Is Cold Medicine in Your Home? Here’s What to Watch For

Cold Medicine

It’s not always illegal drugs on the streets that you have to worry about. Many addictions start in the medicine cabinet. With the opioid epidemic, more people are aware of prescription medications. However, over-the-counter medications can pose a risk, too. Cold medicines sold over the counter are not intended to cause harm and are relatively […]

3 Gateway Drugs to Have on Your Radar

Radar

Gateway drugs are substances that can lead to the use of harder, more addictive drugs. For example, many addiction specialists believe that when a teen uses marijuana, he or she is more likely to progress to more dangerous drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Because not all people who use marijuana move onto harder substances, […]

What’s the Difference Between Substance Abuse and Addiction?

Difference Between Substance Abuse and Addiction

Addiction and substance abuse are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they mean two different things. It’s understandable why the lines are blurred. As family members and friends, it can be difficult to determine when a loved one has crossed the line from abuse to addiction. Let’s talk more about what substance abuse and addiction […]

8 Designer Drugs to Watch for in 2017

Designer Drugs

Drugs seem to be everywhere these days. They appear in movies, television, music and books. Drugs come in all different forms, both legal and illegal. Sadly, drug cartels in Mexico are responsible for generating many designer drugs and bringing them into the United States. This article posted in the New York Times describes how a […]

Meth Use is On the Rise

Meth Use is On the Rise

Throughout many parts of the United States, the use and production of methamphetamine are on the rise. In fact, meth remains one of the most pervasive drugs in the state of Arizona. In 2015, authorities seized nearly 6,400 pounds of methamphetamine – a 294 percent increase over the last six years according to the DEA. […]

Why Shaming Addicts Doesn’t Work

Why Shaming Addicts Doesn't Work

It’s incredibly frustrating when a loved one refuses to get help for their problem. In fact, you’ve probably taken their decision not to seek treatment personally. Maybe you became so frustrated that you tried shaming your loved one into rehab. Unfortunately – and understandably – you cannot shame someone into treatment. Not only is it […]

The Link Between Relapse and Overdose

Relapse and Overdose

Relapse can be an unfortunate part of the recovery process for some individuals. Those who struggle with sobriety can find it difficult to stay away from drugs and alcohol, especially when experiencing stressful situations. Relapse carries a lot of emotion for the addict and their support team. However, it also carries something else that many […]

Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Are you addicted to cocaine? Do you know someone who is? Making the decision to quit is powerful, life-changing and potentially life-saving. Before you can start a treatment program, you must get clean. This requires going through the withdrawal process. It’s important to be informed on the cocaine withdrawal timeline so that you can prepare […]

Which Jobs Have The Highest Rates of Drug & Alcohol Use?

Jobs Have The Highest Rates of Drug & Alcohol Use

Substance abuse costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost productivity, workplace accidents, and injuries each year. Thanks to government research that was conducted in 2014, we are now aware of the industries that are most at-risk for employee drug and alcohol abuse. Let’s take a closer look at what these industries are. Illicit […]

Understanding The Most Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

If you or a loved one are battling heroin addiction you understand that it is a powerful and highly addictive drug.  In recent years, heroin has become more commonplace in cities and neighborhoods we may have never expected. Producing an intense rush of pleasure, heroin use can quickly spiral into a full-blown addiction. What may […]

Side Effects of Heroin Use

Side Effects of Heroin

Heroin is a “downer” drug that was first manufactured by the Bayer Pharmaceutical Company in 1898. It was meant to be used as a treatment for tuberculosis and morphine addiction. However, it didn’t take long for people to realize that heroin was even more addictive than morphine. By the 1990s, the mortality rate for heroin […]

What are the Most Common Drugs People Overdose On?

Common Drugs People Overdose

Whether a person wants to admit it or not, an overdose is always in the back of their mind if they abuse drugs. They’re not the only ones concerned about a potential overdose. Their loved ones also lose sleep over the possibility of a fatal overdose. However, we don’t have to wait for an overdose to […]