Fentanyl is one of the most powerful synthetic opioids in existence. Originally manufactured for use as a painkiller, fentanyl quickly made its way into the street market, increasing the risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. The intense potency of fentanyl makes it especially dangerous. If you or someone you know has become hooked on fentanyl…
Cigarettes are available in grocery stores, gas stations, and bodegas all across the US and yet nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet. It’s as addictive as cocaine and heroin and typically even harder to quit than both of those drugs. Fortunately, nicotine and tobacco addiction treatment is a safe and…
The numbers of drug overdose deaths go up every year. There are countless organizations and programs, both government and private, devoted to stemming the tide of addiction, and though some years see a shallower growth curve than others, the lines on the addiction and overdose graphs are still treading upward. Recent overdose death numbers for…
Opioid addiction is a crisis for those with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their families. In the United States, the opioid epidemic is a crisis because of the terrible toll it takes on human beings, society, the economy, and so much more. Although heroin and other opiates have been around for hundreds of years, the…
Since people first discovered the euphoric effects of opium, derived from a species of poppy, opiates have been used both medicinally and recreationally. From opium comes morphine, codeine, and heroin. Other drugs that mimic opiates but are even more potent include oxycodone and fentanyl. These are synthesized in laboratories and referred to as opioids, which…
How do you decide what kind of addiction treatment is best for you? Practical considerations such as cost, insurance coverage, and location are key. However, the choice between inpatient and outpatient may be the most important. In some cases, there is no decision to be made. For people with life-threatening illnesses or infections or who…
Many drugs now sold illegally for recreational use were originally used for other purposes. From religious rites to medical applications, substances derived from the coca plant have been used by humans for centuries. Cocaine addiction accounts for about one out of 10 people in rehab, and yet most people suffering from cocaine addiction don’t receive…
Alcohol has been in use by societies as far back as the dawn of civilization. Fermented plant matter for medicine, religious rituals, nutrition, and enjoyment has been around for 9,000 years, recorded in Mesopotamia, the Indian subcontinent, China, and the Middle East. As we know, alcohol dependence can easily result from regular use, and dependence…
Faith-centered addiction treatment combines spiritual practice with evidence-based treatment. Faith-based practices can help you use your commitment to religion and spirituality to support your recovery. If you have a background in Christianity, are deeply religious, or feel comforted by the practice of Christian faith, a recovery community based on Christian principles will likely help you…
The opioid crisis reached critical proportions in the 1990s with the extensive distribution of Oxy by physicians misled by false claims that it was non-addictive. The prevalence of synthetic opioids such as oxycodone or fentanyl has not pushed out the high incidence of heroin and morphine use. These drugs are opiates derived from the opium…