Struggling with opioid addiction can have negative effects on not just the individual, but everyone around them. When that addiction turns into an overdose, it’s easy to fear the worst.  There’s a reason people take opioids. With illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl, it tends to have euphoric effects on the person’s hormones. For legal opioids like oxycodone, it might be the pain relief achieved as soon as the drug enters the bloodstream. Both of those effects can be easy to chase. That leads to overdoses, which can be devastating for everyone involved. Understanding the most common sym ..read more

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can cause both short-term impact and long-term health effects for its users. In 2021 alone, around 1.7% of the population over twelve reported using cocaine within the past 12 months. That includes around 1.5% of high school seniors. Around 0.5% of the US population over 12 suffers from a cocaine use disorder.  What is Cocaine? Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from coco leaves. Usually, cocaine is distributed as a white powder. However, it can also be sold in white or off-white “chunks” that look similar to rocks.  Outside its raw form ..read more

Cocaine and crack are undeniably some of the most abused drugs impacting America’s public health system. Recent statistics show about 5.2 million people aged 12 or older reported using cocaine and crack in 2020. These two drugs are chemically identical and carry the same risk of dependency, overdose, and death.  However, though they produce similar impacts, there is a difference in their pricing points, user demographics, and the way they are taken. This blog discusses the similarities and differences between crack and cocaine.  What is Cocaine? Cocaine is a potent, highly addictiv ..read more

Weed and Xanax are common substances that people may choose to abuse. When taken together, they could cause serious health consequences. While both weed and Xanax are legal in the majority of states, they can cause addiction and serious side effects. If people mix these substances regularly, they will likely have a substance abuse disorder. Getting timely treatment in a detox and residential facility is the key to battling addiction and preventing a medical emergency.  What is Marijuana? Marijuana, commonly referred to as weed, combines dried parts of the cannabis plant. This plant cont ..read more

Adderall and Xanax are prescription medications used to treat different conditions and mental health issues. They can be effective when used separately and in limited amounts. However, combining Adderall and Xanax can be extremely dangerous. What is Adderall? Adderall is a prescription medication commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a combination of two stimulant drugs, amphetamines and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is a stimulant medication that helps to increase attention and focus, reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improv ..read more

Suffering from a mental illness like borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be challenging for patients and their loved ones. So can struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects every part of the BPD sufferers life. Connect the two, and the results can be devastating on your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, BPD and alcohol use disorder commonly occur together. The good news: with the proper co occurring disorder treatment, and the right professionals by your side, you can fight them both on your way to a better, healthier life ahead. How are BPD and Alcohol Use Disorder Co ..read more

Alcoholism and bipolar disorder commonly co-occur. There have been multiple proposed explanations for the association between the two, but it’s a poorly understood association. But, a few studies have shown some association between mood disorders and alcohol abuse.   Individuals who abuse alcohol have a higher risk of having bipolar disorder. Among those with bipolar disorder, the effect of alcohol addiction is noticeable. According to a 2013 review, around 45% of individuals with bipolar disorder also struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). How Does Alcoholism Affect Bipolar Dis ..read more

Alcohol use and schizophrenia are co-occurring disorders. People with mental health conditions are likely to choose illicit substances when trying to control their symptoms. As a result, the person faces two health problems, both of which require medical treatment. Alcohol’s ability to mask mental health symptoms turns it into an easily accessible remedy for people with schizophrenia. As a result, schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder go hand in hand. To help a person struggling with both conditions, it’s essential to arrange timely treatment. Some alcohol rehabilitation clinics offer dual ..read more

The relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse plays a significant role in how to treat the dual diagnosis. A person can have PTSD and later partake in alcohol abuse or first suffer from alcohol abuse and then PTSD. Either way, alcohol abuse can worsen PTSD. They are both debilitating to physical and mental health. Is Alcohol Abuse Serious? Alcohol abuse doesn’t necessarily mean addiction. Alcoholism is an alcohol addiction. It is both a physiological disease and a mental health issue, whereas alcohol abuse is a mental health disorder without the disease.&nb ..read more

What is Dual Diagnosis? An estimated 21 million people suffer from substance abuse disorder, while another 8 million suffer from a mental health disorder. A dual condition (or a co-occurring disorder) is when a person suffers from both types of disorders.  A person with a substance use disorder may not even realize that they have a co-existing mental health disorder, making how to treat dual diagnosis patients challenging. Pathways to a Dual Diagnosis Dual diagnosis isn’t a diagnosis in or of itself. It’s the umbrella term for two or more co-occurring diagnoses in someone with a substance ..read more