Cocaine can be a very addictive substance as it creates a rush of dopamine in the brain that increases feelings of pleasure. By altering the chemical composition of the brain, cocaine becomes increasingly difficult to quit. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that over 14 percent of Americans who are 12 and above have…
Xanax, most commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic attacks, is a highly addictive benzodiazepine. Due to the fact that is very easy to develop a tolerance to Xanax, there is an extremely high potential for addiction, even when the drug is prescribed by a doctor. Currently, Xanax is the most commonly prescribed psychoactive drug in…
There is a reason that substance use disorder reaches a point where a person cannot resist their cravings and cannot avoid their triggers. The way drugs and alcohol affect the brain after continued use changes the way neurons send and receive signals to stimulate behavior and emotions. In short, understanding the way drugs and alcohol…
While it may be difficult to notice if a loved one is internally struggling with addiction, physical signs are often the most tangible way to detect a potential addiction. When there is a dramatic and noticeable change to someone’s physical appearance in a short time span, it is often hinting at a larger problem. If…
In October 2019 CNN’s “This is Life with Lisa Ling” (CNN) explored a growing drug epidemic, an increase in prescriptions for benzodiazepine, and their misuse. A year later as the world struggles to manage the Coronavirus pandemic, studies show an increase in people reporting anxiety. In fact, in the US, a recent poll by the…
After 16 years of sobriety and a substance-free life, actor Dax Shepard recently revealed that he has relapsed and recently struggled with an opioid addiction. Last week, Dax Shepard released a very vulnerable and uncharacteristic episode of his podcast “Armchair”, where he bravely opens up about his recent relapse. In this episode titled “Day 7”,…
Recovery isn’t easy. Even if you breeze through a drug rehab program, you’ll have to resume your life eventually. Having a plan in place to avoid falling back into bad habits and learning how to prevent relapse can lead to a successful recovery. Setting a Positive Tone When you finish a rehab program, you’ll probably…
For people who need help with their addiction issues, the benefits of group therapy are innumerable. At Serenity Lodge, group therapy is one of the treatment options we offer. Breaking an addiction isn’t always easy, but the rewards are worth it. Group therapy offers a therapist-led method to end addiction with the support of peers.…
If you’re looking for help for mental health and addiction issues, you may be considering CBT vs. DBT. But it’s important to know the differences between the two therapy styles, so you can find the one that’s the right fit for your needs. Knowing your particular needs and what you’re comfortable with in therapy will…
If you’ve grown up in a codependent family or household, you may not even realize it. That’s because it’s normal for you, and just the way you live. But understanding and recognizing the signs of codependency is very important if you want to live a healthy, happy future that’s free of mental health struggles. You…