US authorities are playing a constant game of whack-a-mole with drug traffickers. As they crack down on one drug, another pops up to take its place as authorities’ attention is diverted. Some of these new drugs can have weird and even terrifying effects.   Rainbow fentanyl was one example; the zombie drug Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer that is mixed with fentanyl, is another. It’s called the zombie drug because one of its side effects is that the user’s skin rots off. It’s increasingly being found in the supply of opioids like heroin and fentanyl.  In this article, we’ll ..read more

Twelve-step programs certainly work, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re looking for a California recovery group that’s an alternative to 12-step programs, read on to learn more. What Is a Recovery Group? A recovery group, often referred to as a recovery support group, is a gathering of individuals who share the goal of overcoming addiction or managing a specific issue, such as substance abuse, mental health disorders, or behavioral problems. These groups provide a supportive environment where members can share experiences, offer mutual support, and employ specific strategies to help mai ..read more

Addiction can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their cultural background. Native Americans may face unique challenges that contribute to higher rates of addiction, including historical trauma, socioeconomic disparities, lack of access to healthcare, and cultural factors.  South Coast Behavioral Health is here to help. Our specialty addiction treatment programs for Native communities are a great way to turn things around and start living a healthy and happy life.  Why Is Addiction in Indigenous Communities Such a Problem? Addiction in indigenous communities exceed ..read more

One of the main questions people have when considering treatment is how long is alcohol rehab. Rehab for alcohol use disorder can take anywhere from one to three months. Exactly how long it will take for you will depend on a couple of factors. This article will explain in more detail what you need to know about alcohol detox and recovery.  What Is Alcohol Rehab and How Does It Help? Alcohol rehab is the treatment of alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism. The main objective is to help people detox from alcohol and stop using it going forward. It’s typically administered by docto ..read more

Addiction in Native American communities has been a problem for a long time. Estimates suggest of the 5.6 million Native Americans living in the United States, 10% suffer from addiction. For those who seek Native American addiction treatment in Orange County, CA read on. Native American Addiction Statistics: What Are the Facts? Substance abuse and addiction are significant issues within Native American communities. They experience higher rates of substance abuse compared to other demographic groups in the United States. These concerns encompass a variety of substances. The most notable being ..read more

What Is Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment? Gender-specific treatment programs are programs designed to address the unique needs, experiences, and concerns of individuals based on their gender. This approach to addiction treatment acknowledges the differences in how men and women experience addiction, including biological, psychological, and social factors. Gendered treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is better suited to these specific needs. Our recovery center offers evidence-based and holistic treatments for women and men so everyone can reach sobriety in a safe and comfortable space ..read more

One of the biggest risks to taking street drugs is contamination – you just don’t know what you’re taking. This was the case a decade ago when fentanyl infiltrated the heroin supply. Now, authorities are warning fentanyl itself is being contaminated with xylazine. Known on the street as the “zombie drug,” this drug can cause some extremely nasty side effects – including rotting flesh known as xylazine wounds. If you or someone you know is using Xylazine, an addiction treatment center can help. Read on to learn more. What Is Xylazine? Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer drug. It’s use is for t ..read more

If alcohol is a depressant, why does it give you a “buzz?” In this article, we’ll explore the question “Is alcohol a stimulant?” Read on to learn more. Stimulants vs Depressants: What’s the Difference? Before we can properly answer the question “Is alcohol a stimulant or a depressant,” we need to define what stimulants and depressants are. Stimulants and depressants are two broad categories of drugs that have opposing effects on the body’s central nervous system (CNS). Let’s take each one in turn. Stimulants, as the name suggests, stimulate the brain and body chemistry. They increase levels ..read more

Treating addiction and mental health issues starts with the latest and greatest evidence-based therapies. At South Coast Behavioral Health, we offer dialectical behavior therapy near Los Angeles at our treatment centers in Orange County, CA. If you’re ready to turn your life around, learn more about DBT and how it can help below! What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a clinical psychology modality focused on the effective treatment of personality disorders and other mental health disorders. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, came from cognitive behavi ..read more

While standard treatments for addiction can help heal the body, they sometimes can ignore another crucial aspect of wellness; the soul. That’s where things like meditation in Orange County, CA come in. In this article, we’ll explain the advantages of adding meditation to your treatment program in California. What Is a Holistic Approach to Treatment? A holistic approach to treatment refers to comprehensive care strategies that consider the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Rather than focusing solely on alleviating symptoms, holistic treatment aims to address the underlying causes of the c ..read more