For someone who has been using heroin, especially for a long time, the prospect of going through withdrawal can be intimidating. Or, if a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, you might be wondering what to expect, what your loved one will...
Millions of Americans each year are prescribed opioid medications to treat pain. Many of those patients can take the medicines as directed and then stop taking them under the direction of their physician. However, abuse of these medications has...
For many people, the idea of a rehab facility brings up images of a hospital or a counselor’s office. It might seem unappealing, even depressing, to contemplate spending a long period in a place like that. However, the good news is that luxury...
Experiencing or witnessing a cocaine overdose can be frightening. Overdosing on cocaine is a serious and life-threatening event requiring significant medical intervention. Once a person has recovered from the overdose, though, what comes next? If...
There is quite a bit of conflicting information about rehab success rates. Some experts tout the benefits of the traditional drug treatment program, followed by attendance at 12-step meetings. Others bemoan the seemingly low success rates over time...
Doctors prescribe opiates to manage a variety of painful conditions. These drugs can be useful and appropriate treatments, but they also have a high potential for abuse and addiction. For those who have found themselves on the wrong side of opiate...
When the body has become acclimated to the constant presence of drugs or alcohol, certain changes occur so that the body can function under these circumstances. Then, when the drugs or alcohol are stopped suddenly, the body has to undo all those...
The idea of going to a professional drug detox center can be frightening. Many people aren’t sure if they are ready to quit using or worry about their daily responsibilities. Some may even think that they will be alright if they choose to go...
No parent wants to believe that their child could be addicted to drugs, but the truth is that teen addiction is a real possibility. Even kids that have previously been well-behaved, polite, focused, and happy can find themselves in trouble with...
When a person within the family struggles with substance abuse or addiction, the whole family struggles with them. Relationships can be strained to the breaking point by unhealthy or ineffective communication strategies, lack of trust, and many...
