One of the common questions we are asked is “What is alcohol poisoning?” Alcohol poisoning, also known as alcohol overdose, is a serious consequence of drinking large quantities of alcohol in a short timeframe. In some cases, alcohol poisoning can even be fatal. If you drink too much alcohol too quickly – commonly classified as…
Psychological dependence, sometimes referred to as psychological dependency or psychological addiction, is an artificial construct used to describe a facet of addiction. The dualistic view of mind and body as separate entities is an unrealistic way of assessing most behaviors. All emotional processes and psychological processes have at least some physiological basis. Similarly, all behaviors…
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid painkiller used for the treatment of moderate and severe pain. Like all drugs in the opioid class, tramadol has the potential for both abuse and addiction. Classified under the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule IV substance, this means there is only a moderate likelihood of tramadol abuse developing. Physical…
The popular myth of an addictive personality leads many people grappling with addiction to question whether there are specific drug addict personality traits. This is a nuanced issue as there are so many risk factors for addiction. Broadly, some people can be considered genetically predisposed to substance abuse. According to NIDA (the National Institute on…
Addiction is defined as a chronic and relapsing brain condition, but how does the cycle of addiction unfold? Well, like most chronic diseases, alcoholism or drug addiction don’t just spring up overnight. Instead, the process of developing an addiction typically occurs over several stages. Much like other chronic diseases, a vicious cycle of addiction and…
You might be surprised to discover that cocaine withdrawal and cocaine detox is not as intense or challenging as withdrawal from alcohol, prescription opioids, or illicit drugs. Cocaine is a strong and powerfully addictive controlled substance that triggers a variety of withdrawal symptoms if you stop using cocaine after sustained abuse. If you develop a…
Have you been asking yourself “Am I a problem drinker” or “Do I have alcoholism?” When you start questioning your alcohol intake, you will encounter various terms used to describe drinking patterns. These include problem drinking, heavy drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorder (the clinical descriptor for alcoholism). While these terms express different forms…
Binge drinking is not only the most common and costly pattern of alcohol consumption in the United States, but it’s also entirely preventable. Although binge drinking does not always lead to alcoholism, this phenomenon is damaging in myriad ways, and many people never seek treatment for it. Data from the most recent National Survey on…
While many people willingly engage with addiction treatment, there is also a place for involuntary rehab on the continuum of care. From staging an intervention and checking a reluctant loved one into a rehab center, to rehab ordered by the courts for a variety of offenses, not everyone who commits to recovery takes the initial…
Valium (diazepam) is a powerful benzodiazepine with long-lasting effects that can easily lead to Valium addiction in the event of sustained use. Addiction to Valium can progress rapidly if the drug is not used exactly as directed. Despite this, many people become addicted to this potent benzo without realizing a problem is developing. Taking diazepam…