Doctor shopping is a growing problem in the United States. It is a fairly common, yet illegal way for addicts to get prescription drugs for use that is not related to medical injury or pain. Doctor shopping is when an addict decides to visit several different doctors or facilities for the same medication. From there, they usually fill the prescriptions at…
The desire to be accepted and fit in stays with us throughout our lives. It’s in our nature; humans don’t like to be alone. No matter what age you are, there are going to be people in your life who will lift you up and some who will try to bring you down. Here’s how to find and deal with both…
Suggestions that a man should exercise his willpower have fallen out of favor as society trends more toward encouraging people to satisfy their instincts and desires immediately rather than to wait for a more opportune time to do so. Willpower requires a man to exercise his judgment and to forego immediate benefits in favor of greater long-term gains. We have all…
Kratom is a herb found in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the coffee family and has caught the attention of researchers in America who are hopeful of using this herb to help drug addicts kick the habit without the accompanying side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Kratom is an analgesic mood uplifter, and can be used as an alternative to…
Alcoholics and drug addicts can be the best resource to help other addicts to overcome their problems. Experience is a great teacher. No one would wish an addiction experience on another person. People who have experienced drug and alcohol addictions are best suited to understand the highs and lows of a substance addiction, the stresses and problems that accompany recovery.An addict…
The journey may be as important as the destination, but neither is achievable if you do not first establish a sense of where you want to go. In business and in life, you will more likely achieve success and satisfaction if you set both short- and long-term goals. The same holds true for addiction and recovery. Setting goals and resolutions in…
Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast,To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.When William Cosgrove penned these lines in 1697 to open his poem The Mourning Bride, he may have sensed that music has powers beyond alleviating savagery, softening rocks, and bending large trees. Drug addiction therapists and counselors have expanded Cosgrove’s observations to turn music into a tool…
At some point in man’s evolution and history, dopamine played a key role in assuring the survival of the species. When early man experienced something that we now recognize as pleasurable, his brain would release the dopamine neurotransmitter, which would then course through his body and create sensations of pleasure. Dopamine would be released when early man ate something that he…
What is mindfulness therapy? The 11th step in every 12-step addiction recovery program asks a recovering addict to meditate and engage in mindfulness. This is in order to gain an understanding of the plan that a higher power has established for the addict’s life. Addicts who do not believe in or acknowledge God’s existence or the presence of any higher power…
It is often said that holding on to hatred is like drinking poison in the hopes that another person will die. We see examples of people letting go of hatred and offering forgiveness throughout history, including Pope John Paul II’s forgiving his would-be assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca after Agca shot and nearly killed the Pope in 1981. Still, conquering our anger…
A growing libertarian mindset in the United States is contributing to a greater acceptance of recreational drug use. That mindset, however, also ignores the danger created by certain recreational drugs and the personal and societal problems that can result from recreational drug use. Your political views and your opinions of how the country’s criminal justice system treats users and dealers of…
Rehab for addiction is a choice, a decision to put one’s health and life first over an addiction. This does not make it any easier of a choice, however, as substance abuse is difficult to break away from and some people may be in denial about the need for treatment. A casual drinker who is in control of what, when and…
Step 10 of the 12-step program focuses on taking personal inventory and, where needed, admitting wrongdoing. The first nine steps of the process prepare the way for step 10 and beyond. Building on this pattern of life is important for maintaining sobriety for the long haul. Taking Inventory Self-evaluation is an important part of recovery. A daily examen, or inventory, of…
Recovery begins with a decision to stop destructive behaviors and begin a new life, one without drugs or alcohol. The holiday rush is here and with that come parties, social events and gatherings which may trigger a desire to relapse. Giving back to others while coping with personal challenges in recovery might feel difficult but can have a positive impact and…
I don’t remember ever feeling completely comfortable in my own skin until I took my first drink. It was as if the world went from black-and-white to Technicolor the second it hit my lips and I immediately decided that I was going to do that again as often as possible. My disease progressed as I began trying every substance that crossed…
Cooler weather typically keeps everyone indoors, away from nature and other people. Depending on the climate, some adjust knowing this is the norm and others who enjoy warmer, sunnier days tend to shy away from spending time outside and become less active. Long, dark days can be difficult to endure with some people experiencing a shift in mood and emotions known…
When heroin finally leaves the body, mere hours later, withdrawal symptoms can begin. Intense cravings will develop, leading to a very uncomfortable process both psychologically and physiologically. Duration of use tends to affect the tolerance to heroin and the amount of it used. As these levels increase, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms will be. Detox Flu-like symptoms are common in…
Anyone can experience cocaine withdrawals; it doesn’t matter if you’ve used it once or a hundred times. When you introduce cocaine to your system, the drug stimulates the brain excessively, releasing extreme amounts of dopamine, causing the euphoric feeling of being high. When the drug is no longer stimulating the brain and has left the system, the enormous drop in dopamine…
Those individuals who have never tried heroin before or know someone with a heroin addiction might find themselves wondering, “what does heroin feel like?” It’s because of the feeling that it produces that heroin is such a dangerously addictive drug. Most people who take it describe it as feeling a euphoric high. However, there’s more to it than just that. What…
Making amends may sound easy, but listing people harmed then following up with amends (in action or words) is one of the more challenging aspects of recovery. The very act of making amends requires thoughtful introspection about the reality of addiction and the true cost exacted on family, friends and oneself. True growth in recovery comes from admitting wrongs done and…
The holidays are a challenging time for people in recovery. Family obligations and stress arise, resentments and disappointments might feel heavier during this season and some people wait until after the holidays to seek treatment or help. It is always a good time to ask for help. Seeking Treatment November and December are perfect months to seek treatment for drug or…