Court Ordered Rehab for Young People

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Is it possible to force teenagers into rehab for addiction treatment? Of course. But, does it actually help? The percentage of teens who are mandated to attend rehab via the court system varies, but it generally around 60-65%. There are many factors to take into consideration to answer whether it works, and we’ll explore when

When OxyContin is Abused it’s not Medicine Anymore

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OxyContin is an opioid pain medication, or narcotic, which is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is meant to be used as an around-the-clock treatment of pain rather than on an as-needed basis. When used properly, the medication can relieve pain for up to 12 hours, but when used in excess it can

When You Develop a Dependence on Crack Cocaine

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Crack cocaine abuse has become a worldwide problem, and over 8.5 million people have admitted to using the drug at least once during their lives. The reason crack abuse is so problematic is because if its dependence liabilities and its ability to cause cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, and respiratory problems. We’ll explore how crack cocaine dependence

Healing the Wounds of Addiction in the Family

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Addiction causes so much more pain than many people realize, as it affects not only the addict but everyone they’re directly involved with, including family and friends. Growing up with parents who struggle with addiction can cause major damage in children, especially when left untreated. Emotional pain can wreak havoc on our lives, and it

How long does a meth high last?

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Methamphetamine is a synthetic chemical commonly manufactured in illegal, hidden laboratories, mixing various forms of amphetamine or derivatives with other chemicals to boost its potency. It is incredibly strong and stimulates the portion of the brain which is responsible for pleasure. We’ll explore how the drug affects the body and how long those effects last,

How Heroin gets you High

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Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of the opium poppy plant. It is known to create an intense sense of euphoria and well-being.   It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder that is “cut” with sugars,

Developing a Tolerance to Cocaine

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One of the most addictive and powerful drugs of abuse, a considerable amount of tolerance can build even after a single use. It can also be addictive during the first time using, due to the intense, euphoric high caused by the drug. There are symptoms to look out for when determining whether one has built

How Family Therapy can get everyone through Addiction

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When addicts are in need of professional help, families are often the ones to push them to seek it, whether it’s convincing them to attend rehab by holding an intervention or offering to pay for it if they agree to attend. What many people may not realize is how the family could benefit from addiction

5 Things You Should Know About Benzo Withdrawal

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The Brain Two systems in the brain work opposite one another: glutamate and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). Glutamate is like a gas pedal which gets things started. GABA slows things down. Benzodiazepines damage GABA receptors so glutamate is free to push the brain into hyperspeed which over-excites the entire body. When GABA receptors are

Can Pursuing Art Help You with Recovery?

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Art therapy is one tool used to support individuals in recovery. Some treatment programs offer options during treatment including individual, group, skills-focus, relapse prevention and art therapy. Expression of emotions, feelings and thoughts are encouraged as part of the healing journey throughout recovery.   Types of Art Therapy Several modalities of art therapy are used