risk of developing an addiction. Benzos provide temporary relief from the symptoms of anxiety. Mental health management and therapy are a long-term solution to those who suffer from mental health problems. People often […]

Addiction does not discriminate and can happen to anyone. The risk of a person becoming addicted depends on the drug used, the duration of use, family history, genetics, and mental health. Crack cocaine, also known as crack, is a very addictive substance that is smoked, which causes immediate pleasurable feelings. A person can become addicted […]

When a loved one is addicted, family and friends are affected. Relationships deteriorate and family members experience emotional stress and agony over their loved one’s addictive behavior. Addiction makes a person limit his or her time around loved ones, which results in long-term absences from special events. Guilt, shame, and low self-esteem are amplified from […]