Blogs

Real people sharing real stories about their experience with substance abuse and mental health.

The Insanity of a Family Disease

During my twenty-five year career in substance abuse treatment, I’ve frequently heard family members (and clients) insist that "Alcohol isn't his/her/my problem - drugs are!" and "Alcoholism isn't his/her/my problem - addiction is!" as if the same principles of recovery from chemical dependency don't apply to any dysfunctional situation where alcohol either isn't present or isn't present enough to be identified as the primary drug-of-choice.

Symptoms & Signs of Sexual Addiction

Sex addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior disorder or hypersexuality, is classified as a mental disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO). Sexual addiction is characterized by a “persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behavior.” It’s estimated that 3 to 6 percent of people experience compulsive sexual behavior in the United States.

How to Stage an Intervention That Works

An intervention is an organized event designed to encourage someone with drug or alcohol problems to seek treatment. The methods used by the people who stage these events can have a major impact on their success.

Symptoms & Signs of Mood Disorders

A mood disorder is a type of mental illness that impacts a person’s state of mind, emotions and outlook on life. It causes changes and distortions in mood that are not…

Gabapentin Withdrawal: What It Takes To End Gabapentin Addiction

Gabapentin isn’t a household name but perhaps it should be. The amount of people taking this drug is staggering. Out of a population of 321 million people in the United States, an amazing 57 million prescriptions were prescribed by physicians.

Gabapentin High: What You Need to Know

Gabapentin may not be a drug you’re familiar with but it is definitely one that has the attention of many. Known as Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant as a generic drug, it is used to treat seizures as an anticonvulsant.

A Guide to Suboxone Treatment

Great strides have been made in the treatment of addiction. And while suboxone may not be a household name, it is an important component as part of treatment for addiction to heroin or opioids. If you want to know more about this drug, here is a guide to suboxone. We will look at what it is, what it is used for, how it helps, and any concerns in taking it.

Everything to Know About Suboxone Vs Methadone

You may have heard of Suboxone but have very likely heard of Methadone. Both are used to treat opioid addiction but each has their own unique attributes and how they differ is important to know. Here is everything to know about suboxone vs methadone.

All You Need to Know About Gabapentin

Gabapentin isn’t a household name yet prescriptions for this medication are on the rise. While it is technically an anticonvulsant, there are other uses for this drug.

What is Medication Assisted Treatment?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.