Keep It Simple in Addiction Recovery

One of the saddest things that occurs in the recovery process is when someone finally understands the danger and chaos of a drug or alcohol addiction and makes a decision to get help, but quits the program before completing treatment. One of the reasons for this is a psychological over-complication of the process. Seeing the overwhelming nature of the sobriety mountain in stead of focusing on a single step.

Maybe you’ve had a similar experience. Someone comes to you talking about their addiction struggles. They are aware of what it is doing to their lives.

3 Reasons to Go to Detox Before Christmas

It’s the stress. It’s the family convergence. It’s the weather. Its simply the memories. All of these things that can represent both good and difficult aspects about the holiday season can converge to spell certain disaster for someone strolling with a substance use disorder (or addiction).

Maybe it’s the financial woes, the family drama, or the bigger struggle of making everything work. The end of the year is a time when many people relapse or find the deepest end of the depths of their addiction. It’s vital to get ahead of this before the

A Deadly Disease: Discussing Alcohol Use Disorder

The 2013 updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) reclassified two previously separate issues—alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse—into one diagnosis, termed Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). With all of the technical jargon, information, and misinformation on the Web in relation to this subject, one may find themselves wondering what is the difference between AUD and alcoholism, or if there is really any difference at all?

Defining Alcohol Use Disorder

AUD, or Alcohol Use Disorder, is broken down into three subsections: mild, moderate, and severe. If one presents with a certain number of

Should I Worry About Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome is an alcohol use disorder that is classified as the most severe type of the disorders on the fetal alcohol spectrum. While the condition is relatively rare and affects approximately 200,000 babies annually, the consequences of the disease can be lifelong and widespread. As with other spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome affects each child differently. Available treatments provide symptom management, but the damage caused by the syndrome cannot be reversed. 

Causes of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 

Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when a mother consumes alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. While alcohol use during

Dangers of Valium Addiction

Valium is a prescription medication primarily intended to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and seizures. Its generic name is Diazepam and belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Over three million Americans take Valium, prescribed to them by doctors, while many more unlawfully abuse it. Valium is considered a narcotic. 

When Does Valium Become a Problem?

While valium can be used effectively to help individuals manager their anxiety and other ailments, it is highly addictive. If a person has been taking it for multiple months (even with a prescription) the

DCAP: A Unique Approach to Detox From SoCal Detox

Detox is sometimes misunderstood as the full extent of addiction treatment. While it is the most important first step to take, it is only a piece of the overall drug or alcohol addiction treatment program.

With this in mind, there are a few important aspects of a high-quality detox that will influence the effectiveness of a program. Not only are quick access, a location of healing, an experienced staff, a variety of treatment modalities, and a qualified use of medications all of vital importance, the most effective detox treatment will understand that substance use

Signs Your Spouse May Have an Addiction

Having a suspicious mind is not a way to live in a loving relationship. Believing the worst about your wife or husband, constantly questioning, worried, or wondering. That said, a person with a drug or alcohol use disorder is likely to want to keep their dependence a secret. Often even from themselves. The stigma, along with the brain’s powerful drive and the body’s physical need all combine to make finding and using their substance the highest priority in their life. And keeping it a secret from their family is one of the ways to ensure that they can

90 People Overdosed on K2 … What Is It?

On August 15th, 2018, people across the world were shocked to hear of more than 90 people suddenly collapsing in a park in New Haven, Connecticut. In May, more than 25 people suddenly collapsed and were sent to the hospital in Brooklyn, New York. The cause in these instances and many others was the same: an overdose of a synthetic cannabinoid known on the street as synthetic marijuana, K2 or Spice. 

The New Haven K2 Overdoses 

Initially, New Haven K2 users felt relaxed and euphoric. However, fairly soon after using the drug, people quickly

Understanding Ecstasy: Addiction and Awareness

There is a bit of an air of mystery around the drug that is known as ecstasy. It shows up amongst young people and has all the signs of a romanticized ideal that makes it attractive to experimenters and uninitiated: easy, quick, available. This “fun drug,” however, is extremely addictive and has a dark aspect that most are not aware of before deciding to risk it all for a short fix that imitates a good time.

Traditionally, ecstasy is found in conjunction with parties, nightclubs, or raves. While that can certainly still be the case,

Benefits of Group Therapy During Detox

There are many approaches to recovery and addiction treatment. Every person is unique and each one can respond differently to depending on their personal history, temperament, and more. Some need the steps; some can’t find help in that environment. Some like working with animals, and some get nothing from spending time with horses. However, despite all the different ways to work through recovery, there is one thing just about everyone agrees on … you can’t do it alone.

People in recovery from substance use disorders and looking for relief from drug or alcohol addiction need community.