BRIARWOOD DETOX BLOG

Ever wonder why you just can’t seem to ignore those alcohol cravings or why your loved one says they want to stop drinking but then can’t? While it has been scientifically proven that addiction changes the way the brain works, a new study from scientists at Rutgers University and Yale University found that heaving drinking…

Did you know that having four or more drinks per day can significantly increase your risk of obesity?1 If drinking alcohol is a regular part of your daily routine and you’re looking to change things up, getting sober can have many weight loss benefits. Here are five great ways getting sober can help you achieve…

There are many similarities between Adderall and Ritalin, but both drugs can cause dependence and addiction and should be used with caution. In this blog, we’ll explain the primary similarities and differences between the two drugs, including their side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options for addiction.

If you or a loved one decides to enroll in a drug detox program, there are many ways to pay for treatment. While scholarships, sliding scale reduced pricing, private loans, and payment plans are all examples of payment options, using insurance benefits to pay for detox is also common. If you want to use your…

At a time of year when love and relationships are on many people’s minds, this might also be a good time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and how it affects your friendships, your marriage, or your romantic endeavors. Alcohol abuse can spoil romance in more ways than one. Not only can it exacerbate…

Chemically speaking, methamphetamine and Adderall have many similarities, but they are not the same drug. While meth and Adderall do share many similar side effects and health risks, there are several important differences between the two. In this blog, we’ll review the similarities and the differences, as well as the side effects, withdrawal symptoms, signs…

Adderall and Vyvanse are classified as Schedule II drugs and both are stimulants that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. But what’s the difference between Adderall and Vyvanse? Here are some of the main differences and similarities between these two drugs, as well as a side-by-side comparison of their side effects, withdrawal, addiction symptoms, and…

Polysubstance abuse is a common practice. Although any type of drug use can be detrimental to a person’s health and well-being, polydrug abuse is associated with a significant number of negative health and societal issues.

Abusing drugs and alcohol simultaneously is common in America, but it doesn’t come without serious risks. In 2011, there were 606,653 Emergency Department visits involving alcohol, and many of these also involved other drugs.1 Research findings also show people who are addicted to alcohol are much more likely than the general population to also abuse…

Alcohol and drugs have profound effects on the brain, leading to what we see as the external side effects of drug and alcohol abuse. When a person abuses a drug or gets intoxicated, there are clear outward signs and behaviors that display this. However, there are also a slew of consequences for the brain, an…

Many people take Suboxone in hopes of avoiding the uncomfortable side effects of opioid withdrawal. However, this is not an entirely effective way to do so, as Suboxone use can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms too. Whether you’re quitting heroin or Suboxone, the withdrawal experience is just a part of the process, but medical detox…

The American opioid crisis has had many negative effects on public health in the United States, including the overall decline in the average American’s lifespan for the third year in a row.1 In addition, drug overdose deaths have soared, reaching an all-time high of 70,237 in 2017.2 As a result of the ongoing opioid crisis,…

Did you know people drink twice as much during the holidays? A recent survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the supplement company Morning Recovery found that the average American will drink 100 percent more once the holiday season starts.1 Although it may seem like a fun way to socialize during the holidays, all the…

Drug and alcohol abuse often has serious or even life-threatening physical effects that can vary in intensity. Some individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol on a regular basis may be more likely to experience a disorder called substance-induced psychosis. Substance-induced psychosis is a serious disorder that can have lasting effects that take weeks, months or…

Despite some of the claims that marijuana is not addictive, many people struggle to kick their smoking habit and quit marijuana for good. In 2015, about 4 million people in the U.S. suffered from marijuana use disorder and 138,000 voluntarily sought treatment for their marijuana abuse.1 Although it can be a very difficult process, it…

Did you know your job could be putting you at risk of developing a substance abuse disorder or exacerbating a current addiction? Studies have found that the prevalence of substance abuse is higher among individuals who work in certain industries. While any job can be stressful at times, it seems that a select few tend…

Claims about the supplement phenibut have led some people to believe that it’s an effective way to treat sleep problems, anxiety, and attention disorders, while also increasing cognitive abilities. However, research does not fully support these claims, leaving many people wondering whether phenibut is effective, safe, or even legal in the U.S.

