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Many people have heard of the 12 Step program. Yet many do not really know what the basic program is or how it works, what the 12 steps are, the role of a sponsor, or the importance the program has in addiction recovery. The Beginning of the 12 Step Program The 12...

When a person is using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended by the doctor that prescribed them, that person may be addicted to the drug. Addiction to a prescribed medication occurs when an individual's brain is affected by the drug, causing a change in...

For many people in recovery from a substance abuse addiction, meditation is an important part of their daily routine. Yet sometimes meditating begins to feel like another daily task to complete. You do it, check it off your list of things to do, and continue on with...

Although addiction to drugs or alcohol can happen to anyone, substance abuse is a significant issue for many military veterans. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 7 percent of U.S. veterans suffer from...

As you progress in your recovery, you may find yourself in a stressful situation feeling anxious and worried. Sometimes the stress is caused by something psychological, such as constantly worrying about losing a job or a family problem. Other times the cause of the...

One of the most commonly used opioid narcotics worldwide, codeine has been used for centuries by people to manage their chronic pain. The effects of this analgesic are relatively short-acting, generally lasting only a few hours. Although codeine was available in many...

Have you ever taken a walk in the woods, hiked a mountain trail, or sat on a beach watching the waves roll onto the shore? If you have, you may have felt a sense of calm and peace enveloping you. Spending time in nature is a pleasurable activity that provides a sense...

Both opioid and alcohol dependence are brain diseases that are chronic and relapsing. They affect the brain’s structure, especially the rewards pathways. The effects can be devastating both physically and psychologically. According to Drugs.com, in 2006 a drug called...

Mixing alcohol and opiates, whether legal or illicit, is very dangerous. In fact, the combination could even be deadly. Opiates: A Brief Overview Originally derived from the poppy plant, opiates have been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of...

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, also known as DBT, encourages people to examine their opinions, thoughts, and reactions. This type of therapy works towards achieving a balance between acceptance and change, empowering people with substance use disorders towards the...