One of the most commonly asked questions is “how does addiction start?” We hear this question asked by addicts in recovery, and also by family members and loved ones. The short answer is that it varies by individual. Each person goes through their own journey to addiction – and to their recovery. While we are…
A person who can function while addicted to drugs presents a special and unique kind of risk because they often can mask their addiction. Friends and family might have little idea of the turmoil that their loved one faces. Recognizing the signs of a high functioning drug addict is essential to get them help and address the…
While using drugs like LSD and mushrooms is generally safer than harder drugs like heroin or methamphetamine, it is still important to be aware of the long-term effects of hallucinogens that can occur from using these types of substances. Hallucinogens distort one’s perception of reality by changing the way the brain’s prefrontal cortex processes information.…
When it comes to overcoming addiction, understanding the risk factors for substance abuse and why some people are more susceptible to these problems can give you a better understanding of you or your loved one’s situation. Research has found that while anyone can develop a drug addiction, several factors increase someone’s risk of developing a…
If you are looking into addiction treatment options for you or your loved one you may have come across various types of therapy and may be asking yourself “What is cognitive behavioral therapy?” Let’s take a closer look at this form of addiction and mental health treatment that is considered one of the most common…
Prescription pill addiction affects individuals of all ethnicities and genders—here are the long-term effects of prescription drug abuse. When prescribed for you by a doctor, these medications can indeed be helpful or even life-saving. It’s when these drugs are taken without a prescription or not as directed that they become dangerous and addictive. At higher…
Many addicts struggle with this. There is a much simpler way to look at this: When the time comes for you to get serious about getting sober, you’ll realize that you don’t want to go through this alone – and that’s the perfect time to tell someone, especially your parents, you’re an addict. If you’re…
Alcoholism doesn’t happen overnight. Your body goes through different stages of alcoholism based on how long you’ve been drinking, how your body becomes dependent on the substance, and the severity of your addiction. You don’t necessarily need to go through each stage to be considered alcoholic, and it’s essential to know the progression. If you’re…
Generally speaking, there are currently three types of medications that are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved to combat opioid addiction: Methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol. These medications come in different forms: pills, dissolvable films, and liquids. Studies have shown that these forms of medication-assisted treatment when used in conjunction with addiction recovery treatment can raise…
Adderall pills are one of the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat people with ADHD; however, those prescribed this drug can develop an addiction to the substance. Luckily, there are addiction treatment programs and rehabs in Orange County to help all those who have fallen into an addiction problem. Before looking at treatment options…