Is Alcoholism a Mental Illness?
Understanding the Definition of Mental Illness Mental illness encompasses health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. This includes disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year, with rising rates among teenagers. […]
Does Acid Fry Your Brain?
It’s a cautionary tale that’s been told for decades: If you either intentionally or accidentally ingest too much LSD, your ability to think clearly, accurately perceive your environment, or communicate with others could be permanently impaired. But is this really true? Can acid fry your brain? What Is Acid? Acid is a common slang term […]
High-Functioning Depression
It is easy to assume that when someone has depression, it is easy to know they are suffering. However, that is not always the case with high-functioning depression. It is difficult to tell when someone is depressed when they are still high-functioning. Taking the time to learn more about this mental health condition can help […]
Understanding Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD and sometimes used to treat narcolepsy. When taken as directed, the medication can help alleviate symptoms associated with ADHD and narcolepsy. However, the drug is often misused by those who do not need it, which can lead to dependence and addiction. What Is Dextroamphetamine? Dextroamphetamine is […]
Ritalin Withdrawal: What to Know
Just like other substances, Ritalin can become addictive when it is not taken as directed or misused by people who do not need the medication. The misuse of Ritalin can lead to withdrawal symptoms when someone attempts to quit the prescription drug without medically supervised assistance. Overcoming Ritalin withdrawal and addiction is possible with personalized […]
How Long Does Baclofen Stay In Your System?
Before you start to take this medication, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist to be sure you understand how to use it safely. Examples of questions that you may want to ask include: Can you get addicted to baclofen, can you overdose on it, and how long does baclofen stay in your system? […]
Why Do Some People Mix Alcohol and Antifreeze?
Do people really drink antifreeze and alcohol? Why would someone make this choice — and what type of harm are they exposing themselves to when they do? What Is Antifreeze and Its Composition? Antifreeze is a fluid that can protect internal combustion engines from being damaged by extreme temperatures. Most antifreeze for car engines contains […]
Can Alcohol Consumption Affect Your Sleep Apnea?
Decades of research have documented a clear connection between alcohol and sleep apnea. Continuing to drink after being diagnosed with this condition can undermine your health and even threaten your life. How Does Alcohol Affect Sleep Apnea? To understand the relationship between alcohol and sleep apnea, it can be helpful to first review a few […]
Understanding Alcohol Esophagitis
The connection between alcohol and esophageal cancer often begins with a condition called alcohol esophagitis. What is Alcohol Esophagitis? Alcohol esophagitis is a medical condition that is characterized by an inflammation of the esophagus. It is also sometimes referred to as alcoholic esophagitis or reflux esophagitis. The esophagus is a tube-shaped organ that connects the […]
Can You Safely Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone?
Physicians often advise their patients to curtail or end their alcohol use while taking prescription medications. Does this apply to steroids or other anti-inflammatory meds? For example, can you drink alcohol while taking prednisone? What is Prednisone? Before we address the question, can you drink alcohol while taking prednisone, we should first review some fundamental […]
Can You Overdose – OD – on Trazadone?
Trazodone can be extremely beneficial to people who have certain health concerns. But the medication can also be dangerous, especially for those who misuse it. If you have received a prescription for this med, it’s important to be aware of your risk for side effects or trazodone overdose. What is Trazodone? Trazodone is a prescription […]
Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal
Kratom for treating opiate withdrawal symptoms is a growing trend, but one that could lead to more difficult side-effects. Opiates are a class of drugs naturally derived from the opium poppy plant, such as heroin, opium, morphine, and codeine. These drugs cause changes in the brain’s chemistry when they are misused and used illicitly. Quitting […]
Addressing Acute Propofol and Benzodiazepine Intoxication
Propofol is a highly effective anesthetic that is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. When this drug is used appropriately, it can be extremely effective. But when it is misused, either alone or in combination with other substances, its effects can be devastating. One of the many potential dangers is known as […]
Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?
You’re well aware of the dangers of marijuana, such as the risk of addiction, the possibility of cardiovascular damage, and the potential of severe acne. Wait – what? Can you really get acne from weed? Or does smoking weed cause acne to become even worse? Does Smoking Weed Really Cause Acne? Let’s cut right to […]
Weed Withdrawal Symptoms: The Reality
Is weed addictive? Do some people actually develop weed withdrawal symptoms when they quit? Regardless of what you may have heard or read elsewhere, the correct answer to both of these questions is yes. Can You Have Withdrawal Symptoms from Smoking Weed? Discussions of drug withdrawal often focus on the difficulty of ridding your body […]
Can You Drink Alcohol While on Ozempic?
Ozempic has been in the news a lot lately, but many people still have questions about this medication’s benefits and potential drawbacks. For example, can you drink alcohol on Ozempic? And what happens if you do? What Exactly is Ozempic? Ozempic is the brand name of a prescription medication that contains semaglutide. It has been […]
Can Baking Soda Really Help You Pass a Drug Test?
