Category: Learning Center

Contrary to what teenagers themselves may believe, their brains as well as their bodies still have plenty of growing up to do. The brain is probably the last part of

Opiate overdose is a serious medical emergency responsible for 68 percent of the 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2017. The largest increase in opiate deaths involved

Depression is a widespread mental health issue affecting millions of Americans. According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 17.3 million adults experienced at least one major

Someone experiencing a psychotic episode may struggle to accurately gauge its duration. The severe discomfort of the episode can distort a person’s sense of time, and the very nature of

Liver toxicity, or cirrhosis of the liver, is a serious consequence of heavy alcohol consumption. Cirrhosis related to alcohol use used to be considered an older person’s disease, something that

Someone you love or care deeply about has just completed treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, perhaps coupled with depression or anxiety and is coming home. While you want the

If you are prone to extremes of emotion and have experienced periods or cycles of heightened elation and then its polar opposite, deep depression, you may fear that you’re bipolar.

Panic disorders are common medical and psychiatric conditions consisting of sudden and repeated panic attacks—rapid, potentially debilitating episodes of anxiety and fear that arise in response to internal and external

Drug use has many connotations in American culture. It may be glamorized, minimized, accepted as part of everyday living, shunned, criticized, blamed for society’s ills, regarded as indicative of laziness,

When someone in your family has an addiction, life is a maze of hard questions: How did this ever happen to us? Why won’t my loved one stop drinking/using drugs?

Drug use is sometimes glamorized in movies and television, leading viewers to think the behavior is not all that problematic or dangerous. Sniffing, snorting or injecting powdery substances to achieve

Alcohol claims more lives each year in America than opiates, and the search for more effective treatments for those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is both necessary and crucial in

The opiate epidemic may have grabbed most of the headlines in recent years involving drug abuse, addiction, overdose and deaths, but a new concern has emerged with escalating use and

When you’re in recovery, there will be times when you are in a social setting where you may be asked if you want a drink. It can be difficult to

Are you wondering how to overcome loneliness? Many people experience loneliness at some point in their life, but prolonged loneliness can feel difficult to conquer. Loneliness can affect both your

It is typical for movies and television to mistakenly characterize rehab as the climax of a person’s substance abuse story; they go there, they get clean, and they live happily

OxyContin is a brand-name, time-release form of the semi-synthetic opiate oxycodone. First made available for painkiller prescriptions in 1996, OxyContin played a role in the subsequent dramatic rise of oxycodone-related

Plenty of people take a “nightcap”—a “bedtime snack” in the form of an alcoholic drink—to “help them sleep better.” Plenty of people are misinformed. Virtually every scientific study has come

Xanax is a Schedule IV benzodiazepine—a popular controlled substance used to treat anxiety and prevent seizures. Xanax is chemically engineered to target neurons in the brain, which produces a euphoric,

The difficulty of going through alcohol withdrawal is commonly understood, but what about life after treatment? While the initial detox can be a trying experience, most addicts will tell you

Despite growing alarm, the opiate epidemic in the U.S. continues apace, remaining a critical problem for Americans both rich and poor. Seeing as opiate-related deaths per capita have experienced sustained

It’s likely that you’re aware of the stigma that comes with being an alcoholic. It’s been written about in countless novels, highlighted in many films we know and love, and

Addiction can invoke feelings of shame and embarrassment for past actions and decisions which can be difficult to move on from and forgive yourself for. If you’ve struggled with learning

Have you noticed a pattern of heavy drinking in your life that you can’t seem to kick? Do you feel out of control, unable to say no to another drink

In recent years, yoga has become an increasingly popular practice that many individuals are incorporating into their lives. Many people recognize that yoga is capable of bestowing a number of

Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opiate synthesized from the poppy plant, marketed under the brand name OxyContin. It is a potent opiate analgesic employed by doctors for the treatment of moderate

If you’re the loved one of someone who is struggling with alcohol addiction, you are acutely aware of how alcoholism affects relationships in their life. For someone who is an

Do you or someone you love suffer from anxiety? Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the population in the United States. To know the best

Having an intervention for a loved one struggling with alcoholism can be a daunting prospect. However, holding one can potentially save the addict’s life. An intervention is an effective way

