Teenagers know—and those past their teens all too vividly remember—that the teen years can be filled with incredible excitement, pressures, and stress. During the teen years, teenagers encounter a host of challenges and life initiations, from an introduction to love (and heartbreak) to the tall order of discovering identity andContinue Reading
Marijuana addiction remains one of the most common—and most insidious—recreational drug dependencies. Across the nation, nearly 12 million individuals suffer from marijuana addiction, including over 33 percent of teenagers in the 13 to 18-year age range. While many chronic marijuana smokers often take measures to reduce the visibility of theirContinue Reading
As a strong dissociative drug, ketamine (also known as “Special K”) can cause severe mental impairment in chemically dependent individuals. Affecting clarity of cognition, memory formation and even severe delusions, ketamine clouds the mind during both the period of intoxication and beyond. Unless ketamine addiction is properly treated in anContinue Reading
When drug or alcohol dependency has been effectively treated through an inpatient addiction recovery facility, life begins to take on a new sense of hope and promise. However, the transition between an inpatient rehab stay and your new life can sometimes be a bumpy one, causing many dependent individuals toContinue Reading
Sometimes, drug or alcohol dependency occurs alongside a secondary mental health condition. In these specialized situations, known as “dual diagnosis” cases, chemically dependent individuals need experienced, professional addiction recovery experts that can treat both conditions. In fact, studies have shown that dual diagnosis treatment patients benefit from holistic rehabilitation centersContinue Reading
The body’s nervous system becomes intensely compromised during crystal meth addiction. Shortly after crystal meth is introduced into the system, natural brain chemistry becomes altered, upsetting the user’s balance of important neurotransmitters. As drug dependency develops over time, crystal meth can cause a host of neurological changes in the bodyContinue Reading
For many years, the addiction industry has insisted on the genetic model of addiction as the only acceptable paradigm. However, while genetics can contribute to drug or alcohol addiction development, it often only offers a partial picture. Twin studies and other scientific research show that genetics only plays a smallContinue Reading
When amphetamine withdrawal sets in, the brain and body go through a series of unpleasurable reactions. Because amphetamines share a similar structure to the brain’s pleasurable and positive natural hormones—known as neurotransmitters—amphetamine abuse causes the body to initially spike and then eventually lower its production of these important chemicals. AsContinue Reading
A treatment approach with its roots in integrative medicine can make the difference in any addiction rehab program. Integrative medicine focuses on causes—not symptoms—of any ailment in the body, including chemical dependency. With an end goal of returning the chemically dependent individual’s body to a natural state of balance knownContinue Reading
Personality changes can occur as drug dependency begins to take a physical hold on a dependent individual. Illegal drugs start to affect brain function—including the areas regulating cognition and mood—by altering chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters. While some illicit drugs create specific and predictable alterations in personality,Continue Reading
Whenever we begin journeying a positive path, we can grow weary along the way from time to time. In the days, weeks and months following alcohol or drug recovery, there might be moments where we feel our motivation waning. However, the strength, bravery and insight that helped you heal yourContinue Reading
When dependency has been successfully stopped through an alcohol and drug recovery program, previously dependent individuals take the first steps in the journey of their new, sober lives. This transitional period can be a pivotal time for recovered individuals, positioning them for success in sober living and achievement of aContinue Reading
After treatment, recovered individuals head back to their home environment. For some, this transition can be anxiety producing, as previously dependent individuals may worry about stepping into a new life of sobriety. While these worries are natural, they are not cause for alarm. Once the body has recovered from physiologicalContinue Reading
The transition period that follows drug or alcohol recovery is an important one. During this crucial intermediary phase, you embark on a life free of drugs and alcohol dependency and set the tone for the new, sober life ahead of you. By creating a transition-friendly environment, you can maximize yourContinue Reading
During the time period after completing an inpatient recovery program, adjustments may need to be made as you return to the routine of daily living. The transitional period offers an opportunity for starting fresh, calibrating your lifestyle, environment and choices to your new sobriety and personal outlook. Fortunately, you doContinue Reading
As human beings, we are more than simply a conglomeration of cells, electrical impulses, and organs. Unfortunately, many drug and alcohol treatment programs emphasize the importance of psychological dependency, overemphasizing the role of genetics or physical addiction. While medical detox is certainly a vital part of recovery, chemical dependency relapseContinue Reading
Visualization can be a powerful tool for boosting self-confidence. We often negative beliefs to permeate our thought life, robbing us of creativity, confidence, and a sense of competence. Recover a mindset of grounded, inspired, and positive thinking by using these easy visualization techniques to bolster confidence and foster a senseContinue Reading