Some sources claim that you can use baking soda to hide evidence of substance use from a drug screen. This baking soda drug test theory can’t actually work, can it? The “Baking Soda to Beat a Drug Test” Theory If you spend much time searching online for ways to beat a drug screen, you will […]
Drinking Alcohol With Antibiotics: What to Know
Often, when you receive a prescription from your doctor, they advise you to abstain from alcohol while you’re taking the medication. This doesn’t apply to all meds, though, which leads us to today’s question: Can you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics? Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Antibiotics? This looks like a simple yes/no question. […]
Understanding the Iso Drug Trend
The iso drug is a somewhat obscure substance that is threatening to become a widespread public health crisis in the U.S. The more you know about this drug, the better prepared you will be to protect yourself and keep your loved ones safe. What is the Iso Drug? The iso drug is an extremely powerful […]
Understanding Zzzquil Addiction
Even though you can purchase Zzzquil without a prescription, that doesn’t mean you can use it without risk of side effects or even addiction. When you get the facts about this medication, you’ll be better prepared to decide if it’s appropriate for you. What is Zzzquil? Zzzquil is the brand name of an over-the-counter (OTC) […]
How to Taper Off Suboxone
Suboxone can help provide relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms when starting recovery from opioid use disorder. The drug can also be used to help people maintain their newly found opioid-free life while reducing the risk of relapse. Eventually, many people reach a point in their recovery where they no longer need suboxone. This leads them […]
The Truth About Chemsex & Slamsex
Chemsex and slamsex are risky recreational behaviors that can expose people to considerable physical and psychological harm. What is Chemsex? Chemsex is a portmanteau, or a word that is created by blending two other words together. In the case of chemsex, the two original words were chemicals (drugs) and sex. The term chemsex refers to […]
Seroquel Side Effects and Addiction
Seroquel can be a source of immense relief and improved quality of life for people who have certain mental health concerns. However, as with most other prescription medications, using Seroquel can expose a person to a range of problematic side effects, including addiction. What is Seroquel? Seroquel is the brand name of a prescription medication […]
What Does Nodding Out From Heroin Mean?
Nodding out sounds a lot like dozing off. But when heroin is involved, nodding can be a sign of a serious problem. It can also be a precursor to a variety of life-threating effects. What is Nodding Out? Nodding out is sometimes also called nodding off, having the nods, or being on the nod. Regardless […]
Justin Timberlake: Alcohol & DWI
Photo: Justin Timberlake | Sag Harbor Police Department On June 18, news broke that pop star Justin Timberlake had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. As expected, this prompted a range of responses on social media, from memes mocking the famous entertainer to serious questions about Justin Timberlake, alcohol, and addiction. Justin […]
AA Daily Meditation
Every day, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) posts messages to support those who are working to maintain their recovery. You don’t have to be an active AA participant, or even follow the 12-Step model, to benefit from AA’s daily reflections and meditations. What Is an AA Daily Meditation? The first thing to know about an AA daily […]
Addressing Molly Addiction
Many people mistakenly believe that molly is a harmless drug that poses no risk of long-term damage. When you get the facts about this drug, you will understand that using it can expose you to several types of harm, including the development of molly addiction. What Is Molly? Molly is a slang term for a […]
Guide on How to Break an Addiction
Learning how to break an addiction is a complex challenge. But if you are willing to put in the work, make important lifestyle changes, and get help when you need it, you can end your substance use a live a healthier life in recovery. Science Behind Addiction Before we discuss how to break an addiction, […]
Hunter Biden: Cocaine Addiction
Photo: Hunter Biden’s Addiction Upended His Family. Has Your Family Had Similar Woes? | Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times On June 11, 2024, a jury found Hunter Biden guilty of three felony charges related to his 2018 purchase of a handgun. Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Biden had committed crimes by failing to […]
Alcohol and Sleep Problems
It’s not uncommon to hear someone say that they often have a drink at the end of the day to help them sleep. However, the truth about the connection between alcohol and sleep suggests that this habit may not be as beneficial as many believe it to be. Does Alcohol Affect Sleep? Ask most people […]
25 of the Best Sobriety Affirmations
No matter how dedicated or enthusiastic you are about your recovery efforts, there will be times when you experience doubts or even engage in negative self-talk. Sobriety affirmations can help you prevent challenges like these from derailing your progress. 25 Affirmations for Your Sobriety Embracing sober affirmations like the ones we’ve listed below can make […]
Black Tar Heroin: What Exactly is it?
Black tar heroin isn’t nearly as prevalent as the powder version of this drug – but it can be just as powerful, and even more dangerous. What is Black Tar Heroin? Heroin is a powerful drug that is derived from morphine. Since morphine is a naturally occurring part of the opium poppy plant, heroin is […]
The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Prescription Drugs
If you’ve ever received a prescription from your doctor, there’s a good chance you were advised not to drink alcohol while taking the medication. Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs can be dangerous, because alcohol may either degrade the effects of the medication or intensify them to the point that they become toxic. Dangers of Mixing […]
Pink Cocaine: What is Tucibi?
