Joey F. Testimonial for Design for Recovery Before moving to Los Angeles, Joey’s life was unmanageable, and he found himself struggling with depression and unhappiness, despite not being an inherently depressed person. His addiction to oxycontin, consuming anywhere from 200 to 500 milligrams a day, had taken a toll on his mental health and financial well-being. Realizing he needed help, Joey made the life-changing decision to come to LA for treatment. Initially, Joey was unsure if Design for Recovery was the right fit for him. However, within a week or two, it became clear that the structure ..read more

Design for Recovery 1Design for Recovery 2 As a proud Native American Arapaho from Oklahoma, my journey to sobriety began on November 12th, 2018, when I took the courageous step of acknowledging my struggles and embracing the challenge of recovery at Design for Recovery. Little did I know that this decision would not only lead me to a life free from addiction but also to a transformative experience that would reshape my identity and sense of belonging. From the moment I stepped through the doors of Design for Recovery, I was met with a welcoming and supportive environment that made the difficu ..read more

If you are recovering from addiction, you may be wondering what to do with your free time. What do you do for fun when sober? How do you fill your free time and stay motivated throughout recovery? Living sober can be challenging, especially if you are used to spending time with friends who drink or use drugs. In the journey of sober living, it’s important to find activities that bring joy and fulfillment while supporting your commitment to maintaining sobriety. Engaging in hobbies can be a wonderful way to cultivate new interests, discover hidden talents, and create a fulfilling life free fr ..read more

Ayahuasca is a traditional brew from the Amazon derived from the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria Viridis bush. In South American countries, it has been used by native shamans for religious rituals, healing, and contacting spirits. Some Brazilian churches use it for spiritual reasons; in Europe and North America, it’s also taken for healing. Nowadays, people travel to different countries and use Ayahuasca to enlighten their senses. While reports claim that it benefits a person’s well-being, it still has potential risks that may affect physical and mental health. Wha ..read more

Since ancient times, indigenous cultures in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States have used peyote in religious rites, using mescaline extracted from peyote or synthesized for ritual usage. It isn’t easy to use mescaline as a recreational drug because of the scarcity of Peyotes. However, some hallucinogens are often mislabeled as mescaline to entice users—the effects of mescaline range from euphoria and distorted reality to feelings of peace and a sense of superiority.  Understanding mescaline abuse and addiction is critical for establishing effective prevention and treatme ..read more

Ketamine is an effective anesthetic; however, it has gained popularity due to its high potential for abuse. Individuals are drawn to its unique hallucinogenic effects. The medical use of Ketamine has been established since the 1970s, but the illicit use of the drug, especially at parties, has gained attention over the past years. Understanding how people become addicted to this drug helps in the journey to achieve a substance-free life. What Is Ketamine? Ketamine is a medically approved drug used as a general anesthetic, first introduced in the 1960s. It is an injectable used legally for peo ..read more

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an illegal drug that affects the chemical functions of the brain. People use it for its calming effects or as a party drug since it can enhance confidence and socialization skills. There are also reports that GHB can help lose weight and gain muscle, and it has also been known as a date rape drug. GHB also poses higher risks when mixed with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids. Overdose can result in seizures, coma, or even death. Learning more about the effects of GHB and the treatment options for those struggling with addiction can help individual ..read more

Phencyclidine, also known as PCP, was initially used as an intravenous anesthetic. Nowadays, it has been used as a potent hallucinogen with addictive qualities. Investigating the addictive characteristics of PCP, including its potential for abuse and associated hazards, can give insights into the struggle for abuse and its effective treatment. What Is PCP (Phencyclidine)? Definition of PCP Phencyclidine, or PCP, is an illegal substance classified as a hallucinogen. It alters the mind’s perception and makes you see, hear, and feel things that aren’t real. PCP is usually a white powder that ..read more

DMT, or N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a powerful psychedelic drug noted for its distinct effects on perception and consciousness. While not prone to traditional addiction or misuse, its intensity merits investigation. Exploring the qualities and effects of DMT, as well as addiction considerations, helps people understand the potential effects on mental health. What Is DMT? DMT, or N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a potent chemical that can cause you to see and feel things that aren’t real. It is derived from several plants and animals and has been utilized in religious rites for many years. Some So ..read more

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a potent hallucinogenic drug accidentally developed by Albert Hoffman in 1938 during trials with ergots, a fungal disease of rye and other crops. The FDA does not approve it for any specific use. The worry about LSD centers on its strong hallucinogenic effects. The individual using LSD may see, hear, and feel things that are not real. In the U.S., it’s classified as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and has no approved medical use. Examining the effects of LSD on the brain and behavior is critical in developing a better un ..read more