Maybe you heard a friend or loved one refer to “freebase cocaine” and you’re worried about their drug use. Or maybe you found the leftover remnants of a freebase cocaine laboratory in your loved one’s home. These things could be all be signs of freebase cocaine abuse, which is extremely risky and dangerous. In this…

If you do a quick Google search for kratom, you’ll find a large amount of conflicting information on the herbal drug. While some organizations and scientists claim that it is a great tool for treating chronic pain, other trustworthy sources warn users of its potential for extreme harm and even death.

An extremely powerful new opioid medication called Dsuvia was approved by the FDA on November 2, 2018, despite warnings of potential abuse and misuse.1 It will be available in early 2019.

When an individual develops an alcohol addiction, their physical health suffers, their relationships suffer, and the lives of others around them are negatively impacted as well. What may initially start as a beer or glass of wine each day may easily turn into something more dangerous, so it’s important to be able to recognize the…

Did you know about 43 percent of U.S. adults have been exposed to alcoholism in the family? Or that 9.2 percent of adults have been married to (or lived with as if married to) an alcoholic or a problem drinker?1 If you have a spouse with a drinking problem, you’re not alone. Many families in…

Methamphetamine, often just called “meth,” is a powerful stimulant that is extremely addictive. It comes in white powder form, which users often dilute in water or alcohol. It affects the central nervous system, giving the user intense feelings of euphoria, increasing activity and alertness, and reducing appetite. Due to its fast-acting and pleasurable effects, a…

Molly (the street name for Ecstasy/MDMA) is a synthetic drug and a party pill that can either be a powder or a pill. It may be a variety of different colors and is typically swallowed, crushed, or snorted. It is a stimulant and a hallucinogen that increases sensory experiences and feelings of empathy and closeness…

America’s opioid crisis has recently intensified with an increase of deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl being smuggled into the country. While some of these opioids are being manufactured in criminal clandestine laboratories in the U.S., much of the illegal opioids contributing to the drug crisis in America are shipped in from other countries.

People are always looking for new ways to consume alcohol, whether it’s by trying out the latest cocktail, checking out the newest bar venue, or experimenting with new types of alcoholic beverages, like Palcohol.

  The market for designer drugs is constantly changing, with new designer drugs popping up all the time. With no federal regulations or safety standards for production, many producers of the drugs regularly modify the ingredients to evade the law.

Drinking and driving isn’t the only drug-related danger on the road. Over the last decade, prescription drugs have increasingly become another threat on Texas and U.S. roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12 percent of the 39,252 fatal car crashes in 2005 involved a driver who tested positive for drugs. Ten years…

Are you searching for a THC detox solution? Maybe you have an upcoming drug test you need to pass for employment or perhaps you want to get sober after years of marijuana abuse. Whatever the reason, quick fixes like cranberry juice, excessive water consumptions, vinegar, or detox teas won’t get the job done but several…

It’s no secret that substance abuse and addiction are increasing in America, gradually decreasing our quality of life and negatively impacting families across the nation. While most people are aware of the ongoing opioid crisis in America, there are several additional addiction trends in the U.S. you should be aware of.

Most people are aware that the “dab” is a dance move. You know … the one where the dancer drops their head into the crook of one bent arm while the other arm is raised straight out in the opposite direction? Well, despite what you know about the dance move, you should also be aware…

What are “Street Names” for Drugs? Street names are slang terms that are used to refer to certain drugs. These names might be used by dealers or drug users to conceal the true meanings of discussions or deals involving drug sales, production, or abuse. Although the slang terms used to refer to different drugs are…

Any amount of alcohol use can affect a person’s memory and have harmful effects on the brain. However, alcohol-induced blackouts should be a major cause for concern, especially among people who experience them frequently.

