Chronic Pain Treatment without Opioids
Prescription painkillers are no longer as accessible as they used to be. For those seeking pain treatment without opioids, alternative therapies are becoming essential. Chronic pain is a widespread issue in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 20.9% of U.S. adults struggled with chronic pain. That means approximately 51.6 million adults may seek out medical […]
How Drug Addiction Affects Relationships
Substance use disorder affects all areas of life, especially relationships. Learn how drug addiction affects all relationships. Addiction makes it difficult to maintain trust, respect and open communication – critical elements in a healthy relationship. When a person has a substance use disorder (SUD), their life can become largely focused on obtaining and using the […]
Living With Opioid Addiction During the Holidays
The holidays can be a stressful time for those with opioid addiction. Everywhere we turn, we’re reminded that it’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” However, the holidays can also bring challenges like financial strain, family conflict, loneliness, grief and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you or a loved one is […]
Does Addiction Change how People Think?
Does Addiction Change how People Think? Advancements in addiction science have uncovered some remarkable new information regarding how substance use disorder (SUD) affects the brain, helping demystify an illness that has, only until recently, been seen as merely a bad habit or moral failing. The research presented that shows various brain scans between those with […]
Everything You Need to Know About Suboxone® Treatment
Opioid use disorder is an ever-growing issue, the effects of which are widespread. Virtually no community or demographic has been spared of the consequences of prescription drug misuse, which is the primary cause of the opioid epidemic in the U.S. In 2017, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and […]
Chronic Stress and Opioid Addiction
Stress is more than a feeling — it can have significant effects on your overall wellness. For some people, stress can also be chronic. People dealing with chronic stress feel consistently pressured and overwhelmed for extended periods. Stress is a primary risk factor for opioid addiction. It can increase cravings, contributing to relapse and treatment failure. […]
5 Healthy Coping Skills for Addiction
Addiction recovery is an ongoing process. Many people living with addiction struggle to stay sober. Opioid addiction, in particular, has an exceptionally high relapse rate. Emotional triggers, such as stress, depression and anxiety, and environmental triggers, like places and people that remind a person of using, can make recovery challenging. While it may feel virtually […]
Preparing for Outpatient Opioid Addiction Treatment
Individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, or opioid addiction, can find help and hope through an individualized outpatient treatment plan. Opioid addiction treatment preparation can streamline the process for patients. Preparing for Rehab Outpatient opioid addiction treatment lets patients continue their daily tasks and responsibilities. You’ll receive treatment and then conveniently return to work, school […]
Do “Addictive Personalities” Exist?
The short answer is no. The concept of an addictive personality has no medical or scientific basis and is more of a colloquial expression people use to signify something that is much more serious and complicated. As addiction science progresses, researchers and medical professionals who are specialized in the field have come to resent the […]
How the Anticipation Molecule Drives Addiction
How the Anticipation Molecule Drives Addiction The human brain contains something called dopamine, commonly described as the pleasure molecule. Each time a person engages in something that satisfies a need or makes them feel good, like eating food, having sex, and using mind-altering substances, dopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens. The release of dopamine […]
