Alcohol Use Disorder, more commonly known as alcoholism, is a widespread problem nationwide. In fact, as of 2021, more than 11% of adults in the U.S. struggled with alcoholism.  A necessary step in addressing any problem is acknowledging it. Many alcoholics, however, may not be aware that they struggle with addiction. Able to carry on with their daily lives in what seems to them to be a competent way, they may not feel that their alcohol use is a problem.  In this blog, we explore what it means to be a functioning alcoholic, along with five common signs. If this sounds familiar, co ..read more

Did you know that almost half of all kids in the U.S. go through challenging experiences that affect their mental and emotional health later? It’s true. According to the National Institute of Children’s Health Quality, around 34.8 million kids—almost half of all American children—face trauma while they’re growing up. These tough experiences can affect how kids feel and can sometimes lead to problems like addiction into adulthood. At Alpine Recovery Lodge, we know how important it is to understand how trauma in childhood can lead to addiction. In this blog, we discuss how early experiences ca ..read more

Substance use disorder and mental health conditions are complex, interconnected challenges affecting millions worldwide yearly. Addressing these issues often requires a multi-faceted approach, and one of the most effective treatment options is behavioral therapy. If you or a loved one is living with an alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, or mental health condition that requires immediate treatment, we are here to help with personalized treatment options tailored to your unique health and wellness needs. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at behavioral therapy, the various ..read more

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 18.5% of all emergency room visits nationally involve alcohol. Alcohol poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition that arises from excessive alcohol consumption and is a leading cause of alcohol-related emergencies. If you or a loved one are living with alcohol use disorder or consume excessive amounts of alcohol often, understanding the signs of alcohol poisoning is crucial for timely intervention that could be the difference between life and death. This blog post will take a closer look at alcohol poisonin ..read more

THC edibles are often sweet food products or treats (e.g., cookies, brownies, gummies, chews, beverages, drink mixes, or cooking oils) that contain cannabis and the psychoactive component of marijuana. Edibles can be homemade or prepared commercially for dispensaries. While these products may taste sweet and harmless and cause temporary euphoria, they can lead to a serious cannabis use disorder. What Is THC? Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant. It is a naturally occurring compound that makes people feel euphoric when consumed and is why many individual ..read more

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become an all-too-familiar companion for many individuals. Stress can affect our mental and physical well-being, whether due to work pressures, relationship difficulties, financial struggles, or other life challenges. When stress becomes overwhelming, some individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism in an attempt to alleviate their stress. If you or a loved one is dealing with stress and drug use, you’re not alone; we are here to help. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between stress and drug use, shedding li ..read more

Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. Like other substances, it can cause severe health issues, including wet brain. Wet brain is a serious condition that can devastate individuals who consume excessive alcohol. It is important to recognize the symptoms of wet brain and seek medical attention promptly if you or someone you know is experiencing new or worsening signs of this condition. The good news is that treatment is available for wet brain, and we are here to help guide you through it. Our experienced alcohol addiction experts can assist with your long ..read more

Addiction is a challenging issue to overcome. For many, traditional treatments may not always work to achieve long-term sobriety goals. That’s where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy comes in. This alternative treatment is effective in treating addiction.  If you or a loved one is struggling to overcome addiction, our team at Alpine Recovery Lodge specializes in creating personalized treatment plans that meet your specific health, wellness, and sobriety needs — EMDR included.  In this article, we will discuss how EMDR therapy works and how it can help indi ..read more

Gabapentin is a common prescription medication used to treat various conditions, including seizures, restless leg syndrome, and unrelenting nerve pain. Recently, gabapentin abuse has been on the rise, leading to long-term adverse health issues and even death. While most people begin using gabapentin as a prescribed medication for a particular health condition, it can quickly lead to addiction. Those who try to quit often experience severe gabapentin withdrawal symptoms. The good news is that detoxification from gabapentin is possible without extreme side effects. If you or a loved one was pr ..read more

Considered a schedule II drug, cocaine is a highly addictive illegal substance that leads to nearly 1.3 million Americans being diagnosed with cocaine use disorder. Classified as a stimulant, cocaine causes short bursts of elation immediately after use. While the highs are short-lived, cocaine can stay in your system for days to months, depending on the testing method, the amount ingested, and your body’s metabolic reduction of the substance. Even if you or a loved one has stopped using cocaine, it can appear in your system long after your last use, affecting aspects of your life such as wor ..read more