Opiates are drugs made from or containing opium, including codeine, morphine, and heroin. They are most often used to treat pain or induce sleep. Opiates are particularly addictive because they bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Opiate addiction is more common than ever before. Opioids and opiates contribute to a significant portion…
Addiction and recovery, despite their complexity, are often simplified, stereotyped, or mischaracterized in popular media and social scenarios. Due to the pervasive stigma around addiction, the process of recovery and nuances of addiction treatment is frequently misunderstood. It can make it difficult to ask for help, commit to recovery, and even harder to talk about…
Opioids can trigger a specific type of constipation known as opioid-induced constipation. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the body known as opioid receptors. When these receptors are activated, they block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. However, opioids can also affect the digestive system in a number of ways. For example,…
When you’re working toward sobriety, you may find that some approaches work better than others. Every person has different needs, and different environmental and sociological factors impact every addiction, so it’s no secret that individualized treatment can be more successful. However, this doesn’t mean that every method of detox and recovery is safe or recommended.…
Addiction can come in many forms, and sometimes it can be difficult to recognize. When you picture addiction, there’s a good chance that you imagine amphetamines, opioids, or alcohol. These substances are all addictive, and addictions to them may be more common than other addictions. It may also be that the addictions we listed get…
Addiction is an extraordinarily heavy burden to bear, no matter who you are. When you’re facing a substance abuse disorder or chemical dependency, it can be difficult to know where to turn or how to get help. Addiction can be very isolating. However, the effects of substance abuse are not only on the individual with…
Cocaine abuse and alcohol abuse can be massively detrimental to your health and well-being on your own. Combined, the effects can be even more catastrophic. Mixing addictive substances is always risky, and you should consider your safety when using them. On its own, alcohol abuse can affect your body and long-term health in many different…
Each and every substance use disorder is different, and every person struggling with addiction has a different story. When it comes to benzodiazepines, people may begin using them as directed and then graduate to abuse. Others may begin acquiring them and using them without a prescription. Benzos are prescribed for people dealing with insomnia, anxiety,…
Substance use disorder can affect people from every walk of life without discrimination. Addiction doesn’t care who you are or where you came from, although some experiences and information may put you at higher risk of substance abuse. When you begin abusing substances, it can be easy to believe that you won’t develop an addiction.…
When dealing with an addiction or substance abuse, it may feel not easy to ask for help. Once someone understands that they have a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s common to feel a sense of shame or even an urge to hide it from the ones you love. This may seem like the best way…