In treatment, we may feel shame for the feelings that we are experiencing. However, we need to recognize that our depression, loneliness, and regret are not unique. Nearly everyone who has overcome addiction and alcoholism has struggles with the same feelings. Instead of keeping these feelings to ourselves, we must find the courage to effectively…
Phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, is a dissociative drug with dangerous mind-altering and hallucinogenic effects. Although popular in the 1980’s, since 2012 PCP has gained a resurgence in popularity. The effects of PCP on the brain and body can cause potentially lethal immediate effect and long-term health complications. PCP was first used in the…
The disease model of addiction takes into account that it is a chronic, progressive, and fatal illness. The chronic nature of the disease means that, like diseases such as diabetes and cancer, it must be managed. Fortunately, through adherence to a program of recovery, addiction and alcoholism can be managed successfully. However, if left untreated,…
Sports participation is a highly visible aspect of 21st-century life as more people dive into sports for recreation and competitive leagues. It builds health, self-discipline, strong character, and promotes teamwork. Many benefits can be found psychologically and physically speaking but it can be detrimental if it becomes addictive. Find out why sports addiction can be…
Psychedelic drugs, such a LSD, psilocybin, and various other hallucinogens, are commonly misunderstood as “safe” drugs because they do not have the same propensity for addiction as “harder” drugs like opiates and stimulants. Psychedelics, however, carry a slew of possible risks to our mental and physical health. Short-term abuse of hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin…
Pete Doherty, singer of The Libertines and Babyshambles, reflected on the beginnings of his heroin addiction in a 2014 Independent article. “To me,” he said, “it wasn’t a dirty street drug, it was this magic potion I read about. It was Kubla Khan, Thomas DeQuincy, Oscar Wilde: it was an aspect of their world that…
For many years you may have turned to drugs to help you cope with life’s challenges. Now that you’ve decided to get clean, you may be trying to find your identity. Drugs blurred who you were. You may have been using for so long that really only remember yourself as a child. Now is…
A quick and flippant answer to the question “how does heroin work” might be “all too well”. Heroin and medical morphine have the same effect on a person’s brain and metabolism, and a person’s body converts both heroin and medical morphine into the same form of morphine after it is administered. The primary difference is…
Many family members admit that they sensed something was off with their loved one for sometime until the signs of addiction became obvious. These are some of the signs you might be noticing if you think your loved one is struggling with addiction. They’re showing signs of obsessive thinking You’ve never known your loved…
Addiction treatment has made many strides over the last decades. Many evidence-based treatment options have proven to be effective in helping people overcome addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy was discovered in the 1960s as a way for doctors to help patients change their ways of thinking. During the session, doctors would help turn negative thoughts and behaviors…