Hydrocodone and oxycodone are both Schedule II drugs and prescription opioid painkillers, but what is the difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone? And do they have any similarities? In this blog, we’ll discuss the uses of both drugs, as well as side effects, withdrawal, addiction, and opioid detox treatment.

We all inherit things from our parents. Blue eyes. Dark skin. A liking for classic rock and roll music. A witty sense of humor. Even several diseases are hereditary, such as down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia. But what about alcoholism? Is it hereditary? Not only that but to what extent is alcohol…

Often times we think about drug abuse in terms of all the immediate harmful effects it causes, such as violent and irrational behavior, irresponsible driving, and the short-term physical changes that accompany a high. But it’s also important to remember that long-term drug abuse can also cause serious medical problems, dependence, and addiction if it…

The Dangers of Alcohol Detox and Addiction Alcohol abuse and addiction is common in the United States. According to the most recent information from SAMHSA’s 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than half of current alcohol users in America misuse it.1 7 million people in the U.S. currently use alcohol. 3 million…

The term “medical detox” may sound scary, intimidating, painful, or some combination of all of the above. But in reality, it’s the safest, most effective way to get sober. In Texas, the most commonly abused drug is alcohol, followed by marijuana and methamphetamine.1 In fact, since 2013, methamphetamine has been the most common drug identified…

When it comes to drug and alcohol withdrawal and detox, no two experiences are alike. There are several factors that will influence a person’s withdrawal experience, therefore, it’s impossible to predict exactly what symptoms a person will experience or how long the entire process will take. In some cases, a person may experience what’s known…

During detox, you may experience what is known as drug withdrawal. There is no reason to be fearful of this, as it is a normal part of drug and alcohol detox. However, if you are nervous about the experience, it may help to know what happens during withdrawal and what type of physical and psychological…

Prescription drug abuse is much more common than you might think. In 2016 alone, 3.3 million people ages 12 and over abused prescription painkillers (narcotics) and 2.9 million people ages 12 and over abused prescription psychotherapeutics excluding pain relievers. But narcotic abuse is not the only common form of prescription drug misuse. Tranquilizers like Valium…

Completing drug and alcohol detox is the first of several steps in a comprehensive addiction treatment plan. Although it may be tempting to just complete detox and assume you’ll be able to stay sober forever, it’s not very likely. Detox alone does little to curb or eliminate addictive behaviors, so it’s extremely important to continue…

You’ve reached the end of your rope and you’re ready to commit to a life change. You want to get sober, but you’re determined to do it on your own. You’ve seen other people do it without detox and rehab, so you can do it too, right?

While browsing the Briarwood Detox Center blog, you may come across terms like “dependence,” “addiction,” and “tolerance” often, without truly understanding what they mean or how they relate to your current situation. In this blog, we’ll discuss drug tolerance so you can get a better idea of what you or your loved one is experiencing…

It all started with a single prescription. You felt overly anxious and depressed. Everything was difficult—sleeping, eating, and even just waking up in the morning was a chore. This went on for months before your doctor gave you a prescription. Suddenly everything changed. Life was enjoyable again. You were able to sleep and you felt…

Alcohol addiction, despite its prevalence, is not always easy to spot. Many high-functioning alcoholics go for weeks, months, and years suffering from addiction before their loved ones even realize it’s a problem. Although full recovery from alcohol addiction can be achieved with the right support, motivation, and behavioral therapy, it is much better to enter…

You’ve been binging on drugs and alcohol for weeks and now you need drug detox fast for a job interview later this week. You know you’re going to be drug tested and you need to pass to get the job. So, what do you do? For some people, rapid detox may seem like the perfect…

Drug and alcohol addiction has no bias. It can happen to anyone. From the homeless man who lives under the bridge near your house to the top-level executives at your office, sometimes those who are most affected by addiction are the people we least expect. Surprising Factors that May Increase the Risk of Addiction A…

Often times we think about illegal drug abuse in terms of all the immediate harmful effects it causes, such as violent and irrational behavior, irresponsible driving, and the short-term physical changes that accompany a high. But it’s also important to remember that long-term drug abuse can also cause serious medical problems, dependence, and addiction if…

