Stimulants, like amphetamine and methamphetamine, are often used for their energizing effects. Students, in particular, often abuse stimulants as study aid, but there are growing rates of stimulant abuse among the general population. No amount of stimulant use is safe—there is always some risk when taking the drug. When an individual begins abusing the drugs,…
Taking the time to meditate in the morning can mean the difference between a good and a bad day. When we meditate, we can tap into our higher power or our inner-selves and find a sense of peace and serenity before engaging in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It may be difficult to…
The goal of the Twelve Step recovery model is for an individual to have a spiritual experience and entire psychic change as a means of maintaining permanent sobriety. The mental obsession with alcohol and drugs is removed and we successfully recover from a hopeless state of body and mind by working the Twelve Steps and…
Many men and women begin using drugs as a way to cope with life. They were restless, irritable, and discontent, and found relief from their psychological and emotional suffering in drugs and alcohol. For a time, self-medicating with substances may have provided a sense of comfort, but addiction is a chronic and progressive disease—eventually, our…
Synthetic marijuana, known as Spice or K2, is much more toxic than cannabis. Synthetic marijuana is a combination of dried plant material and herbs that are sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids that are often toxic and dangerous. Over 700 different research chemicals fall under the umbrella of synthetic cannabinoids—many of which are unregulated and extremely dangerous.…
Alcoholism is a progressive and fatal disease. Without help, we are unlikely to ever overcome drinking. We may be unsure if our drinking had progressed to the point of alcoholism, or we may deny there is a problem even if the consequences of our drinking are apparent. It may be a hard truth to face,…
Recognizing the warning signs that a friend of loved on is struggling with addiction can be difficult. Many people suffering from addiction or alcoholism will go to great lengths to hide or downplay their problem. They are often unwilling, or possibly unaware, that their substance use or drinking has progressed to the point of addiction.…
Addiction is a family disease. When a loved one is suffering from addiction or alcoholism, the entire family suffers as a result. Living with a loved one in the throes of active addiction can cause untold amounts of stress, anger, resentment, and fear. If the familial relationships are to be mended, recovery is necessary—for the…
Addiction is a complex disease that depends on many factors. Many people who suffer from the disease of addiction have a parent or relative who also does. Addiction does run in families and there is a genetic and biological component to the disease. However, biological predisposition does not mean one will inevitably become addicted. There…
Pets can be our best friends, and coming home to a happy animal after a long day can be a source of comfort and stress relief. Interacting with animals can do wonders for our attitude and help us get through tough times. Researchers have found that owning a pet can actually make us feel better…