Treatment and recovery are two fundamental yet distinct stages in healing from substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders. Addiction treatment, often including detoxification, therapy, and medication, focuses on addressing immediate substance abuse and mental health issues. At the same time, addiction recovery is a long-term process of prioritizing health and well-being.
Whether you are in addiction recovery or looking to pursue a healthier lifestyle, sobriety is a transformative commitment. While sobriety offers numerous rewards, it also comes with challenges. Understanding common drawbacks you may face on the road to recovery can help you stay resilient and focused when presented with them.
Dopamine deficiency occurs when dopamine levels are chronically low, which may lead individuals to seek alternative methods for achieving pleasure and reward. This mechanism can fuel drug and alcohol abuse and, eventually, the development of a substance use disorder (SUD).
Chroming, a dangerous new social media trend involving inhaling hazardous chemicals and substances, has devasted communities around the globe. Inhalant abuse is the practice of inhaling or "huffing" chemical vapors found in household and workplace items to get a temporary high. Chroming addiction has particularly affected younger populations, resulting in dependence, severe health risks, and even death.
Studies show that men are more likely to use illicit drugs than women, resulting in more drug-related emergencies and overdose deaths in men. Ecstasy, also known as Molly or MDMA, produces stimulant and psychoactive effects that impact women and men in different ways.
Drug and alcohol addiction can affect individuals from all walks of life, but certain professions are at a higher risk of substance abuse. The demanding nature and high-stress environments of some jobs, as well as accessibility to substances, can all increase the chances of addiction.
Devil's breath, in powder form, has become a recreational drug of use as a hallucinogen and for predatory purposes. The devil's breath can cause hallucinations and hypnosis, which for this purpose, has been used for criminal activities such as sexual assault, robberies, and rape.
The link between substance abuse and first responders is often a result of the immense pressure and trauma they face while on the job, leading to mental health challenges. These struggles can cause first responders to seek out drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, fueling the vicious cycle of addiction.
Age-related factors, such as peer pressure, chronic stress, and health conditions, can lead to the development of substance use disorder (SUD). Understanding the influence age has on drug and alcohol use patterns can aid in developing more effective, individualized treatment programs and interventions.
Gender plays a critical role in the manifestation and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in men and women. While both men and women are at risk of addiction, the way it manifests, in terms of biological, hormonal, and social factors, differs significantly.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) often drives people to hide their addiction and drinking habits from others. When people with an alcohol addiction hide their bottles, it is usually fueled by the need for secrecy, shame, or simply denial. Those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) typically hide their alcohol in kitchen cabinets, under the bed, in the garage, or even in the car.
'Hippy crack' refers to the recreational use of nitrous oxide (N20), a sedative drug commonly used in medical and dental settings. This form of substance abuse is widespread among young teenagers and adults for its hallucinogenic and relaxing effects. Recreational nitrous oxide is raising significant concerns for an addiction epidemic as a result of its ease of use and accessibility.