Denton County is an affluent, well-populated county in northeast Texas. It’s included in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area and has a median household income of $75,649, which is well above the Texas and U.S. median annual income.1,2 Despite these sunny statistics, data shows that opioid overdoses in Denton County have steadily increased between the…

At 9th Hour Coffee Co., every cup of coffee provides work and mentorship for previously addicted and incarcerated individuals. Trey Rummel, Houston Heights native and founder of 9th Hour Coffee Co., first started his missional coffee roasting business in 2017. Since then, it has grown to encompass three full-time employees and is sustained by several…

Recent news reports from National Public Radio, ABC News, and others have been warning the public about a dangerous new drug mixture that has been linked to an increasing number of deadly overdoses: fentanyl-laced cocaine.1 Although researchers and law enforcement officers have long known about the extreme dangers of fentanyl, it’s now becoming more of…

Today, recreational marijuana is legal in nine states and medical marijuana is legal in 29 states.1,2,3 Last year, legal marijuana sales were expected to reach $9.7 billion, which is a 33% increase above 2016. Analysts don’t expect the growth to stop either. They predict that the market will hit $24.5 billion in sales by 2021.4

Often times we think about illicit drug abuse in terms of all the immediate harmful effects it causes, such as violent and irrational behavior, irresponsible driving, and the short-term physical changes that accompany a high. But it’s also important to remember that long-term drug abuse can also cause serious medical problems, dependence, and addiction if…

News reports published yesterday warn of a batch of synthetic marijuana that has been linked to two deaths and at least 54 cases of severe bleeding in Chicago and central Illinois. Each of these reported cases has involved the hospitalization of people who used the synthetic marijuana, citing symptoms like coughing up blood, urinating blood,…

News reports this week in Summit County, Ohio are documenting a new, dangerous drug trend called “wasping” that involves meth and bug spray.1 Drug users are combining methamphetamine with white, foamy wasp and hornet spray to achieve some kind of new high that has already sent several people in Ohio to the hospital.

Although GHB is by no means a commonly abused drug, it seems to be making a comeback in the party and nightlife scene, putting users at risk due to its harmful effects and potential for overdose.

Rural America makes up about 72 percent of our nation’s land area and houses 46 million residents.1 One in five Americans lives in a rural area and many of them face unique challenges regarding substance abuse and treatment.2 In recent years, poverty and unemployment in rural areas has increased, which has also increased community risks…

About 64,000 Americans (or 174 people each day) died from drug overdose in 2016. This is more lives than were claimed by gun-related homicides and car accidents.7 Although many overdose deaths involve multiple drugs, the majority of these overdoses are caused by opioid drugs like heroin and fentanyl, and the rampant over-prescription of opioid medications…

Addiction and drug dependence affects thousands of adolescents and adults in the Austin, Texas area. Although many addicted people in Travis County are seeking treatment for their addiction(s), there are still many people who need help. Here are some of the most recent substance abuse trends and statistics in the Austin, Texas area. General Substance…

 Houston, Texas is known as a High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Many drugs come into the United States through the Port of Houston.1 In 2016, the #1 drug threat in Houston was cocaine, followed by Xanax and methamphetamine.2

Substance abuse and addiction in America is a growing epidemic, with 3 in 4 Americans suffering from alcohol abuse, 1 in 3 Americans abusing illicit drugs, and 1 in 9 abusing both illicit drugs and alcohol.1 The rates of mental illness are just as staggering, with 8.2 million people having both a substance use disorder…

 Did you know: An estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes every year. This makes alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.1 Alcohol addiction can cause serious bodily harm, especially when it is abused over a long period of time. Here are just a few of the many ways…

Opioid addiction is fairly common in the U.S. and an estimated 2.1 million Americans had an opioid use disorder in 2016. Even more Americans admit to misusing them, with 11.8 Americans or 4.4 percent of the total population reporting at least one incident of opioid misuse in 2016.1 Opioid overdose numbers in the U.S. are…

We are excited to announce that Briarwood Detox Center has opened a new location in Houston, Texas! This detox center will provide medically-assisted drug and alcohol detox and stabilization programs for men and women. Much like our Austin location, this facility is staffed by experienced addiction treatment specialists who have been trained to recognize and…

Gabapentin, sold under the brand names Horizant and Neurontin, is a prescription drug that is generally safe when used as prescribed by a doctor. When taken on its own, there is little potential for abuse, but recently this drug has become a substance that is frequently abused with other drugs.