In 2019, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime issued a warning about an emerging threat called pink cocaine, or tucibi. This dangerous, misleadingly named substance has now made its way to the U.S., where many people who use it may have no idea what they are actually putting into their bodies. What is […]
THC Detox: What to Expect
Contrary to an unfortunately persistent myth, you can become addicted to marijuana. When you then try to stop using the drug, a variety of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can prevent you from doing so. If you find yourself in these circumstances, THC detox may be the ideal place to start your recovery journey. What is THC? […]
Understanding Chemical Dependency
Chemical dependency and addiction are often used interchangeably. However, even though these terms share many similarities, there are also some important distinctions between them. What Does Chemical Dependency Mean? Chemical dependency refers to the physical and psychological reliance that some people develop on some substances after using them for a certain period of time. People […]
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System For?
How long does meth stay in your system? Once your body has eliminated the drug, can you still test positive on a drug screen? What types of physical and psychological harm can meth use cause? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the twin scourges […]
Addressing the First Step in Recovery
Since it was originally published in the late 1930s, the 12 Step recovery model has helped countless people end their use of addictive substances and start living healthier, drug-free lives. But this long history of success doesn’t mean the process is easy. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to struggle with the very first […]
Sober Things to do in Palm Desert, CA
When a person has an alcohol addiction, much of their social life and activities revolve around drinking. Once they enter recovery, finding sober things to do can prove challenging. This makes it important to double down on finding ways to have fun without risking the temptation to relapse. Phoenix Rising Recovery recognizes the importance of […]
Sores from Drugs: Causes & Dangers
Overdose. Brain damage. Liver failure. Discussions of the dangers of drug abuse often focus on debilitating or potentially fatal effects like these. While it is obviously important to be aware of the grievous harm that substances can cause, it is also worthwhile to understand the impact of smaller (but still extremely serious) problems, such as […]
Understanding the Psychological Dependence of Drug Addiction
Psychological dependence of drug addiction can be the most difficult part of addiction. Addiction is an all-encompassing disorder that can affect how you think, feel, and act. To end your compulsive abuse of alcohol or another drug, it is important to address each of these concerns. Detox can help you get past the physical distress […]
Can Recovering Alcoholics Drink Kombucha?
Fermentation plays an integral role in the creation of kombucha. Fermentation is also central to the production of beer, wine, hard cider, and other alcoholic beverages. Does this mean that , for recovering alcoholics, kombucha is off-limits? What is Kombucha? Kombucha is a fermented beverage that is produced by combining tea, yeast, sugar, and bacteria. […]
Addressing Alcohol Abuse During the Pandemic
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol abuse increased across the United States, which led to an alarming increase in the annual number of alcohol-related deaths. Alcohol Abuse Skyrocketed During the Covid-19 Pandemic According to a February 2024 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of about 488 people died every […]
Kratom and Alcohol: Mixing Dangers
On their own, both alcohol and kratom can be extremely dangerous. When a person abuses both of these substances at the same time, their risk of serious harm can increase significantly. Understanding Kratom and Alcohol To get a better understanding of the dangers of combining kratom with alcohol, it can help to review a few […]
Fentanyl in Weed: Fact or Fiction?
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid that has been a primary contributor to rising rates of overdose deaths in the United States. Many of these deaths involved people who took substances without realizing that they also contained fentanyl. Recent headlines about fentanyl-tainted marijuana have caused many people to wonder if it’s common to find fentanyl […]
Overcoming Stigma in Addiction Treatment
Achieving successful, long-term recovery from addiction often requires people to deal with an array of physical, psychological, and social challenges. Unfortunately, this process can be made even more difficult by the misinformed judgmental opinions of others. Overcoming stigma can be a vital step on the path to true freedom from compulsive substance abuse. Addiction, Recovery, […]
Cocaine in the Blood Stream
Cocaine’s effects are relatively brief, but the presence of cocaine in the blood can cause both immediate damage and various types of long-term harm. How Does Cocaine Affect Our Blood? When a person uses cocaine, the drug can boost their blood pressure by increasing the individual’s heart rate and constricting their blood vessels. This can […]
The Role of Peer Support in Addiction Recovery
Clinical services are essential components of addiction treatment. However, during (and especially after) a person’s time in rehab, they may also benefit from peer support. What is Peer Support? Peer support is a broad term that can refer to various forms of non-clinical assistance for individuals who are in recovery. Peer support providers are typically […]
The 4 Stages of Alcoholism
Alcohol addiction doesn’t occur overnight. Most people who struggle with this condition progress through multiple stages of alcoholism until they get the help they need. Being able to recognize the signs, symptoms, and stages of alcoholism can empower you to make the best choices for yourself or to offer the most meaningful support to someone […]
Is Gabapentin an Addictive Drug?
Before taking any prescription medication, it is important to speak with your physician about both the benefits and the potential drawbacks of the drug. In the case of gabapentin, you will want to get answers to important questions such as How will this drug help me, Does it cause severe side effects, and Is gabapentin […]