Made from morphine, heroin is an illegal opioid which has become more than common in today’s society. People usually use this drug by inhaling, sniffing, or injecting it directly into the veins. The rise in heroin addiction is closely linked to the broader opioid epidemic, which has seen a significant increase in addiction to opioid…
Stigma affects individuals who struggle with any form of substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders. Yet, those who struggle with heroin abuse often experience the most severe form of stigma, as heroin is often recognised as one of the “heaviest” forms of drug use. Unfortunately, stigmas of SUD, specifically those related to…
Throughout life, each of us will likely experience some kind of toxic relationship, whether it be a friendship where we feel consistently unsupported or a relationship where we feel frequently misunderstood. Some people, however, experience ongoing patterns of toxic relationships in their lives. Without having the tools or support to know their worth or what…
Nitazenes, a class of potent synthetic opioids, have recently emerged as a significant concern in the realm of drug abuse and public health. These substances are a new synthetic opioid, lab-made to mimic natural opioids like heroin but with much greater potency. Known for their extreme potency, some nitazenes are hundreds of times stronger than…
Urine tests are one of the primary methods employed for drug testing and detection. Their non-invasive nature, combined with a relatively extended detection window, makes them a preferred choice in many scenarios, from employment drug screenings to medical evaluations. Key Takeaways Detection Window in Urine: Fentanyl may be detected in urine for up to 72…
Whether you are contemplating treatment or have participated in a treatment program already, understanding the role that self-care plays in your recovery is essential. Self-care isn’t just about ensuring your basic needs – like housing or employment – are met; rather, it’s also about setting aside time to engage in activities that bring about a…
Watching a loved one struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) or other unhealthy relationships with alcohol and other drugs is wrought with challenges. Further, if you have personal experience with addiction or recovery, you may feel even more responsible for helping your loved one find healing. While your loved one’s decision to go to rehab…
Although substance abuse of all types continues to affect the lives of individuals everywhere, opioid abuse, in particular, is a growing concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Worldwide, about 500,000 deaths are attributable to drug use.” Additionally, “More than 70% of these deaths are related to opioids, with more than 30% of those…
It is common for adolescents and young adults to share a misconception regarding substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction – that these substance-related issues and associated health consequences only affect older adults. Oftentimes, even college-aged students dismiss their own potential for addiction, believing that episodes of binge drinking and heavy drinking are “normal” for their…
Codependency and substance abuse are two issues that are often linked together. But what exactly is the connection between these two issues, and how can both problems be addressed simultaneously? Learning more about the correlation can help individuals identify problematic behaviours and work towards successful treatment outcomes. What Is Codependency? Codependency can create a tangled…