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…
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy often used to treat substance abuse, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Evidence-based means that CBT is clinically proven to be effective. Many traditional therapies rely on the therapist-patient relationship to uncover past events that might impact current behavior. However, CBT focuses on how changing current patterns…
Contrary to the beliefs of many, addiction recovery involves much more than detoxing from drugs or alcohol. The simple fact is that detox is the first step in the recovery process. Substance use and mental health disorders are diseases whose roots are commonly intertwined. Under particular circumstances, a mental health disorder can come to light…
Addiction impacts millions of people’s lives every day, so you likely have a friend or family member who needs drug or alcohol addiction treatment. To see someone you love succumb to a substance abuse disorder is painfully heartbreaking. Try to remember that, even though it might not seem like it, the person you love who…
Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, are in the prescription sedative class of drugs. They are primarily used for treating anxiety but have other uses as well. Benzos are some of the most frequently prescribed medications in the nation. Because of their mood- and mind-altering effects, benzos are commonly used recreationally and abused for non-medical…
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid intended to treat severe pain associated with severe injuries or chronic illnesses such as cancer. Like morphine, but up to 100 times more potent, fentanyl is a dangerous and highly addictive drug. Because of its potency, people can become addicted to fentanyl even when prescribed by a doctor. Using fentanyl…