Crack is a freebase form of cocaine that provides a brief but intense high when smoked. Smoking crack allows the drug to reach the brain very quickly and create a strong surge in dopamine, leading to short-term feelings of euphoria. Crack is less expensive that cocaine, leading to it being used more often in impoverished…
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, are a class of drug often prescribed to treat anxiety. In the short-term, benzodiazepines can be effective in treating mental health concerns, but when abused or taken over a long period of time, they can cause major health…
Improve Your Health by Going Swimming Swimming is one of the most versatile and effective exercises we can do. If we are lucky enough to be near a pool, the ocean, or any body of water, we should take full advantage of the work out opportunities offered by swimming. Not only is swimming a fun…
Addiction is a complex disease that affects one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. As addiction progresses, it is common for one to fall victim to depression and despair. Men and women suffering from addiction may feel trapped in the cycle of substance abuse and see no way out. They may think that their addiction has…
Alcohol abuse seems, at first glance, to be less harmful than other drugs. After all, it is legal and most people can indulge without major consequences. When alcohol use turns into alcoholism, however, the damaging effects it causes to the body can be tremendous. Alcohol can lead to immediate death from alcohol poisoning, but more…
Intravenous injection is the most dangerous way to take drugs. The immediate effects of the drug make IV use an extremely risky practice. The potential of overdose is much higher than with other routes of administration, and there is also an increased risk of other health complications such as bacterial and viral infection. The most…
Men and women suffering from the disease of addiction tend to have issues surrounding unrealistic expectations. The problem stems from an inherent need for control. Just as we attempted to assert control over every facet of our lives and ourselves, we can become easily discouraged when our expectations are not met. In recovery, we do…
Before sobriety, we rarely gave much thought to staying healthy and hydrated. In recovery, however, we should begin to take time to focus on improving our health by meeting our daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, and water. Staying hydrated can provide major mental and physical health benefits that will keep us happy and motivated throughout…
Many men and women suffering from addiction also have co-occurring mental disorders such as depression. If an individual is taking an antidepressant, using drugs such as MDMA, DMT, Kratom, and other substances that boost serotonin, can lead to a dangerous health complication called serotonin syndrome. Without an antidepressant, serotonin syndrome may also develop from taking…
Developing healthy sleep patterns is incredibly important to our mental and physical health in sobriety. We rarely exercised healthy sleep practices in active addiction. In sobriety, however, we can begin to improve our sleep hygiene and become more motivated, energetic, and rested throughout the day. Sleep hygiene refers to a collection of habits and practices…