Addiction is a disease, but it is so much more. Learn more about this complex condition that millions of Americans are struggling with right now.

What Happens When Veins Are Damaged?

The human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself. The skin, liver, and even your brain can bounce back from major damage and injury. Although our regenerative powers are considerable, it does have its limits. Veins, the delicate tissues that circulate blood from...

Understanding Chemical Dependency

You may have heard the terms of chemical dependency, addiction, and substance use disorder used interchangeably. Similar to the terms “heavy alcohol use” and “binge drinking”, the terms do have differing means that are defined by various organizations or resources,...

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The Most Commonly Used Illegal Drugs In The United States

“Addiction doesn’t discriminate.” You may have heard something along these lines before, and it is so true. Drug use and drug addiction happen among groups of all ages, ethnicities, socio-economic status, etc. Although some drugs are more prevalent in certain areas...

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The 12 Step Program Can Help a Loved One Through Addiction

The 12 Step Program Can Help a Loved One Through Addiction

The 12 Step program originated from Alcoholics Anonymous although it has also been used in Narcotics Anonymous. It's also popular in support groups, like Marijuana Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Crystal Meth Anonymous. The program involves combining faith and...

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Reading Guide for "A Vision for You"

Reading Guide for "A Vision for You"

Recovering addicts and alcoholics can learn a lot from reading Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the Big Book. Chock full of stories related to recovery, this book offers lessons to which addicts and alcoholics from all walks of life can relate. But while the...

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Overcoming Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Overcoming Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Percocet users suffer numerous side effects, but some of the worst occur once they stop using and enter withdrawal. Before we can facilitate long-term recovery, we often must help them overcome intense physical pain and discomfort. Rarely will users overcome Percocet...

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Addiction in the Military

Addiction in the Military

Discussions of addiction in the military often bring to mind the Vietnam War. Many soldiers developed crippling addictions during this conflict, which resulted in thousands of casualties. Hundreds of thousands, according to some estimates. Drugs such as heroin and...

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Traits of an Addictive Personality

Traits of an Addictive Personality

Those who suffer from substance use disorder often experience any number of cross-addictions. Many will find themselves addicted to multiple substances at once. Others may struggle to regulate behaviors such as eating, gambling, shopping, or sex. These latter cases,...

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The Deadly Side Effects of Inhalants

The Deadly Side Effects of Inhalants

Many balk at the term substance “abuse,” but in many cases it applies in a very specific manner. Numerous addictive substances, such as prescription medications, are manufactured for reasons entirely unrelated to intoxication. Terms such as “abuse” or “misuse,” while...

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How Tom Petty Beat Heroin Addiction

How Tom Petty Beat Heroin Addiction

On the morning of October 2, musician Tom Petty was found unconscious in his Malibu home. Suffering full cardiac arrest, he was transported to UCLA Medical Center. That afternoon, several media outlets reported that he had been pulled from life support. These reports...

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Crystal Meth Addiction and Treatment

Crystal Meth Addiction and Treatment

Like many of today’s street drugs, methamphetamine started out as a strictly medicinal substance. First used in decongestants and inhalers, medical professionals eventually discovered that it could be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and depression, while also helping...

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Disease or Choice: Why Does It Matter?

Disease or Choice: Why Does It Matter?

Every once in a while, we witness heated debates on social media regarding the disease model of addiction. Despite widespread acceptance within the medical community, many view the disease model with absolute disdain. They feel that addiction is a choice, plain and...

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The High Cost of Heroin Addiction

The High Cost of Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction has reached epidemic proportions. Its widespread availability and increased use has created a major global health crisis. A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that heroin use in the U.S. has been...

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Reading Guide for "To Wives"

Reading Guide for "To Wives"

Aside from addicts and alcoholics themselves, nobody suffers more than those forced to watch a loved one suffer. They sometimes blame themselves for their loved one’s disease, especially if they can identify past enabling behaviors. Such people experience constant...

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Why Relapse is Not a Sign of Failure

Why Relapse is Not a Sign of Failure

Many recovering addicts and alcoholics view relapse as synonymous with failure. We see it as a sign that we have learned nothing from our daily regimen of meetings, meditations, and calls to our sponsors. After spending weeks, months or even years working toward our...

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