Alcoholism is an overlooked health problem that actively impacts all aspects of a person’s life. The long-term use of alcohol compromises physical health, mental health, career, and personal relationships. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause severe health problems like cardiovascular issues, cancer, and neurological problems. Alcoholism is an overlooked health problem that actively impacts all aspects […]
Category: Drug and Alcohol Detox
Drug Use in Teenagers
Drug use is rampant today, with over 20 million Americans suffering from a Substance Abuse Disorder. This degenerative disease prevents users from modulating their intake of the drug, despite the overwhelming disadvantages it may pose to their health and social lives. Long-term drug use is tied to changes in our brain’s reward pathways and its response to dopamine, leading to users having difficulty with their decision-making faculties and their ability to control their inhibitions.
Mixing Alcohol and Acetaminophen: Is it Dangerous?
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or the brand name Tylenol, is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that is found in many medications that are commonly used to treat mild-to-moderate pain and fever. However, when you take acetaminophen at high doses or together with alcohol, it can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. Because enzymes found in the liver are responsible for breaking down substances entering the body, it can become overwhelmed if too much acetaminophen and alcohol are consumed. When this happens, you’re putting yourself at a potential risk for severe liver damage. This risk increases as you take more of the pain reliever or drink more alcohol, with the possibility of fatal liver damage occurring in some cases. The risk may be higher for people who have a history of alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism.
Codeine vs. Hydrocodone: What’s the Difference?
Codeine and hydrocodone are both prescription opioid painkillers which are commonly abused in the United States [1]. Many people mistakenly believe that the only dangerous opioids are ones of the highly potent variety, such as morphine, heroin, or fentanyl. However, even the prescription opioids used to treat minor to moderate pain have the potential to be addictive […]
Tramadol Addiction: Signs of Abuse, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Treatment
What is Tramadol? Tramadol is a frequently prescribed synthetic opioid medication that is used in the treatment and management of moderate to moderately severe pain. Although it is considered to have a lower risk of addiction as compared to other opioid pain relievers, Tramadol is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a […]
Clonidine Withdrawal: Timeline, Symptoms, and Treatment
Clonidine is a medication used primarily in the treatment of hypertension but may also be used to treat other medical conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, opioid, alcohol, and nicotine dependence, anxiety and panic disorders, and certain pain conditions. A dependency on Clonidine may develop through long-term use, or when it is misused in conjunction with other substances.
Effexor Withdrawal: Timeline, Symptoms, and Treatment
Effexor is among the most popular antidepressants prescribed today and is considered to be a physically non-addictive antidepressant. However, a psychological addiction to the drug may still develop through continued abuse, or when misused in conjunction with other mind-altering substances.
Why The Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Start Your Recovery Journey
Many people use the holidays as an excuse to avoid getting sober. Whether they want to spend the time with family or they don’t want to miss out on the celebrations, it’s typically an unpopular time to go to detox and rehab. However, the holidays are actually a great time to focus on your sobriety!
8 Signs You Need Drug Detox
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 21.6 million people ages 12 and up needed substance abuse treatment but only 4.2 million people received the help they needed.1 Although there are many reasons why people may not get the treatment they need, many people don’t seek treatment because they just don’t think they need it.
How Does Medication Assisted Treatment Work?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines medication assisted treatment (MAT) as “the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.”1 These medications work to relieve the physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body.