Opiates, or substances derived from the opium chemical found in certain plants, are commonly used in prescription medications. The term “opiates” includes codeine, oxycontin, morphine, and some others. They can be confused with “opioids,” which are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of opium. Opiates and opioids can be prescribed in several situations, including major…
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A substance abuse disorder is a difficult cross to bear for anyone, but the weight can become even more pressing when combined with another mental illness. Many people who struggle with addiction also suffer from a co-occurring disorder, and these two factors often exacerbate each other. Because of this, it’s important to seek treatment for…
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Lately, there’s a lot of talk about how dangerous fentanyl is and how addictive a substance it can be. But what exactly is it, and how does fentanyl work? It’s a controlled substance, and it’s sometimes prescribed by doctors when a patient is in severe levels of pain. Fentanyl is made from opioids like morphine…
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When you use an addictive substance recreationally, it can be difficult to notice when recreation ends, and dependency begins. You may think that you’re not addicted and that you only use a substance to have fun but feel anxious when you don’t have access to the substance. Addiction is a road that many people have…
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It’s easy to start drinking. In today’s society, it’s considered a rite of passage to have your first drink, and social culture almost seems to revolve solely around alcohol and how best to consume it. People drink heavily on holidays, have champagne or shots to celebrate a win, turn to a glass of whiskey to…
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Alcohol withdrawal can be extraordinarily difficult to weather. Because of this, it’s one of the main reasons that people with a dependency or an alcohol addiction may keep drinking long after it’s begun to control their lives. You may start drinking the same way your friends do, just when you’re out or spending time with…
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Fentanyl is a controlled substance that is sometimes prescribed to treat severe pain levels. Some people also use it recreationally or to self-medicate. It’s made from opioids, but it’s also much stronger than other commonly prescribed ones, like morphine or oxycodone. Although it can help people under a doctor’s orders, fentanyl is extremely addictive and…
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The steps of recovery don’t come to a screeching halt after completing a substance abuse treatment program. Although completing a program should be celebrated, you still need to adjust to life without treatment in an environment that will never be controlled the way a facility is. You’ve worked hard, no matter the circumstances, to make…
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For the past couple of years, the entire world has felt as though it’s simultaneously on pause and fast-forwarding. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has left many feeling anchorless, depressed, and perhaps most of all, lonely. You aren’t seeing your friends and loved ones as much as we did before the initial quarantine, and it’s…
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Alcohol addiction is an easy trap to fall into for many people. Alcohol is readily available and socially accepted; people get drinks to celebrate, mourn, and have fun. For some, that works. For others, alcohol use can become a heavy burden to bear. It’s easy for people to develop an alcohol dependency without knowing they’re…
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