Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first 12-step therapy program, founded in 1935. Since then, 12-step programs have helped millions of people worldwide manage and maintain their sobriety. AA was created to help those suffering from alcohol addiction. Because of the approach’s effectiveness, the 12-step program philosophy has been used as the model to create programs…
Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, are in the prescription sedative class of drugs. They are primarily used for treating anxiety but have other uses as well. Benzos are some of the most frequently prescribed medications in the nation. Because of their mood- and mind-altering effects, benzos are commonly used recreationally and abused for non-medical…
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid intended to treat severe pain associated with severe injuries or chronic illnesses such as cancer. Like morphine, but up to 100 times more potent, fentanyl is a dangerous and highly addictive drug. Because of its potency, people can become addicted to fentanyl even when prescribed by a doctor. Using fentanyl…
Watching a friend or family member struggle with drug or alcohol addiction is very difficult and can negatively impact your well-being. You may experience feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, guilt, worry, and fear. In general, you will likely feel overwhelmed and confused about how you can help. At times you might feel like giving up…
Much has been done to educate the public about opioid addiction, but there is still a lot of misunderstanding about heroin. If you or someone in your life is addicted to heroin, you understand how powerful it is. The safest and most effective way to recover from heroin addiction is to seek help from a…
Observed the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a federal holiday to honor and mourn American military personnel who have died in the line of duty. Memorial Day is also widely observed as the unofficial start of summer, usually celebrated with picnics, barbecues, and parties serving up alcohol and possibly other substances. For those…
Stimulants are a class of drugs that impact the central nervous system by speeding up the messages between the brain and the body. Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is the body’s natural “feel good” drug. Norepinephrine is involved in regulating the body’s cardiovascular system and breathing. There are…
Kratom is a tropical tree that is native to parts of Southeast Asia, where it has been used in herbal medicines since at least the 19th century. The tree leaves contain compounds that can produce pain-relieving, euphoric, or psychotropic effects, depending upon the dosage. Due to its ability to produce an opioid-like high, kratom has…
In recent years, the opioid epidemic has swept through Florida and the rest of our nation at an alarming rate. Opioids are a class of drugs that affect the nervous system by blocking pain and creating intense pleasure feelings. They have the potential to become highly addictive and even deadly, especially when improperly used. There…
Recognizing the need for drug detox is the first step on the path to successful substance abuse treatment. Equally important is finding the rehab center that is right for you or your loved one. With so many treatment center options, the decision about which to choose can feel difficult. It is important to do the…