I used to be a college professor and could really relate to being a “high-functioning alcoholic.” I want to share my story, some facts, and offer hope to professionals who might be asking themselves if they’re in the same boat. Let’s start with what it means to be a high-functioning alcoholic. It’s about drinking too…
If you or a loved one struggles with prescription drug misuse, you may be wondering, what is amphetamine? Amphetamine, a powerful central nervous system stimulant drug, raises levels of pleasure chemicals in the user’s brain. The flood of chemicals causes extreme pleasure, calmness and suppresses appetite. The drug relaxes some people and energizes others. Repeated…
Methamphetamine has been portrayed in movies and popular television shows, like “Breaking Bad”. It may leave you wondering, what is methamphetamine? Methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant drug, raises levels of pleasure chemicals in the user’s brain. The flood of chemicals causes extreme pleasure, calmness and suppresses appetite. The drug relaxes some people and energizes others. Repeated…
If you or a loved one struggles with opiate misuse, you may be wondering, what is carfentanil? Carfentanil, a powerful opiate drug, raises levels of pleasure chemicals in the user’s brain. The flood of chemicals causes extreme pleasure, calmness and suppresses appetite. The drug relaxes some people and energizes others. Repeated drug use causes the…
Over the years, drug addiction has become a part of your life, but you’re ready to end that substance abuse. Thankfully, cognitive-behavioral therapy in Tampa, FL, and other care options can help you here. But what is cognitive-behavioral therapy, and how does it manage the dangers of addiction? Learning more about this process will ensure…
PART TWO: About Treatment Designed Specifically to Help You Anyone who has experienced their life being “taken over” and dictated by the obsession and compulsion to drink or use drugs knows just how much loss can be involved: the loss of one’s serenity and sanity, self-esteem, self-worth and health, one’s relationship with a spouse, family,…
Are You a Healthcare Professional Trying to “Hold Your Liquor” (or Other Substances) During the COVID-19 Pandemic? It’s clear on so many levels the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an especially hard toll on healthcare professionals, severely taxing them emotionally, mentally and physically. The stress and strain comes in the context of them simply “doing their…
BOARDPREP MEETS THE CHALLENGE IN TAMPA BAY With the number of opioid overdose deaths rising in many states since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic[1], a longstanding “supply” issue has gained more attention, including in the halls of Congress. The supply in question? Doctors and clinicians who can prescribe buprenorphine. Given the explosion of cases…
Psychotherapy is one of the most commonly-used care options for mental health disorders and it has become a critical part of managing addiction in many different people. But what is the psychotherapy definition in addiction counseling? And how does it vary from any other type? Let’s examine all aspects of this subject to give those interested…
“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.” — Norman Cousins One of the most powerful “mantras” I heard when I was new in recovery was: “Play out the tape all the way through to the end.” And recently, I was able to help someone out by sharing some of my experience with it, which…