Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of medications 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 because they are highly addictive. “After four to six months, they generally stop working which is […]
Category Archives: Blog
14
Jun
Jun
Many people argue that marijuana is safe because the withdrawals are not as intense as they are with other substances. There is also a misconception that marijuana is not addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018), “marijuana use disorder becomes an addiction when the person cannot stop using the drug, even though […]
10
Jun
Jun
Addiction does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone from any background, social status, race, and gender. When you are addicted, it can be difficult to understand why you developed an addiction in the first place. Some people are at a higher risk of developing an addiction than others are. There are factors that contribute […]
07
Jun
Jun
In treatment, your loved one will learn how to stay sober, avoid triggers, and completely change his or her drinking and drug-using lifestyle. Detox and treatment are hard and recovery is a lifelong process with challenges to avoid relapse. Staying sober is a huge commitment and takes a lot of determination, encouragement, and support from […]
04
Jun
Jun
“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).” The anniversary of a traumatic event can evoke feelings of despair and make us relive the experience, bringing back symptoms of post-traumatic […]
01
Jun
Jun
“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).” Addiction is isolating and for those who suffer from a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as PTSD or depression, the feelings of […]
29
May
May
It’s very hard to understand what addiction is like if you have never struggled with it yourself. It’s normal to be concerned about a friend or family member who seems to be out of control. It might be extremely frustrating or stressful to watch their self-destructive behavior and wonder why they can’t just get it […]
17
May
May
It’s hard to know how to react when a friend tells you they are battling mental illness. Or worse yet, when a friend’s life is falling apart and you don’t know why. Obviously, you want to help, but it’s not always clear how you can help or whether it’s your place to get involved. If […]
15
May
May
It’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of exercise in recovery. It produces endorphins and helps balance your neurotransmitters, which improves your mood. It strengthens your prefrontal cortex, which improves your self-control. It strengthens your cardiovascular system, helping to heal the damage done by alcohol and other substances. Regular exercise is one of the best things […]
11
May
May
It’s pretty common to start drinking a lot more coffee after quitting drugs or alcohol. Studies have shown that people in 12-step programs drink considerably more coffee than the average person. For the most part, this isn’t a big deal. Research now indicates that coffee may protect against heart failure, liver disease, liver cancer, and […]