If you’ve found drugs in your house and you’re not sure what steps to take, you’re not alone. Many individuals suffering from a substance abuse addiction will attempt to hide

Depression is a complex mental illness that affects many individuals within our society. Despite the common generalization that depression stems from a chemical imbalance in the brain, there are a

Insomnia and sleep deprivation are growing problems in America’s digital age. For many, the solution to their sleepless nights is Ambien. According to the health care database IMS, in 2011,

Drinking is a common aspect of everyday life, which makes it difficult to know how much alcohol is too much. While moderate drinking may have minimal effects on your health,

When you are trying to get sober and maintain a life of sobriety, it can be difficult to keep the many reasons to stay sober at the forefront of your

Are you worried that you’re drinking too much alcohol? If so, you’re not alone. Alcohol can be a pervasive aspect of our culture and everyday life. Over time, you may

If your loved one is addicted to a substance, you may be asking, “Why do people get high?” To an outsider, it can be challenging to understand why an individual

Although alcohol consumption is a common part of everyday life, many individuals are unaware of the possible long-term effects. If you’re wondering if alcohol is bad for you, you’re not

In 2018, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported that more than 15,000,000 Americans dealt with alcohol use disorder (AUD). This disease has sweeping repercussions on both

Many addicts learn the harsh truth that the real battle against their addiction starts after their drug detox and treatment. While beating an addiction is known to be difficult, it’s

Since 1999, overdose rates in the United States have been steadily increasing. In fact, the last few years have had the highest overdose rates in the history of the country,

The road to becoming an alcoholic knows no length; it can be short, long, or it can throw you around a turn before you have the time to blink. AUD

Tramadol is an opiate pain medication that is regularly sold under the brand name of Ultram, Conzam, and Ultracet. On the streets, these pills are commonly referred to as Trammies

If someone you love is an alcoholic, you’ve likely been affected by their addiction. It can be a challenge to know what to say and what not to say to

Xanax, a benzodiazepine medication introduced in 1981, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. In the early twenty-first century, it was the most commonly prescribed psychotropic (mood-altering) drug in

Suboxone is a medication used to help individuals abstain from opiates. A combination of methadone and naloxone, the latter being the drug used to reverse an overdose, Suboxone is a

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opiate addiction. It belongs to a family of drugs called opioid partial agonists, which work to remedy the symptoms brought on by

Whether it is with drugs or alcohol, substance use can result in a variety of negative health, social, and financial consequences. For most addictive behaviors, an internal battle rages inside

America is undoubtedly an alcohol-saturated society. Alcoholic beverages are a ubiquitous presence at social gatherings, the main attraction at sporting events, and a powerful engine of profit for the advertising

When you’re in pain, you want relief. Depending on the cause of the pain, your doctor may prescribe certain opiate painkillers. While these are intended for only short-term use, they

Millions of Americans suffer pain and take prescription medications in an effort to relieve pain that may be moderate to severe. Indeed, a 2019 study in The Journal of Pain

Insecurities are part of the universal human condition. Some people are more adept at hiding their insecurities while others struggle with them more openly, but everyone experiences them. Simply living

Heroin is an illicit, semi-synthetic variation of morphine with no legitimate medical use. The potent and extremely addictive opiate is at the epicenter of hard-core drug culture, where it is

Like many traditional sources of instruction, the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (now used in all sorts of addiction support) don’t receive the universal respect they once did. They now

Drug addiction is a worldwide problem of staggering proportions. In the United States in 2017, 30.5 million people (about 1 in 9 Americans) used an illicit drug in the past

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive Schedule 11 psychostimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and assist in short-term weight loss. The drug—known on the street under

Withdrawal from alcohol or drugs can be a daunting and dangerous process. While the duration of withdrawal symptoms varies based on the substance, individual factors, and severity of addiction, understanding

Overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction is an extremely difficult process, and one that holds no predetermined or easy-to-predict timetable. All across America and the civilized world, throngs of people

Cocaine is an illicit psychostimulant derived from a native South American plant—the coca. The plant’s analgesic properties were originally used in folk medicine by indigenous tribes although they were soon

If you’ve struggled with a chemical addiction, or are close to someone who does, you’ve probably heard or asked questions similar to the following: “Have you been drinking/smoking again?” “Is

