Although there have been decades of treatments focused on total abstinence and countless success stories of addicts maintaining complete abstinence, some people believe that the method is too extreme. They believe that you can beat addiction while continuing use in moderation. However tempting the idea may be, there are many reasons why total abstinence is
Once your loved one has successfully become clean and abstinent from the substance that previously ruled them, you may expect the future to improve. Your loved one has completed an important first step on the journey to recovery and sustained abstinence, but the fight is not over yet. After detoxification, emotions will be very raw,
Addiction can affect anyone, and it often comes in various forms and degrees. Although recovery may seem an impossible goal miles away, you can fight addiction and you can win. Everyone does some sort of activity in excess. They key is being able to break through the obstacles and old patterns with diligence, smart choices,
Cocaine addiction is extremely dangerous and addictive. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It increases the dopamine production in your brain, which is the neurotransmitter that manages the feeling of pleasure. Regular use of cocaine causes cravings and eventually addiction. The drug is one of the most addictive stimulants available
Addiction can cause problems in all aspects of the addict’s life—at work, school, home, and especially with family members. An addiction can drain addicts’ relatives of money, energy, and time. At some point, the addict could lose their home due to consequences of drug or alcohol abuse, and end up homeless. So how can you
Drug-related offenses can have a negative effect on an addict’s future in a number of ways. In addition to drug addiction causing serious health problems, it can cause many legal ramifications as well. First of all, remember that criminal records follow you and can cause various barriers to those wishing to live a normal
Dealing with an alcohol addiction is difficult, and is perpetuated by negative emotions and experiences. However, the disease is treatable, and the first step to recovery is simple, albeit often hard to face. The first step in 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, is admitting there is a problem. Honestly admitting that you’ve become powerless
Being in a relationship with an addict can cause a lot of pain. Watching someone you love struggle with addiction—without being able to help—is an awful thing to witness. Sometimes, the only option in sight is to leave them, despite feelings of not being able to move on. There are things you must know in
Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine that affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety. When used properly, it can treat anxiety and panic disorders, as well as anxiety caused by depression, however some people abuse the medication by most commonly chewing or snorting it. We’ll explore how and why
The term “tolerance” in reference to drug use describes an adaptation by the brain to the continued presence of a drug in which higher doses of the drug are required to obtain the effect of the initial dose. It is said marijuana users can develop a tolerance after using over a length of time, and
