Coping with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
For many people contemplating addiction treatment, the thought of withdrawal gives them pause. Although specific symptoms depend on the substance being abused, a person's overall health, and the length of their addiction, withdrawal is often associated with uncomfortable symptoms such [...]
Drug Overdoses Can Lead to Lasting Brain Damage
Many of us are prone to "either/or" thinking that affects our risk perception. For example, we often talk about drug overdoses in a way that assumes a person either suffers a fatal overdose or recovers with no lasting long-term effects. [...]
What Are the Risks of Detoxing Without Medical Supervision?
What Are the Risks of Detoxing Without Medical Supervision? Although most people think of detox as merely uncomfortable, the reality is that withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be dangerous if you don't take proper precautions. Symptoms are notoriously [...]
Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the best-known self-help program for men and women struggling with alcohol abuse. However, many people have questions about the role that spirituality and religion play in the program. AA Is Spiritual, Not Religious The founders of [...]
How are you celebrating your soberversary?
How are you celebrating your soberversary? A soberversary is a commemorative event celebrating the anniversary of your sobriety. You can think of it as your sober “birthday” to mark the growth of the new person you’re becoming now that your [...]
Managing Cravings During Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Cravings are a common symptom of marijuana withdrawal. Regular marijuana use affects the reward pathways in the brain and conditions them to expect the dopamine rush that comes from substance use. When you're newly sober, strong urges to use are [...]
I Can Buy Myself Flowers: Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
In her new hit single "Flowers," Miley Cyrus advocates for self-care as a way to heal from a bad breakup. I can buy myself flowers Write my name in the sand Talk to myself for hours Say things you don't [...]
How Is Naltrexone Used in Addiction Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help people who are struggling with substance use disorders manage their cravings and work towards lasting sobriety. Although there are several different types of medications that can be used in MAT, naltrexone is one of the [...]
The Harmful Effects of Alcohol on Sleep
Although most people think alcohol can help them fall asleep, it actually has the opposite effect. Over time, alcohol consumption can lead to chronic sleep problems that make it nearly impossible to get the rest your body needs. How Does [...]
Addiction Affects the Whole Family: What It’s Like to Live With Someone Who Has an Opioid Use Disorder
When an opioid abuser is in the home, their addiction can have a ripple effect on everyone around them. Just as a person with an opioid use disorder needs access to comprehensive care to begin their recovery journey, family members [...]
