Unfortunately, it is common for individuals to believe that substance use disorder (SUD) results from a moral weakness or lack of willpower. However, these assumptions are stigmas that have developed from a lack of education and understanding. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as “a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and…
For someone struggling with substance abuse, going to rehab can seem like a daunting prospect. Many people view it as a prison or punishment for substance use. However, the reality of treatment is drastically different. Rehab is an opportunity for individuals to get their lives back on track and start living the life they want.…
The topics of mental health and mental illness have always had a taboo reputation. While mental health conversations have come a long way in the last decade, there is still a long way to go. Unfortunately, long-lasting stigmas are to blame in large part for ill feelings toward those who struggle with mental illness, especially…
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, also known as DBT therapy, is about focusing on changing manipulative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It also focuses on understanding why you do the things you do in order to help you live your life more meaningfully. DBT is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy seeks to investigate and…
While some may consider the labels “alcoholism” and “alcohol dependence” to be outdated, alcohol abuse may still be an issue that requires treatment.If you’re seeking a distinction between alcoholism and alcohol dependence, you might be surprised to learn that the two have more resemblance than differences. In reality, the medical world has gradually shifted away…
When you use legal or illicit substances in ways you shouldn’t, you’re engaging in drug abuse. You might take more pills than prescribed or use someone else’s prescription. You may take drugs to make you feel better, relieve stress, or escape reality. However, you can generally modify your bad habits or quit using them entirely.…
What is Valium? Valium, which some know by its generic name as Diazepam, is a medication that is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to treat muscle spasms and as a sedative prior to medical operations. This medicine relieves anxiety by calming the brain and nerves. Diazepam is a…
What are opioids? Opioids, sometimes known as narcotics, are a family of drugs recommended by doctors to relieve chronic or severe pain. They are used by people who have persistent headaches and backaches, patients recovering from surgery or experiencing severe pain from cancer, and adults and children who have been injured playing sports or…
Heroin is a highly addictive narcotic that alters the brain’s chemical balance and results in a ‘high’ feeling. As with any drug addiction, once heroin is introduced into the bloodstream it will take over your life. It will make you feel like you need more and more of it just to feel normal or even…
Alcohol detox starts with recognizing that you have an issue with alcohol. For those that suffer from alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, stopping drinking is not easy – far from it. In fact, you should speak to a doctor about whether or not you should undergo alcohol detox. This process typically takes place…