What are the Signs of Cocaine Use and Addiction?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that is approved for medicinal use in the United States. While it can be used as an anesthetic, the presence of safer drugs renders it obsolete. Many people buy cocaine off of the street to experience mind-altering effects like a rush of euphoria and increased energy. According to the […]

How to Stage an Intervention for an Addicted Loved One

Millions of people struggle with addiction each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people had a substance use disorder in 2022. It is likely that you know at least one person who suffers from substance abuse. You might even have a close friend or loved one who […]

What Does it Mean to Quit Drugs Cold Turkey?

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2022.[1] When you have an addiction, that means your brain and body are relying on the substance to function properly. […]

What is the Difference Between Crack and Meth?

When comparing crack cocaine and methamphetamine, the two substances do have similarities, such as their addictiveness and stimulating effects. Both are linked to serious health risks as well, but they originate from different substances. They also affect the brain and body a little differently from one another. This article explores the differences between crack and […]

6 Useful CBT Techniques for Addiction Recovery

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of behavioral therapy that helps manage a variety of conditions. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), CBT can treat “depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.”[1] Some people also use CBT to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic […]

The Relationship Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

Addiction and trauma are heavily intertwined. First, many people who go on to develop substance use disorders have an extensive history of childhood trauma. The traumatic experiences they endured during their early years made them more likely to lean on drugs and alcohol to self-medicate the lingering effects. Another way that trauma and addiction are […]

The Link Between Impulsivity and Addiction

Addiction is a complex and chronic disease that affects millions of people every year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people struggled with addiction in 2022.[1] If you have a substance use disorder, you know how hard it can be to stop using drugs or alcohol. The desire […]

Addiction Denial: What it is and How to Help

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that negatively impacts every area of a person’s life. Substance use disorders can lead to physical and mental health effects, strained relationships, and even financial distress. However, the compulsion to use drugs and alcohol can become so strong that the individual does not even realize they have a […]

The Dangers of Mixing Kratom and Alcohol

Alcohol has become one of America’s favorite pastimes. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 78.5% of people in the United States have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives. While occasional alcohol use is fine, sometimes people forget that it can interact with other substances they may be taking. […]