What Is Alcohol Awareness Month?
Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health program organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). The program's goal is to increase outreach and education about the…
Side Effects of Benzo Abuse
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a type of prescription drug used to treat insomnia, panic disorders, and anxiety. These drugs are highly addictive when abused, creating long-term health risks and leading to…
What Is Doctor Shopping?
The term doctor shopping refers to the practice of visiting multiple doctors in order to acquire a larger number of prescription medications. It often happens when a person runs out…
Having Faith in Recovery
Developing faith may seem impossible, especially for someone who has led a difficult life. Watching people develop faith--sometimes for the first time in their lives--is a beautiful part of working…
Alcoholism and Depression
Alcoholism and depression can occur at the same time. Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the function of the central nervous system. In some cases, people…
Stay Sober this St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrating a sober St. Patrick's Day is an opportunity to showcase just how hard you've worked during treatment. When it comes to sober living, holidays tend to be the biggest…
Health Hazards of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is dangerous for multiple reasons. It causes immediate risks of overdose, damages organs and tissues, and can lead to complex mental health disorders. Engaging in this activity, even…
Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. When used, a person feels more energy, better focus, and more alert. They also feel a sense of being high, which the brain…
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
As a powerful opioid, heroin is a dangerous drug that causes dependence. A key sign of dependence is feeling cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. Heroin withdrawal…
Stages of Alcoholism
Some people are able to drink alcohol without developing a dependence, but many of us are not. Understanding the stages of alcoholism may help some people avoid the onset of…