Cocaine addictions may form quickly, but the drug cocaine does not. Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. Producing cocaine is exceptionally labor-intensive and requires weeks of work before a finished product can hit the streets. The work put into making the drug often exploits people…
Nearly half of people who have a mental illness also struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. These conditions play off one another and can exacerbate your symptoms, so it is crucial to get help from a dual diagnosis treatment program. Dual diagnosis treatment is the most thorough approach for someone with substance use…
Self-medication is relatively common in the United States, but that does not mean it is a safe practice. Stress and the incidence of mental health conditions are at an all-time high, leaving many people struggling to cope with their day-to-day responsibilities without using drugs or alcohol. However, conditions like depression and drug use are never…
The use of benzodiazepines has increased as more people contend with anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. Also known as benzos, these medications help people calm their frazzled minds so they can get through the day without panic attacks and settle down to fall asleep at night. While benzos make it possible for people struggling with severe…
Most people experience periods of extreme stress, low mood, anxious thoughts, and overwhelm at one time or another. When life brings you down, how do you handle it? Do you reach out to a trusted friend or therapist or reach for a pill or bottle? Alcohol or drug use is a typical response to emotional…
While benzodiazepines serve a meaningful purpose, they are highly addictive and subject to abuse. Millions of Americans struggle with anxiety disorders and take benzodiazepines like Xanax to help manage anxiety and panic attacks. Once they experience the quick, calming relief, they may use the drug anytime they experience stress or discomfort. Xanax can be challenging…
Fentanyl abuse and addiction in Texas, and the US as a whole, is part of the nation’s opioid crisis. Those who are ready to withdraw from fentanyl may seek professional help from a fentanyl detox center in Houston, Texas. At these treatment centers, caring and professional therapists and counselors help each individual find the support…
Substance abuse and mental health conditions frequently go hand in hand. Since co-occurring disorders are fairly common with addiction, learning to recognize the signs of these conditions can help alert you to a problem early on. If you suspect that you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders,…
If you have ever experienced a traumatic event or even just everyday stress, you can understand why someone would turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Substance use is one of the most common ways people cope with the effects of trauma. But did you know that using drugs or alcohol also makes you more…
Many people begin using cocaine for its stimulating, invigorating effects but do not realize its impact on their mental health. Cocaine and mental health disorders go hand in hand, with cocaine use either triggering or exacerbating mental illness. Overcoming cocaine use is challenging enough, but adding in co-occurring disorders presents an even further challenge. These…