Addiction is powerful. We can put together some time sober, but inevitably the urge to pick up a drink or a drug strikes us. In early recovery, this is a constant source of anxiety, agitation, and worry. We must remember that cravings are temporary. If we can get through the moment of obsession without drinking…
Inhalants are a class of drugs abused by inhaling as the sole route of administration. Solvents, aerosol sprays, gases, and nitrites may contain certain substances capable of producing psychoactive effects when inhaled. Inhalants generally have brief short-term effects, but produce long-lasting damage to the brain. Inhalants cause large amounts of toxic chemicals to enter into…
Amphetamines have grown in popularity among students in recent years for their ability to stimulate the brain and body, reduce fatigue, and increase concentration. Amphetamines are often legal by prescription for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, but they have an extremely high potential for abuse and addiction. Amphetamines rapidly change the chemistry of the…
Health is rarely a consideration when we are living in active addiction. Intravenous drug users, specifically, are at a greater risk for these health complications. When we inject drugs, we create the potential for serious damage to our circulatory system that can cause irreversible damage. The circulatory system is a network of organs and vessels…
In a state of active addiction, we tried and failed to control our drug and alcohol use. No matter how hard we tried, we could not face the reality of the fact that we had lost control of our ability to use substances without our lives spiraling out of control. Surrender and acceptance go hand-in-hand.…
An entire subgroup of therapy has sprouted from an understanding of the potential for emotional growth through human-animal interaction. Equine therapy, which utilizes interactions with horses, has been proven to be effective in helping to treat ADD, anxiety, autism, depression, trauma, and many other behavioral and mental health issues. The therapeutic benefits of horseback riding…
Many men and women in active addiction allow their health to fall by the wayside. We find our lives being driven by drugs and alcohol, and end up caring very little about our own physical health. Proper nutrition and healthy eating habits are rarely considered before sobriety, but we find these to be crucial when…
Opioids are one of the most addictive substances a person can use. The current opioid epidemic is due, in part, to many people who begin using prescription opioid painkillers, but move onto harder drugs like heroin after they develop physical dependence. Their addictive nature comes from their ability to change brain chemistry very quickly, as…
Many men and women suffering from drug addiction choose to insufflate, or snort, substances because it provides a quick effect and is seen as less harmful that other routes of administration. As the opioid epidemic continues to grow, many people struggling with pain-killer addiction choose insufflation because it allows the drug to enter the bloodstream…
It’s important to keep in mind that recovery is a healing process. There is not quick fix for addiction treatment. We must be honest, open-minded, and willing if we want to change our lives for the better and break free from our addiction. Recovery is possible, but it takes time for our mind, body, and…