Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, and alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are depressants, which means they slow down activity in the Central Nervous System (CNS). These drugs are often referred to as “minor tranquilizers” because they can produce sedative, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant experiences. … [Read more...]
Key Signs that you may be an Enabler
When a loved one struggles with an addiction, it can be difficult to not intervene. Substance abuse is a growing problem in the United States with more than 23 million people in need of treatment. Despite this staggering number, only 2.5 million receive treatment for their addiction—the other 19.5 million report feeling no need to seek help. While these figures highlight a serious problem with … [Read more...]
Hashish, Cannabis and Marijuana- What are the differences?
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and use continues to grow as more states move towards legalization. According to a 2009 survey, over 104 million people in the United States have used a form of cannabis at least once in their lives. Cannabis is known by many names including Mary Jane, pot, grass, weed, and skunk. Names often vary based on geographic location and … [Read more...]
What You Need to Know About Sober Living
Successfully completing rehab for drug and alcohol addiction is an incredible feat. It is an individual journey that requires different lengths of time, varied amounts of energy, therapies, and lifestyle changes to accomplish. For many, overcoming addiction requires physically removing oneself from enabling peers and environments through the assistance of long-term rehabilitation programs and … [Read more...]
Substance Abuse at Music Festivals
While music festivals have been around for years, the recent rise in popularity of electronic music festivals has increased their visibility in the media. With this increased visibility has come an increased awareness surrounding the evolution of drug and alcohol use at music festivals. Although substance abuse and music festivals have seemingly gone hand-in-hand for years, the introduction of … [Read more...]
A Natural High – Fitness as a Drug Alternative
Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is most effective when a holistic approach is taken. Individuals are affected by drug and alcohol abuse in a number of ways and simply treating addiction itself will not often lead to successful long-term sobriety. Substance abuse takes its toll on physical and mental health. When evaluating the needs of an individual entering treatment, it is important to … [Read more...]
Comfort not Confrontation – An Intervention Guide
When a loved one struggles with addiction, it can be difficult to get them to accept help. In many cases, family, friends, and loved ones may feel helpless, especially if the individual refuses to go to treatment. Hosting an intervention can help loved ones address the individual in a way that in non confrontational and, when done the right way, may help an individual understand that it is time … [Read more...]
Putting down the Controller: Signs of Video Game Addiction
With the evolution of technology, gaming has become a universal pastime that appeals to a diverse population. Whether it is online multiplayer games on a console or casual gameplay on a smartphone, almost anyone you come into contact with has played a “computer game.” Video games have created a new way to interact with one another and spend our time. Much like gambling, video games can cause … [Read more...]
The Dangers of Drinking Games
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. Because alcohol is legal, many assume that the dangers associated with use are minimal. People often use alcohol as a means of coping with social anxiety and as way to build relationships with others. While it is possible to consume alcohol in a safe manner, the reality is, many young adults engage in dangerous drinking … [Read more...]