Month: March 2019

The Harmful Effects of Using Cocaine

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Cocaine is a drug that increases the level of dopamine in the brain. Cocaine can be smoked, injected, or inhaled and affects the brain immediately. The brain rapidly releases dopamine, and produces a “high.” Cocaine is very addictive and a…

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Heroin: Getting Help for an Addiction

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Addiction is a complex brain disease that affects the way the brain functions. Getting help for an addiction can seem out of reach. Heroin is a very addictive opiate that causes psychological, physical, and social implications and can result in…

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What You Get from Attending a Support Group

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Addiction is complex and affects all aspects of your life. Addiction leads to serious health complications and changes the way your brain functions. It causes organ failure, and can lead to overdose and death. Addiction also disrupts relationships with loved…

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Why Childhood Trauma can Lead to Drugs and Alcohol

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“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).” Trauma…

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Making a Smooth Transition to Independent Living

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Starting a new, sober lifestyle after treatment can be lonely, scary, and overwhelming. Addiction makes physical and physiological changes to your body. The time spent using drugs or alcohol is replaced with healthy and therapeutic activities. Significant relationships with loved…

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How Drugs and Alcohol Affect the Heart

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Addiction can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Some drugs can cause seizures, liver failure, overdose, and early death. Drugs and alcohol affect the heart and brain. They elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack,…

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Addicted to Benzos and Opioids

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Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of medication typically prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle tension. Benzos such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium and other anti-anxiety medication are designed for short-term use, usually a few weeks or months, since…

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How Meth Use Affects Your Brain and Body

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Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is an addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a powder and can be made into a pill or a shiny rock called crystal meth. The powder can be eaten or snorted or…

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Finding Support in Recovery

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Support from sober loved ones and friends are import for success in recovery. Positive reinforcement and encouragement strengthens you through the journey to substance-free living. New, sober friendships often develop in group meetings. In AA, a sponsor is available to…

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Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness

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“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).” Mental…

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