How Does Your Brain’s Dopamine System Work?

Long before man developed a capacity for logic and reason, his brain developed a dopamine reward system that gave him an intuitive and instinctive capacity to distinguish good from bad. When intuitive man experienced what we now recognize as pleasure, his brain released a dopamine neurotransmitter that attached to certain receptors in his brain to

Why Cocaine Overdose Is a Real Danger

Cocaine, a stimulant manufactured from the coca plant, causes increased feelings of alertness, euphoria, and well-being. This is not without consequence. Cocaine use also carries with it intense side-effects that can cause death if the user ingests too much of the drug. Fortunately, cocaine overdose is preceded by a variety of symptoms that can be

Sobriety Is Sexy

Maybe you started using to fit in. Maybe it does help you fit in—with the wrong people. When it comes to finding a significant other, drug use is seldom thought of as an attractive quality. The dating world may consist of a lot of bars and wining and dining, but more important than that is

Am I a Failure For Relapsing?

It may feel like it. After all, the objective was not to relapse—right?   Actually, no, not exactly: the objective was—and still is—to recover. Relapse is just a bump in the road, so long as you don’t let it stop you from continuing your journey. If relapse meant failure, then the world wouldn’t be full

Staying Positive In the Midst of Chaos

Stress happens, quickly and unpredictably.   We can’t always prepare ourselves for overwhelming feelings of stress, of feeling trapped and pressured. Many times, we react by becoming highly emotional, to the point of overreaction. We all lose our temper sometimes—most of us, at least.   Addicts can become stressed just like anyone else, but their

What Is OxyContin and Why Do People Overdose?

OxyContin, a semi synthetic opioid analgesic, is prescribed in tablet form for the management of chronic or severe pain. It’s effective when it comes to this purpose. Unfortunately, it’s a commonly abused and illicitly traded drug that accounts for a lot of addictions and overdoses. OxyContin delivers a powerful euphoria when taken in large amounts,

Staying Sober On the Road

The trucking business is, unfortunately, infamous for having a large number of drug-addicted drivers. There are numerous reasons for the paradigm. It’s hard for addicts to stay sober on the road. They have no support network, or company at all. They are confined to a routine of little activity, and a lot time to juggle

Endorphins; The Body’s Own Drug

Endorphins belong to a class of chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters transmit electrical signals within the nervous system. They determine how we feel. Endorphins are produced in the pituitary gland as well as other brain regions.   Endorphins make us feel good. They are distributed throughout the nervous system in response to stress and pain.

10 Reasons Why Being Sober is Awesome

Sobriety can be a really amazing, awesome experience and mindset is everything. There are many reasons to feel good about not drinking. Here are some to consider.   Memory Heavy users may experience blackouts or memory problems as a result of using drugs or alcohol. Over time, this takes a toll on the mind and

Crack: Cocaine’s Deadly Cousin

Cocaine can come in either powder or crystal form. Crack cocaine comes in solid blocks or crystals. The effects of using crack cocaine vary depending on the individual’s response to the drug and level of use. Short term effects result from immediate use of the drug but long term effects happen as a continued pattern