Smoking marijuana comes with some side effects. One common issue many users experience is a sore throat after smoking weed. Understand the reasons behind this discomfort and learn ways to help soothe a sore throat on the way to your recovery from using and/or abusing marijuana. Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana: Why Does It Cause a Sore Throat?  The side effects of smoking marijuana are well-documented and can range from dry mouth and red eyes to more severe issues like respiratory problems. A sore throat is a prevalent complaint among smokers, and several factors contribute to this disco ..read more

Alcohol is known for its myriad effects on the body, including its impact on our vision. One question that often arises is: does alcohol make your pupils small? To answer this, we need to delve into the physiological mechanisms at play when we consume alcohol and understand how it affects our eyes, specifically our pupils.  Alcohol and the Nervous System  Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. When consumed, it slows down brain function and neural activity. The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and pupil size ..read more

What is Nicotine? Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the tobacco plant. It is the primary psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Despite its infamous reputation due to the harmful effects of smoking, nicotine is a fascinating and complex compound. It significantly impacts the brain and body, influencing mood, cognition, and behavior. Nicotine is highly addictive. Its addictive potential is comparable to that of other major drugs of abuse, including cocaine and heroin. The rapid delivery of nicotine to the brain when smoking ..read more

Harm reduction is a public health strategy aimed at minimizing the negative consequences associated with various high-risk behaviors, particularly drug use. Instead of insisting on complete abstinence, harm reduction focuses on reducing harm through pragmatic and compassionate measures. This approach acknowledges that eliminating risky behaviors might be ideal but is not always feasible. Therefore, it seeks to offer realistic solutions that improve the well-being and safety of individuals engaging in such behaviors.  The Harm Reduction Model  The harm reduction model was founded on t ..read more

An overthinker habitually dwells on thoughts, ideas and problems to an excessive degree. This tendency to overanalyze and scrutinize every detail can consume an overthinker’s mind, often leading to paralysis by analysis. Instead of taking action or making decisions, overthinkers may find themselves trapped in a loop of persistent questioning and self-doubt. This behavior is more than being thorough or reflective; it’s a compulsive need to dissect and ruminate over situations, which can hinder everyday functioning. The Overthinking Personality   An overthinking personality is characte ..read more

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences. In this blog, we’ll examine whether individuals suffering from AUD can go days without drinking, as well as the nature of the disorder, challenges associated with withdrawal, and the journey toward recovery. Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism First, let’s identify signs of an individual struggling with AUD. The symptoms of AUD can be both physical and psychological, often progressing as the disorder worsens. Key signs and symp ..read more

As we age, our bodies undergo many visible and invisible changes. Excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate the aging process. Understanding the relationship between alcohol and aging can help you make informed choices about drinking and maintaining your overall health.  Skin-Deep Aging Effects of Alcohol   One of the most noticeable impacts of alcohol on aging is its effect on the skin. The skin is our largest organ, and it is often the first place signs of aging appear. Excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate these signs, leading to premature aging.  Dehydration ..read more

Recovery from addiction is an ongoing process with no set timeline, full of challenges and setbacks. To maintain sobriety and achieve long-term success, individuals in recovery must develop the tools to avoid relapse. Relapse can occur when people are exposed to certain triggers that reignite the urge to use substances. Individuals can better manage their recovery by identifying these triggers and implementing effective relapse-prevention strategies. What Triggers Relapse? Relapse triggers vary from person to person, but they commonly fall into several categories. Recognizing triggers is the f ..read more

In recovery, setting goals provides direction, motivation and a sense of accomplishment as you progress. By setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) goals, you can create a structured path toward a healthier, sober life. This blog will discuss the importance of setting recovery goals, examples of goals for addiction recovery and ways to incorporate healthy lifestyle goals into your plan. The Importance of Setting Recovery Goals Establishing clear goals in addiction recovery is helpful for several reasons: 1. Direction: Goals give you a clear path to follow, hel ..read more

As human beings, we like experiencing happiness, joy, and all those emotions that come in tandem with feeling good. We seek things that elicit those feelings and pursue those rushes of dopamine, like a perfectly seasoned meal, a hearty laugh with friends, or a real state of zen. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with this (it’s unavoidably hardwired in us as humans), there are ways we can pursue these highs that do more harm than good – namely, substance use. In order to keep our lives oriented towards wellness, it’s important to pursue those natural highs in ways that are healthy an ..read more