Perhaps the most well-known form of addiction and mental health treatment is the 12 step program. However, many people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction don’t really understand what 12 step programs are really about before they begin recovery. Often, individuals have or are exposed to many conflicting views and opinions. It may seem that…
Since 1989, September has been recognized as National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month. The theme this year, “Recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, every community,” reminds us that substance use disorders and mental health disorders have far-reaching impacts. It also reminds those in all stages of recovery and the friends and family that…
Addiction is a complex disease that has a history rooted in stigma. Historically addiction has been viewed as a moral failing of people who actively chose to relinquish self-control. Thankfully, modern science and medical research have proven that addiction is a chronic, progressive brain disease, which has helped to alleviate much of the stigma previously…
By general definition, relapse means to fall or slip back into a former state. Regarding addiction, relapse is a return to drug or alcohol use following a period of abstinence. For mental health, a relapse is the return of symptoms to the degree that functioning is impaired. Relapse is always within the bounds of possibility…
The 12-step recovery model was initially developed and implemented by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a fellowship whose goal was to help one another overcome addiction to alcohol. Since its inception, the 12-step model has become universally known and is the most commonly recommended and used treatment modality for a wide array of addictions and compulsions.…
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans from all walks of life. Opioids are a class of drugs that impact the central nervous system by blocking pain and creating a sense of euphoria. Unfortunately, they have the potential to become highly addictive, especially when improperly used. While most people are aware…
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a lifelong process. After successful detox and participation in a residential or outpatient substance abuse treatment program, you must be prepared to face the challenges of everyday life without resorting to old patterns of behavior that can lead you to use again. Relapse is a return to addictive…
Alprazolam, or Xanax, is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, a prescription drug class that produces a sedative effect. Xanax is a fast-acting drug mainly used to treat insomnia, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders effectively. GABA is a neurotransmitter that suppresses the activity of nerves. Xanax works by amplifying the effects of GABA to reduce the…
The cannabis plant, from which marijuana is derived, is one of the oldest crops in the world. It is no wonder then that marijuana has a long history and is the most commonly used drug in the United States and around the globe. Proponents of marijuana have long lobbied for its legalization, and it has.…
If you have made the difficult decision to commit to a drug or alcohol detox program, the next step is to think about how to be best prepared. Especially if you are entering detox in Florida for the first time, you might not know what to expect. The admissions team at Harmony Hills will help…