Addiction Blog

The teenage years are particularly a critical period for brain development, which substance use can interfere with. Cannabis use among this age group can cause immediate and long-lasting damage to the young brain, including memory and learning impairments, mood dysregulation, dependency, and addiction.

Fentanyl-laced fake Oxycontin is one of many counterfeit pills marketed as legitimate prescription opioids, further heightening the associated side effects and overdose risks. Counterfeit pills, such as Xanax, Oxycontin, or Adderall, are nearly identical to prescription medications yet may contain lethal doses of fentanyl or methamphetamine.

Transfer addiction, also known as cross-addiction, often occurs in individuals who fail to address the root causes of their substance use disorder (SUD). Cross-addiction can happen when someone shifts their focus to a new vice, such as food, gambling, social media, exercise, shopping, or even work in addiction recovery.

When you stop drinking alcohol, especially after heavy or long-term consumption, the body and brain undergo significant changes. Alcohol withdrawal produces a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including irritability, nausea, anxiety, tremors, and insomnia. Insomnia during alcohol withdrawal can feel like your brain won't shut off, often due to chemical imbalances, dysphoria, and anxiety.

Between dysfunctional family dynamics, social events with drinking, and a culture of indulgence, staying sober during the holidays can be challenging. However, developing coping strategies to navigate holiday triggers can help you maintain sobriety while enjoying the holiday season.

While empathy fosters compassion and understanding, mismanagement and overuse can lead to unintended consequences, including burnout. Experiencing burnout while helping a patient or a loved one in addiction recovery can detrimentally affect personal health and well-being.

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction or any compulsive behavior is a challenging journey, often marked by momentary setbacks. Two standard terms used in the context of substance abuse recovery are "relapse" and "lapse," which describe two different types of setbacks that individuals in recovery may experience.

Overcoming addiction is more than just completing the detoxification and rehabilitation process. Recovery management and aftercare programs play a pivotal role in maintaining sobriety in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Aftercare is a key component to overcoming addiction and fostering a fulfilling, substance-free life after rehab treatment.

Someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) may face immense triggers during the holidays, including stress, feelings of isolation, loneliness, and temptation. Addiction treatment programs can redefine your holiday season if you're battling substance abuse, offering a transformative experience to embrace sobriety and holistic healing in the new year. 

Both holiday parties and the winter blues can contribute to an increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse, either as a means to celebrate or to self-medicate. Whether you're someone who struggles with substance misuse, is sober, or is in addiction recovery, finding healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for navigating the holiday season with ease.