Cocaine is a well-known addiction portrayed often in movies and on t.v. But what is cocaine? Cocaine, 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 drug use causes the brain…
In a recent report by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) updating how opioid use disorder (addiction to opiates) should be diagnosed, assessed and treated[1], a number of important guideline revisions, as well as new recommendations, have been put forward to the addictions professional community, taken together offering increased hope and encouragement for those…
Opioids are the class of drugs that are naturally found in the opium poppy plants. They are prescription medications that are used for the treatment of chronic or acute pain. Among society, these drugs are widely feared for their association with addiction, abuse, and adverse effects. Because these drugs can make you feel relaxed, they…
It’s no surprise that words like epidemic vs. pandemic make people pay attention. Both of these events are serious and dangerous. But the two mean different things. And that difference could mean a shelter-in-place order or attending a drug or alcohol rehab center. Case in point, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the HIV/AIDS…
Marijuana is still taboo for many, but it is becoming more widely accepted for the health benefits it provides. Among these, many believe it can be effective at relieving stress. But does science back this up? Read on to find out. Stress and Substance Abuse Disorders Research has shown that there is a link between…
E-Cigarette and Tobacco use study finds that people over the age of 12 are now experiencing more lung problems. Prevalence of emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma has increased in younger individuals since the start of the Vaping craze. Research indicates that there is an increased (330% to be exact) risk of lung-related issues with these tobacco…
Substance abusers are more at risk of contracting COVID-19 and suffering serious complications. What’s frightening is that most of them do not know this, which could lead to them not taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves. The following are just some of the ways COVID-19 affects substance abusers. How COVID-19 Affects Substance Abusers COVID-19…
“You forgive yourself for every failure, because you are trying to do the right thing. God knows that and you know it. Nobody else may know it.” – Maya Angelou Coming into recovery from addiction, most of us feel a lot of guilt and shame for “what we’ve done” or “how far we’ve fallen.” We…
Dangers of Marijuana A compelling featured article dives into debunking the myth that marijuana is a safe drug. The Michigan Health Lab explains how marijuana dampens brain response as a dangerous side effect of marijuana use. If you or a loved one abuses marijuana, contact BoardPrep Recovery. Our addiction treatment centers provide specific substance abuse…
While doing research for the last blog-post I posted here (“Don’t Give Up Hope: What to Do if You Fail a DOT Drug Test”), I became aware of the many similarities between the consequences commercial drivers (i.e., truck drivers, bus drivers, etc.) face if they fail a drug test and the consequences nurses face. What…