Heroin overdoses have become much more common and much more dangerous in recent years with the introduction of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the Center for Disease Control, “heroin-related overdose death increased fivefold from 2010 to 2016, and from 2015 to 2016, heroin overdose death rates increased by 19.5%, with nearly 15,500 people…
Marijuana is often considered to be a harmless drug. In the short-term, marijuana is much less harmful than other substances, but chronic and consistent use overtime can lead to some major health problems. Research into the effects of marijuana has found that the developing brain, in particular, can be negatively impacted in the long-term. One…
Recovery is about more than just not drinking or using. We engage in a process of continual spiritual and personal development to help us achieve a state of happiness, joyousness, and freedom. The more we practice the principles of recovery, the better we become at maintaining our serenity. The best way to ensure that we…
Cravings for drugs and alcohol are entirely normal in the early stages of recovery. We have yet to go through the work of our recovery program and do not have a strong defense against the first drink or drug. As we progress in our recovery, we will develop healthy coping mechanisms and achieve a state…
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is an illicit synthetic substance that creates powerful euphoric and empathogenic effects. MDMA effects are both stimulating and psychedelic, and the drug is popular among teens and young adults for its ability to alter perception and enhance feelings of empathy, sensitivity, and euphoria. MDMA use carries the risk of major…
Relapse is not a necessary part of recovery, but it is very common. Many people require several attempts at sobriety before finally being able to overcome addiction and alcoholism. The most important thing to know about relapse is that it is not a sign of failure. Relapse simply means that one must summon the courage…
Many men and women struggling with addiction enter into treatment because they have lost control of their drug use, but they are still unwilling to accept abstinence as the only solution. It is not uncommon for one to believe that they can return to moderating their drug use after being treated for addiction. However, addiction…
Recovery from addiction requires that we maintain an awareness of other expressions of addiction. We may remain free from drugs and alcohol, but turn to other behaviors and activities that give us feelings of pleasure. The disease of addiction is not specific to substances, but can also extend to activities such as sex, gambling, or…
Men and women suffering from addiction rarely only use one substance. When an individual uses two or more addictive drugs simultaneously or concurrently, it is known as “Polysubstance Abuse.” It is possible for an individual to develop two simultaneous addictions to two different drugs or to become psychologically dependent on different substance. As addiction develops,…
The disease of addiction is such that willpower is not enough for us to overcome our dependence on substances. Many of us had made countless promises and resolutions to stop drinking or using, and we truly intended to keep those promises, but we inevitably returned to drugs and alcohol. Despite the loss of friendships, relationships,…