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How Addiction Impairs the Brain’s Reward Center
One of the largest misconceptions about addiction is that it is a choice. While addiction may develop from the initial decision to use substances, it takes over vital brain regions responsible for motivating individuals to carry out specific tasks and responsibilities. Nearly all brain areas
Environmental Factors That Contribute to Substance Use
Although addiction affects everyone differently, several unique risk factors can contribute to the development of substance use and addiction in a person’s life. These risk factors are formidable and relevant elements that increase their chance of using and misusing drugs. In general, the three most
What to Expect From Detox
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach To effectively treat substance use conditions such as addiction, treatment must begin with detoxification. Detoxification, more commonly referred to as detox, is the experience of being medically supervised and guided when weaning or withdrawing from alcohol
Leading Treatments for Depression
Depression is often a crippling condition. It is a severe but common mood disorder that can affect how a person thinks and feels and especially an individual’s ability to carry out everyday responsibilities. Depression often co-occurs with substance use disorders (SUDs), such as addiction, as
Why Is Faith Important in Recovery?
Faith is often deemed a key component in the treatment and recovery process. Nearly 73% of treatment centers across the United States offer some sort of spirituality-based element in their programs. They recognize the contribution of faith in helping people overcome their substance use and
How Can I Manage My Life During Treatment?
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach Substance use and addiction can result in intense consequences such as interpersonal relationship problems, financial instability, career issues and legal problems, among other things. After these consequences become clear, you may find yourself pulling your life
Creating a Crisis Plan in Addiction Recovery
Since recovery is a lifelong journey, there will inevitably be bumps in the road. These bumps are not only exclusive to the initial phases of recovery as they can pop out of seemingly nowhere years down the road. Unexpected adversity can put your sobriety in
Do I Need Medication to Manage My Mental Health?
Having a mental health disorder, and seeking and receiving treatment for it, is challenging for anyone that experiences it. However, the stigmas associated with those who struggle with mental health and need treatment act as barriers that only make recovery seem even more difficult. If
Staying Sober This Summer Season
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach With COVID-19 restrictions dropping, social activities are increasing. Summer is also quickly approaching, and social drinking and partying opportunities will be plentiful. For individuals in recovery, this combination of factors can be overwhelming. Although everyone in