Observed the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a federal holiday to honor and mourn American military personnel who have died in the line of duty. Memorial Day is also widely observed as the unofficial start of summer, usually celebrated with picnics, barbecues, and parties serving up alcohol and possibly other substances. For those…
Stimulants are a class of drugs that impact the central nervous system by speeding up the messages between the brain and the body. Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is the body’s natural “feel good” drug. Norepinephrine is involved in regulating the body’s cardiovascular system and breathing. There are…
Kratom is a tropical tree that is native to parts of Southeast Asia, where it has been used in herbal medicines since at least the 19th century. The tree leaves contain compounds that can produce pain-relieving, euphoric, or psychotropic effects, depending upon the dosage. Due to its ability to produce an opioid-like high, kratom has…
Drug detox is a process during which all traces of substances are removed from the body. Detox is generally the first step toward recovery from drug addiction and should be followed by comprehensive addiction treatment. The main goal of detox is to address the physical aspects of addiction so that patients can deal with the…
In recent years, the opioid epidemic has swept through Florida and the rest of our nation at an alarming rate. Opioids are a class of drugs that affect the nervous system by blocking pain and creating intense pleasure feelings. They have the potential to become highly addictive and even deadly, especially when improperly used. There…
Recognizing the need for drug detox is the first step on the path to successful substance abuse treatment. Equally important is finding the rehab center that is right for you or your loved one. With so many treatment center options, the decision about which to choose can feel difficult. It is important to do the…
Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first 12 step program. Since then, 12 step programs have been effective at helping millions of people throughout the world manage and maintain their sobriety. Given that AA was designed to help those suffering from alcohol addiction, over time exclusively, the 12 step program philosophy has been…
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever that is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fentanyl was designed to treat severe pain following surgeries, cancer treatment, or when a patient with chronic pain has developed a tolerance to other opioids. Like other opioids, fentanyl activates receptors on cells throughout the body to…
If you are someone you know is having issues controlling alcohol, drugs, or gambling, you are not alone. There are lots of people who are having issues when it comes to substance abuse and behavioral disorders. Information published by the CDC has shown that more than 25 percent of adults have engaged in at least…
Deciding on the right treatment for you or a loved one can quickly become overwhelming, but finding the best treatment option is the first step towards recovery. At Harmony Hills, our admissions team helps clients become comfortable with the details of entering and participating in our rehabilitation programs. They will discuss the options that are…