Has your drinking habit escalated to a point you are no longer comfortable with? If so, it is time to consider checking into an alcohol detox program and get your life back on track. Nearly 7% of American adults struggle with an alcohol use disorder, meaning 15 million people have a drinking problem. Of all abused psychoactive substances, those which cause altered consciousness, alcohol abuse is the most prevalent. The good news is that it is possible to overcome alcoholism and lead a full, healthy life. How Alcohol Abuse Turns Into Alcoholism While true that not everyone who engages in alcoho ..read more

If you (or a loved one) are finally ready to confront an alcohol use disorder, you might wonder what is the first step in an alcoholic’s recovery. Read on to learn all about the detox and withdrawal process. What is Alcohol Use Disorder? Alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to the long-term effects of continued heavy drinking. AUD is diagnosed on a continuum that ranges from mild to severe disease. To determine if someone has an AUD, the NCADD has created an online questionnaire. It includes a list of common signs of AUD that you may recognize in yourself. The more symptoms that are present, the ..read more

Cocaine drip is the presence of a constantly runny nose after using the drug. Cocaine drip can also occur in the back of the throat. To learn more about the adverse effects of cocaine use, read on. Facts About Cocaine Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant. It remains a popular drug due to its powerful euphoric effects. Cocaine causes the nerve activity in the central nervous system to speed up. This leads to a short-lived high that increases energy heightens focus, suppresses appetite, and enhances confidence. As a DEA Schedule II substance, cocaine has a high potenti ..read more

Over the last decade, people have become much more aware of the dangers of addictive medications. Learn about these drugs and the signs of addiction to prescription pills. As grateful as we are for relief from what ails us, the truth is that some medications are very addictive. While drugs can provide pain relief, or help to manage anxiety or other issues, for some people, they are dangerous. Each person has a unique metabolism and genetic make-up. Medications can lead to addiction in some of us, and therefore must be used with care. But some people abuse these prescription drugs in search of ..read more

It may be shocking to learn the many ways that meth affects the body. This potent and destructive substance can wreak havoc on both physical and mental health. Read on to learn more about how meth affects the body. What is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine (meth) is an illicit stimulant drug concocted of amphetamine and a variety of flammable household ingredients. These may include battery acid, drain cleaner, or paint thinner, all products that can cause an altered state of reality. Meth is a potent and dangerous stimulant that can cause profound changes in the brain. Even after a single use ..read more

Notice the Dangers of Alcohol Before it’s Too Late Too much of anything, no matter how much pleasure it brings, can lead to harmful effects. Take anything you might enjoy—eating chocolate, shopping, playing blackjack, even working. Any of these could cause harm if it is overdone. The adverse effects of overindulgence are well known. This can cause obesity, bankruptcy, harm to the body, mental distress and more. The same can be said about alcohol. An occasional drink is not a problem. But if drinking takes on a major role in your life, the effects can be very harmful. Alcoholism is a wides ..read more

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is serious business. The process of detoxing the body from the presence of chemicals and toxins is not for the feint of heart. The active treatment portion of addiction recovery involves layers of multi-modal therapies that require focus, effort, and commitment for a sustained period of weeks or months. Which is why sprinkling in a dose of recreational therapy in the form of sober golf is so welcome to those facing down the rehab process. You remember in the movie, The Shining, Jack Nicholson’s character typed over and over “All work and no play ma ..read more

If you are in early recovery for a drug or alcohol addiction chances are your body has seen better days. In active addiction, most people pay little attention to nutrition and exercise, leading to eventual vitamin deficiencies, a depleted immune system, and a paunchy physique as time and energy was diverted toward acquiring, using, and recovery from the drug of choice. Once the mind clears in sobriety and you begin to focus on the consequences of the addiction, you may be startled at the poor state of your physical health. Thankfully, the body is resilient and, with some consistency and dedica ..read more

Alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, alcohol dependency—with so many terms referencing an alcohol use disorder it may make the actual definition of alcoholism seem murky and confusing.  In reality, alcoholism is a complex substance use disorder with various features that help define the severity of the problem, or whether the alcohol use, although excessive, even reaches the clinical definition of the disease. According to the definition of alcoholism by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, alcoholism is: Continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks a.  Chronic, progressive, po ..read more

As wonderful as it may seem to spend a week relaxing at a luxury detox center, especially one that is located in a gorgeous, tranquil setting, the hard reality is that detox serves a serious, and potentially life-saving, purpose.  The high-end trappings do indeed make the detox mission more comfortable, for sure. Private rooms, a variety of amenities, and plenty of oversight and personal attention can make the detoxification process at least palatable.  But most important, the upscale detox center will provide the supervision and care that will safely guide you through the detox and ..read more