What Are Synthetic Drugs? Synthetic drugs, also referred to as designer drugs, street drugs, or party drugs, are man-made substances that are manufactured to chemically resemble illicit drugs.1 Although all drug abuse is dangerous, synthetic drugs are particularly hazardous, as the manufacturers of these drugs are constantly modifying the chemicals used to make them in…

One day a few months ago, you were anxious about a difficult exam you were about to take, so a friend gave you a Xanax, telling you it would help ease your nerves. You took it and it really did help. Now, you and your friends pass the pills around like candy and you regularly…

Fear is one of the main factors that keeps an addict from seeking help. A person may know that they are addicted to drugs or alcohol and that they would be much better off getting sober, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it can be overwhelming and scary.

With so many designer drugs out there, it’s impossible to keep track of all the new chemical combinations made in homes and clandestine laboratories. Regardless, it’s helpful to know the basics about bath salts as well as signs of abuse and treatment options, especially if you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse…

There are a variety of medications used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep disorders in America and around the world, but some may also be abused recreationally for the purpose of getting high. One such drug is etizolam. Here are eight important things you should know about this addictive drug and what you should…

Did you know the average drunk driver has driven drunk over 80 times before his or her first arrest?1,2 Drinking and driving is a serious problem year-round, but the prevalence of drunk driving incidents increases during the holiday season.

Opioid pain medications are some of the most commonly abused medicines around the world.1 Although prescription opioids are frequently prescribed by primary care doctors for pain relief, they carry a strong potential for abuse and recreational misuse. Even long-term use as prescribed by a doctor can be extremely dangerous or even deadly.

Alcohol addiction affects all aspects of a person’s physical and emotional health, reducing their ability to function properly in everyday life. If you or a loved one has decided to give up alcohol and live a life of sobriety, you can expect to experience some major changes in many different areas of your life.

Opioid drugs played a part in 33,091 deaths in 2015 and opioid overdoses have quadrupled since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1 While we do know that scores of people are dying each day as a result of the opioid crisis and several U.S. states saw significant increases in drug…

Your loved one has been acting strangely for months. She avoids family gatherings like the plague, she is overly defensive when confronted about her behavior, and family valuables are disappearing left and right.

When we think about over-the-counter medications, we typically associate them with a low potential for abuse and harm. After all, they’re extremely easy to obtain, so shouldn’t they be safe? Unfortunately, loperamide, sold in an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea drug called Imodium, is being abused by increasing amounts of opioid addicts in the United States.

More than 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016, with more than 20,000 of them being fatal opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).1 The majority of opioid overdoses are accidental and unfortunately, the risk isn’t just limited to adults, but it also extends to adolescents and children.2

Heroin is a highly addictive drug made from morphine. Many people who struggle with prescription opioid abuse will transition to heroin abuse because it is cheaper, provides a stronger high, and is easier to obtain. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 948,000 people used heroin in 2016, compared to 669,000…

During drug detox, both your body and your mind will undergo some major changes. Unlike the popular junk food detox plans that are primarily meant to rid your body of toxins, a drug and alcohol detox program has three main objectives.1 They are:

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) have become the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.1,2 Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 10 times more powerful than heroin and 50 times more powerful than morphine. It is used in medical settings to treat…

The primary focus of drug and alcohol detox is to safely and comfortably rid your body of addictions. Throughout your detox program, you’ll likely experience some withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to an absence of addictive substances and all the physical changes that come along with that.

