Prescription drug abuse isn’t always easy to spot. When someone has a legitimate prescription, it can be hard to tell the difference between proper use and misuse. But over time, patterns emerge—changes in behavior, physical health, and emotional stability that point to something deeper than just taking medication. For friends, family, and caregivers, knowing what…
Most people assume that prescription medications are safe as long as they come from a doctor’s office. While these drugs are designed to help, they don’t come without risks. Some prescriptions—especially opioids, stimulants, and sedatives—affect the brain in ways that can make stopping difficult, even for those who never intended to misuse them. For families…
Meth is one of the most addictive and destructive drugs in existence. Not only does it have immediate effects on the body and mind, but it can also have long-term effects for those who use it. The long-term effects of meth use range from physical health issues to cognitive and mental health problems. Although the…
Stepping into an addiction treatment center for the first time can be intimidating. What can you expect? Maybe more importantly, what do they expect from you? The journey to recovery can be full of unexpected challenges, but anxiety around entering residential treatment doesn’t have to be one of them. Knowing what residential treatment is, how…
Starting residential treatment can be intimidating—it’s hard to know what to expect, what you’ll learn about yourself, and the challenges you might face. However, it’s also one of the bravest and most important steps you can take in your recovery journey. Stepping away from your everyday life and focusing solely on your recovery can help…
Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a potent synthetic drug that alters mood and sensory perception. While it’s often associated with partying and the club scene, many people use ecstasy for its calming and energizing effects. It’s important to recognize the signs of ecstasy abuse since recreational use can turn into an addiction over time.…
Many people view cocaine as a harmless party drug, but the reality is that cocaine abuse can bring with it serious, life-threatening side effects. Cocaine is a particularly addictive substance, and as a result, it can also be difficult to know when you have crossed the line from recreational use into a genuine substance use…
Drug addiction is a serious condition that requires professional treatment and care. While there are many addiction treatment centers across the country, not all of them offer long-term drug rehab. In many cases, however, this level of care is an essential step in the recovery process because it gives clients the time they need to…
When you are grappling with a substance use disorder (SUD) and decide it is time to seek treatment, choosing the right level of care is essential to effective recovery. Drug and alcohol addiction occurs on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. For mild to moderate levels of addiction, short-term residential rehab or intensive outpatient…
Most people struggle to be objective about their drug and alcohol use. When you surround yourself with others who drink or do drugs, it is especially easy to justify your level of use or compare yourself to others, thinking, “Well, I don’t drink or use as much as they do.” It is also easy to…