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” –The Serenity Prayer

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” –Buddha In recent years, there has been a surge in spiritual interest and self-help literature,

“Co-dependency is using a relationship to fill a bottomless void due to not feeling whole and loved as an individual. It’s not the need to be loved that’s the issue;

“Remember the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.” –Dali Lama XIV Relationships are a universally rewarding and frequently challenge

Most people in addiction recovery agree that it takes a team to keep a person sober. Having someone (or several someones) to be accountable to means that: You have the

The decision to seek treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction is a serious undertaking, one that works best when thoroughly planned and carefully considered. For the majority of clients,

Addiction and relapse cause irreparable damage to many relationships. But faulty ideas about how things—or people—“should” be are just as dangerous. Whether you’re the person in recovery from addiction or

For centuries, humans have bought into the collective delusion that natural substances are generally safe for consumption—an idea that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Ayuahuasca, a potent psychoactive

Whenever alcohol is consumed, it passes through the gastrointestinal tract proving highly toxic and disruptive to its structure and function. Unlike other legal or illicit drugs, many of which are

The physically and psychologically destructive effects of alcohol abuse are numerous and far reaching. Despite alcohol’s widespread social acceptance and universal popularity as a recreational beverage, it remains a potent

Have you recently realized that you have an addiction and found yourself wondering about how to tell your family and friends? Coming out as an addict can be a daunting

Are you wondering how to control drinking and looking for a guide to help you make sure you are managing your drinking appropriately? Many individuals struggle with how to know

  Do you have a friend who is making it their goal to get sober in the New Year and are wondering how to support them in achieving and maintaining

  Are you ready to get clean and looking for some inspiration to help you achieve sobriety? Addiction can feel like it is taking over your life and achieving sobriety

  Addiction can put an incredible strain on the user’s relationships with loved ones and friends. As the loved one of a user, it can be a challenge to navigate

Suboxone and Subutex are both medications used to treat opioid addiction. The primary difference lies in their composition: Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone, while Subutex contains only buprenorphine. This distinction

Suppose you want to quit using alcohol or drugs, yet you’re afraid of going through withdrawal. When you know more about the symptoms of withdrawal, and how long withdrawal will

Are you concerned that you or someone you love may be an alcoholic? It can be difficult to know exactly when someone has gone from being a recreational drinker to

Trazodone is a popular prescription medication primarily used to treat depression, insomnia, and sleep disorders. Unlike standard antidepressants—commonly known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist

Fioricet is a prescription medication commonly used to treat tension headaches. The drug—which is chemically composed of butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine—is considered a barbiturate, a sedative, sleep-inducing class of medications.

  If you’re looking to get clean from your alcohol or drug addiction, there are a number of steps you can take to get on the path to recovery. Even

  The magnitude of the US opiate epidemic is overwhelming. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2016, approximately 63,600 people died from opiate overdoses—a figure that equates

Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is a brand name anti-anxiety and alcohol withdrawal medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines or “benzos.”  Although Librium is classified as a Schedule

  Have you made New Year’s resolutions and are looking for ways to ensure that you stick to your goals all the way through the year? The upcoming year can

You’ve heard it before: just because a drug comes in a prescription bottle doesn’t mean it’s safe. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States,

Maybe you started taking Vicodin or another opiate narcotic to relieve pain following surgery, or your doctor prescribed the potent painkiller to help you cope with chronic pain not alleviated

While the opiate epidemic shows at least some signs of slowing, there are still millions of individuals locked in the grip of opiate addiction. According to the National Survey on

Alcohol is as inseparable from American culture as oxygen is from air—a ubiquitously abused legal poison that does not discriminate in its physical and psychological destruction.  Although deceptive marketing practices

  Addiction has been a facet of the human condition since the earliest days recorded in history. It is a condition that mankind has dealt with for centuries and today,

Getting high is a way for millions of substance users, abusers and addicts to escape from reality, to numb pain and avoid dealing with problems or issues. For some individuals

  When you were young, maybe you never imagined yourself drinking alcohol. But as time goes on, this unattraction to the substance wanes. Perhaps in high school, perhaps in college,

  If you’ve heard from your employer or a prospective employer requires a drug test as a precondition for employment, you may well wonder what the drug test entails, the

