Alcohol use disorder (AUD)—commonly referred to as “alcoholism”—is a type of substance use disorder (SUD) that involves the uncontrollable consumption of alcohol.  Individuals who suffer from alcoholism may not be able to stop themselves from drinking too much, and often have physical or mental dependence on alcohol. This makes...

There are many reasons why a person may begin feeling hopeless or that they’ve lost their passion for life. Often these feelings are the result of several factors together.  However they develop, feelings of hopelessness do not have to be a permanent state. With the right support and information,...

No matter what substance a person is breaking an addiction to, going through withdrawals is an uncomfortable experience. Ambien withdrawal  What Is Ambien? Ambien–a brand-name for the drug zolpidem–is a sleep-inducing medication most often prescribed to people suffering from insomnia.   Ambien is classified as a sedative-hypnotic that activates gamma...

Addiction treatment professionals approach alcoholism in mostly the same way they would try to treat any other form of chemical dependency. However, there are a few techniques and approaches that are unique to the alcohol abuse treatment process. Concentrated up-front treatment as well as long-term support to prevent relapse...

Recovery from drug and alcohol abuse involves far more than just breaking the body’s chemical dependence upon a substance. The psychological, emotional, and relational factors that lead to addiction must also be addressed. This is what makes substance abuse counseling so important on the road to recovery. What Is...

Withdrawal usually refers to the sensations and symptoms someone experiences when they stop using an addictive substance. Precipitated withdrawal, however, refers to withdrawal caused by a medication. Substances like Suboxone and Naloxone can be helpful resources for medically-assisted recovery from opioid addiction. Without careful application and monitoring, however, they...

Valium can be an invaluable aid for individuals suffering from anxiety attacks or panic disorders. Alcohol is one of the most easily available and regularly consumed substances in the world. Unfortunately, people commonly mix alcohol and Valium on accident–or even on purpose. Understanding potential interactions between the two may...

Naloxone (Narcan) and naltrexone share similar medical applications, but play different roles in the process of opioid overdose recovery. Naloxone provides life-saving aid to someone experiencing an opioid overdose, while naltrexone helps individuals overcome opioid dependence through long-term use. What Is The Difference Between Naloxone And Naltrexone? Placed side...

The terms “high-functioning” or “functional alcoholic” describe individuals who suffer from an alcohol use disorder (AUD), but do not exhibit many of the common life-disrupting effects associated with alcohol abuse. An alcohol use disorder is a treatable chronic medical disorder that causes long-term changes in the brain that impair...

Though a substance use disorder (SUD) might seem like an easily identifiable problem, they are often made up of multiple layers of pain and struggle. An individual suffering from an addiction has developed either chemical dependency to a drug, a psychological dependence, or both. Treatment for either requires multiple...