What Families Can Expect From an Addict in Recovery

shutterstock_391247260-300x300.jpg

Once your loved one has successfully become clean and abstinent from the substance that previously ruled them, you may expect the future to improve. Your loved one has completed an important first step on the journey to recovery and sustained abstinence, but the fight is not over yet. After detoxification, emotions will be very raw,

Beating Addiction (You Can Do This)

shutterstock_88200985-300x199.jpg

Addiction can affect anyone, and it often comes in various forms and degrees. Although recovery may seem an impossible goal miles away, you can fight addiction and you can win. Everyone does some sort of activity in excess. They key is being able to break through the obstacles and old patterns with diligence, smart choices,

5 Signs That Cocaine Has You Hooked

shutterstock_275819786-300x200.jpg

Cocaine addiction is extremely dangerous and addictive. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It increases the dopamine production in your brain, which is the neurotransmitter that manages the feeling of pleasure. Regular use of cocaine causes cravings and eventually addiction. The drug is one of the most addictive stimulants available

Addiction in Crisis: How to Help a Homeless Family Member

shutterstock_222359152-300x200.jpg

Addiction can cause problems in all aspects of the addict’s life—at work, school, home, and especially with family members. An addiction can drain addicts’ relatives of money, energy, and time. At some point, the addict could lose their home due to consequences of drug or alcohol abuse, and end up homeless. So how can you

4 Legal Consequences of Drug Abuse

shutterstock_242770057-300x199.jpg

Drug-related offenses can have a negative effect on an addict’s future in a number of ways. In addition to drug addiction causing serious health problems, it can cause many legal ramifications as well.   First of all, remember that criminal records follow you and can cause various barriers to those wishing to live a normal

Help for alcohol addiction is a phone call away

shutterstock_197174180-300x200.jpg

Dealing with an alcohol addiction is difficult, and is perpetuated by negative emotions and experiences. However, the disease is treatable, and the first step to recovery is simple, albeit often hard to face.   The first step in 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, is admitting there is a problem.  Honestly admitting that you’ve become powerless

How Addictive is Nicotine?

shutterstock_312510158-300x201.jpg

We certainly know that nicotine is addictive, but just how addictive is it? We’ll explore that, as well as take a look into how it affects the body and how to control an addiction to it.   Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. According to

Xanax Abuse leads to Addiction

shutterstock_233165731-300x200.jpg

Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine that affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety. When used properly, it can treat anxiety and panic disorders, as well as anxiety caused by depression, however some people abuse the medication by most commonly chewing or snorting it. We’ll explore how and why

Heroin and the Ease of Addiction

shutterstock_286031564-200x300.jpg

Developing an addiction to heroin is incredibly easy, as it strongly affects the body’s central nervous system. Because of its intensely euphoric effects, continued use can quickly lead to an addiction. According to the CDC, non-hispanic white males aged 18- to 25 years old and people living in large metropolitan areas are at the most

Enduring a Harrowing Alcohol Detox

shutterstock_136639673-300x200.jpg

If you have decided to begin detox from alcohol, you need to seek medical supervision. Serious conditions can appear during the first 72 hours of detox that can be life threatening if you do not receive the correct medical treatment. Many people do not realize how dangerous alcohol addiction and detox can be. Taking care