We Explore the Most Commonly Abused Medications and Examine Treatment Since addiction often begins with a legitimate prescription, we look at the most commonly abused medications and how to find treatment. We’ve all heard the term “gateway drugs,” but what we’re really talking about here is more of the path toward addiction. Each of these…
The Stages of Recovery from Addiction Recovery from addiction and maintaining abstinence is no easy task. During the stages of recovery, addicts will go through a range of emotions and challenges. Understanding the stages of recovery will help the families and friends recognize the progress of their loved one or recognize the signs of relapse.…
The Effectiveness of Drug Education Programs Over the years, we’ve been led to believe that drug education programs are good for young people, but are they? We look at the effectiveness of this practice. D.A.R.E. As far back as many of us can remember, the DARE program was at the forefront of drug education programs.…
Understanding Drug Addiction and Abuse For most people, understanding drug abuse and addiction is simply beyond their comprehension. Over the years, people often get trapped in the mindset that those with substance abuse issues lack moral principles or willpower. These same people think that beating addiction is easy as choosing to do so. In reality,…
We Exam The Differences Between Cocaine and Crack To many, cocaine and crack are the same thing. So what are the differences between cocaine and crack? They are both drugs created from the coca plant but the primary difference is that each has its own level of refinement. Crack cocaine (often called “crack” after the…
The Link Between Pain Medication and Heroin The link between heroin and prescription pills has long been discussed. We’ve all heard that there has been a rise in overdose deaths from heroin, or prescription pain pills. In fact, the increase has been so alarming that the United States now refers to heroin addiction as an…
What are the Different Drug Abuse Treatments Options? Drug abuse treatment options vary depending upon a variety of factors including the patient’s history, evidence of mental illness, existing health conditions, availability of government or insurance aid and in many cases, the family’s financial position. Generally speaking, drug addiction treatments generally include one or more of…
The Stages of Addiction The use of alcohol and other drugs is a topic that has been studied by many experts over many, many decades in an effort to identify the stages of addiction. Over the years, some clear patterns have emerged and while the individual’s level of use and the dysfunction experienced as a…
What are the effects of heroin on the body? Heroin enters the brain rapidly and binds to opioid receptors on cells located in many areas, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. As a result, the effects of Heroin on the body are severe and…
How To Support a Friend During Recovery One of the most asked questions we get from friends of addicts is how to support a friend during recovery. It’s only natural to want to be helpful and supportive, but you may feel at a loss as to what can be done. Here are a few different options…