According to a recent report from KUT, Austin’s local National Public Radio station, the maternal death rate in Texas is very high and drug overdose is the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in the state.1 Other major causes of maternal deaths in Texas include cardiac events and hypertension/eclampsia.2

Sometimes doctors will prescribe painkillers or other addictive medications to use as-needed. This means you are encouraged to take the medication as needed, but if your symptoms lessen or disappear, you should stop using the medicine and do not have to continue consuming it until it is all gone. If you follow these instructions from…

When a family member or friend is suffering under the grip of addiction, it can be difficult to know how and when you should act. Do you risk pushing them away by talking to them about their addiction? Should you enlist the help of a professional? How do you know when it’s time to intervene?

Millions of people are currently suffering from addiction to drugs and alcohol but unfortunately, many of them will never receive the help they need. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 21.2 million Americans ages 12 and older needed treatment for an illegal drug or alcohol use problem in 2014.…

So you’ve made the choice to get clean. Congratulations! Choosing to seek help is the first step to building a healthy, fulfilling life, free from addictive substances. Now, what’s next? Most people need to detox before they can enroll in a drug and alcohol rehab program. Just as there are different types of rehab facilities,…

 Fentanyl is an extremely powerful Schedule II synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.1 Fentanyl is usually prescribed by doctors in the form of Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze to help patients cope with chronic pain, manage postoperative pain, or treat patients with severe pain. It may also be used…

Despite the mortality associated with guns, car accidents, and falls, there is one thing that causes more deaths: drug overdose.1 In 2015, a total of 52,404 people died as a result of a drug overdose.2 Although the statistics are shocking, what’s worse is that this overwhelming loss of life was preventable.

Choosing a detox center can be an overwhelming process for both clients and their families. There are countless factors to consider, from the quality of treatment and amenities to payment options and more. Although the prioritization of these factors will be different for everyone, it may help if you take the following considerations into account…

In movies, books, and popular media, college students are typically portrayed as crazy party-goers who binge drink every weekend and participate in promiscuous sexual activities. Unfortunately, this portrayal may hit a little too close to home. While it’s a well-known fact that college students drink alcohol, oftentimes the negative consequences of college alcohol abuse are…

If you have a loved one suffering from drug addiction, you may find yourself wondering how they got there in the first place. Why do they continue getting high when it’s clearly ruining their life? How can they possibly enjoy what addiction is doing to their body? What made them start using drugs? You may…

There are many misconceptions about alcoholism, binge drinking and safe drinking habits in general, but a lack of education is not an excuse for continuing unhealthy drinking behaviors. If you are concerned that you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol abuse, knowing the difference between binge drinking and alcoholism can help you…

Drug and alcohol overdose is an increasing health problem in the United States. If you have recently completed a detox program, you may be at advanced risk for relapse and overdose. Before we get into some preventative tips, let’s first discuss the basics of overdose, symptoms to look for, and risk factors after detox.

Many people find the help they need at a detox or rehab facility for drug and alcohol addiction. In fact, in 2015, about 3.5 million adults received substance use treatment in the last year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.1

The fear of withdrawal is one of the main reasons people suffering from substance abuse problems  don’t go to detox. If you’re entering a detox program for the first time, you’ll most likely want to know how long you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms, what you can expect them to be like, and how long detox will…

It all started after your back surgery. Your doctor prescribed some pain medication and you took it regularly, as prescribed. Every once in awhile, you felt like you needed a little more, so you popped an extra pill or two. A few weeks later you found yourself back in your doctor’s office, lying about your…

Opioid addiction is a growing crisis in America, resulting in thousands of overdose-related deaths every year. Whether you are directly affected by someone else’s opioid use or you are using these drugs yourself, everyone should be aware of the risk factors that can lead to addiction. This article will address the dangers and risks associated…

Addiction is a serious disease that not only affects the addicted individual, but also the friends, family, co-workers and many others involved in his or her life. People with a substance abuse problem often have a distorted way of thinking and behaving because they are controlled by a compulsive urge to use drugs.