  Cocaine has historically been a drug glamorized and romanticized by all things in Hollywood. It’s the rich kid’s vice, the party favor and the narcotic that doesn’t carry with

Alcoholism has a notoriously destructive impact on the family unit. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 10 percent of US children currently live with

  These days, encountering alcohol at a social or work event is pretty much unavoidable whether it be for a client meeting, birthday party, date night, or watching a sports

Alcohol misuse is a significant public health concern, contributing to numerous health problems and societal issues. While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe for many adults, excessive drinking can

We currently live in a binge drinking culture where 1 in 6 American adults will binge drink once per week, consuming approximately 7 drinks per night out. Studies indicate that

  Because tramadol is an opiate analgesic painkiller, it has cultivated an underclass of opiate users who seek it out for recreational purposes. With its relatively recent introduction to the

Methadone is a synthetic, long-acting opiate originally synthesized by German scientists as an alternative to morphine. The drug is credited with revolutionizing the opiate treatment industry by eliminating cravings for

The opiate painkiller Vicodin, formulated from acetaminophen and the codeine derivative hydrocodone, has been prescribed for moderate to severe pain since the late 1970s. Its 2014 reclassification as a Schedule

Suboxone, a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, has become a cornerstone in recovery for many. But how long does it take to feel its effects? This blog post delves

If you are in treatment for an opioid use disorder (OUD), you may have been prescribed methadone as part of your treatment program. You’ve probably heard a lot about methadone,

Over millennia, alcohol has played a role in every group of our society. In America, that still holds true with more than 60% of American adults drinking at least four

  Pain, be it physical, mental, or emotional is a regular character on the stage of life. As we get older, its presence evolves into an increasingly familiar companion. Because

  Many misconceptions surround the process of drug withdrawal. Although all substance-dependent individuals experience withdrawal symptoms that accompany the cessation of use, the severity and duration of those symptoms vary

  Unfortunately, pain can be an all too familiar aspect of our lives. While we all face these things in different measure, anyone who spends decades on earth will very

Engaging in everyday cocktails or slamming back drinks to bolster courage, forget problems or numb out may seem harmless enough – until the consequences of such behavior start to interfere

This month, by virtue of its membership in the Palm Beach County Substance Awareness Coalition—(a local grassroots advocacy organization that promotes safe, healthy and drug-free communities)—Beach House Center for Recovery

Every year, it is estimated that over 70,000 people are going to die due to alcohol-related incidents. Atop that, there are some 15~ million people in America currently suffering from

  Antidepressants—and, in particular, a class of medications known as “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” (SSRI’s)—have become a popular and garden-variety treatment for anxiety and mood disorders. Data from the National

Understanding how long tramadol’s side effects last is crucial for preventing long-term health complications. Tramadol, a prescription opioid analgesic, is widely prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. While initially

Alcoholics Anonymous tradition is that whoever stands up to speak introduces him- or herself with, “I am an alcoholic,” present tense. And that applies even to members who are celebrating

  In 2011—even before the nightmarish rise of the opioid epidemic—the NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) estimated that some 25 million people had used drugs in the

Adderall is a stimulant drug formulated from amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, typically prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. However, the drug is commonly misused—and obtained through spurious prescriptions or black-market channels—in

 “MAT”—as in “medication-assisted treatment”—is a clinically proven approach to treating opiate and alcohol addictions, one that pairs FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies for substance use disorders. During detox and early

Around half of people who have chemical addictions also have co-occurring mental illness, typically depression. And while the medical form of depression may be an illness without definite cause or

Typically prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy (chronic severe drowsiness, often accompanied by flabby muscles and weight gain), Adderall is a brand-name drug formulated from amphetamines and

There is an important link between trauma and addiction. In recent years, researchers have extensively studied this link and established a causal relationship. Doctors, clinicians, and social workers experienced in

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a non-profit organization that provides support services to those suffering from alcohol abuse. AA meetings and sponsored events are strictly volunteer-oriented and known for their non-judgmental

  Percocet, a brand-name painkiller formulated from oxycodone and acetaminophen, is typically prescribed to relieve moderate or severe pain. Like all opiate medications, it can also lead to addiction and