Can you spot the signs of an overdose? With the drug crisis ongoing and the need for opioid addiction treatment at an all-time high, knowing the signs could be the difference between life and death. It could be the reason you or someone nearby administers a naloxone kit. Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms of an overdose—all it takes is one knowledgeable person to make a difference. What Is a Drug Overdose? An overdose can occur when a person consumes more of an illicit drug or a combination of multiple substances than their body can safely handle, leading to potentially fatal consequ ..read more

Suboxone vs. methadone treatment—which is best for opiate addiction? Both are FDA-approved medications with similarities in how they help manage opioid-related withdrawal symptoms. Yet they also have major differences, meaning the suboxone vs. methadone choice can be quite important for users and prescribers. Keep reading for an in-depth methadone vs. suboxone comparison. Opioid Agonists vs. Antagonists Methadone is administered to treat both severe or chronic pain and substance abuse. It is usually prescribed for treating opioid addiction, or in situations when patients with chronic pain have ..read more

The urgent need for opioid detox and treatment remains high in Canada as the ongoing crisis shows no signs of slowing down. Further exacerbating the issue is the emergence of xylazine, a powerful sedative with no known antidote. But what is xylazine, and where does it come from? In this article, we’ll dive deep into this hazardous substance—commonly known as “tranq” or the “zombie drug”—and discuss outcomes for those with xylazine addiction. An Overview of Xylazine Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative with powerful muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effects. Typically used on larger animals such ..read more

You might be wondering how to detox drugs at home. Well, the answer is that you shouldn’t—drug detoxing should always be done under the supervision of trained medical professionals. While the idea of detoxing at home might seem like a convenient and discreet option, it is a perilous decision that can have dire consequences for those seeking to break free from addiction. The dangers of attempting a home detox are manifold, ranging from physical health risks to the potential for relapse, and they underscore the critical importance of medically assisted drug detox. In this article, we’ll explore ..read more

Some substance abuse treatments require the use of synthetic medication to reduce the pain or cravings that often come with their withdrawal symptoms. For instance, those with opioid addiction can benefit from medication-assisted treatment. Methadone is a synthetic drug often given by doctors to help alleviate extreme pain and other challenging symptoms of opioid abuse withdrawal. It is often taken as a replacement for drugs, but produces none of the addictive effects. However, methadone should not be taken lightly. This article will explore the pros and cons of methadone treatment to help inf ..read more

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to drug abuse. Therapy and medicine are often parts of successful addiction treatment plans, but not everyone responds well to these methods. Enter harm reduction. Drug abuse can be reduced through harm reduction. It focuses on decreasing the risks and harms associated with drug use rather than trying to stop the use of drugs altogether (abstinence). As a result, this approach is often more successful in helping people reduce their drug use and improving their well-being. Continue reading to learn more about how harm reduction can empower those with drug a ..read more

Recovering from addiction is never easy. At times, it can feel like a constant uphill battle. This is why addiction relapse is considered a chronic condition. Even if you think you have overcome your battles successfully and have rid yourself of drug or alcohol addiction, there’s always the possibility of you reverting to your old, harmful habits. This is why safe and longer-term addiction treatment with professionals is necessary. It helps reduce the chances of drug abuse or other forms of substance abuse to come back. The chances of drug and alcohol addiction relapse vary. According to rehab ..read more

High-quality sleep keeps you physically and mentally healthy. Getting a good night’s rest is refreshing, helps you think more clearly, and improves your mood. However, if you or someone you know has ever struggled with drug addiction, then you’ve experienced or seen first-hand how it affects sleep quality. Those living with substance use disorder also often find themselves suffering from insomnia. But how exactly do drugs affect sleep? How can you start your recovery? This blog is here to answer these questions and more. What Kinds of Drugs Affect Sleep? Based on research from the National Cen ..read more

Methadone is a synthetic analgesic used to replace other drugs such as fentanyl and heroin to avoid a harmful relapse. It’s often used as part of a harm reduction plan and can be quite effective when used as prescribed.  However, users can easily become addicted to methadone due to its pain-relieving effects. When this happens, methadone withdrawal symptoms may be more difficult to manage, hence the need for methadone detox treatment.  Keep reading to learn more about methadone, opioid withdrawal, and how you can support those you love on their journey toward recovery.  What Is ..read more

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid—more people than ever are seeking detox treatment to fight its addictive properties.  But what is rainbow fentanyl? This new and colourful variation of the drug is said to target young people and children, often coming in the form of pills or powder. Unfortunately, it is just as addictive and deadly as its less colourful sibling. There’s no way around it: fentanyl is here to stay and will continue to harm those who use it. Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, so keep reading this article to get the inf ..read more