Methamphetamine or “meth” is a street drug commonly used by those struggling with addiction. If you are using meth or have a loved one that is, it can seem very daunting to think about how to transition from active meth misuse all the way to long-term recovery. Recovery from substances, including meth, does not happen…
Loneliness has hit all-time highs in recent years. It can be incredibly difficult to feel like there is no one you can turn to for a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. Social isolation can make you feel like you truly are the only person in the world. In many cases, an isolated…
When two people engage in a relationship, there is bound to be drama eventually. That drama is an unfortunate part of life. Sometimes, it can be small issues where you don’t even remember what started the drama, and you can both look back and laugh. Other times, it can be larger issues, and one of…
What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic? High-functional alcoholism can look different from person to person. That being said, what makes somebody a high functioning alcoholic is the same across the board. A high functioning alcoholic is somebody who is dependent on alcohol but maintains a normative – and even successful – work and social life. From…
Your brother looks like he’s lost a lot of weight … a significant amount. He also has been having a ton of mood swings. Now, you never want to assume because maybe he’s just going through a tough time in his life. And then one night, you see it: white powder under his nose. Is…
If you believe someone has alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. We’ve all seen someone drink more than they should. But at what point can that become life-threatening? In all honesty, it’s a pretty thin line. A few years ago, I was at a New Year’s Eve party with a few of my friends. As the…
Notorious for its distinct name and unmistakable appearance, black tar heroin has been around for over 100 years, and has been a lingering problem in New Mexico for decades. Compared to its purer, powdered counterparts, the sticky and lumpy black tar heroin plays a unique part in the growing substance use epidemic. Often produced in…
A glass or two of red wine after dinner, a beer at the lunch meeting, a mimosa at brunch, or a nightcap right before bed. These are all forms of alcohol consumption that are not only common and acceptable, but even encouraged in some instances. While there is mixed and hotly-debated evidence showing that occasional…
If someone is showing signs of a heroin overdose, call 911 immediately. For more than a decade now, it seems like we have been unable to turn on the news or read the newspaper without seeing a story about how heroin is causing trouble in our communities. Unfortunately, for many of us, it doesn’t take…
Cocaine is hard to quit. Millions of Americans have consumed it, and thousands of those millions have never been able to stop for various reasons. One of the most common reasons is the fear of withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting. While there are certainly symptoms that may be felt when quitting cocaine, it’s important…
You lead a pretty healthy life. You run daily, or at least try to, and you watch what you eat. You have always been pretty athletic and it’s a sense of pride for you. But lately, you’ve noticed that you’re struggling to do the things you once were able to do with ease. That two…
I’ll take it one more time to cram for this test. Coffee isn’t working, and I need to be awake and focused. One more time can’t hurt. For people that find themselves having these thoughts, Adderall may have become something far more dangerous than a handy tool. Adderall is the brand name for a combination…
Cocaine has been a part of American culture for more than a century. While it’s not as common as marijuana, there is a very large chance that at some point in your life, you will come across the drug or someone who is taking the drug. Maybe one time when you come across it, you…
In researching addiction treatment, you will consistently read about how a person’s first step into treatment is likely the hardest step. It’s true because it takes a huge amount of courage to admit it’s time to get help. You’ll also hear about the relief felt by the person’s loved ones. What isn’t mentioned enough is…
In July 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that 2020 was the worst year in American history for overdose deaths. According to the CDC’s estimate, we lost 93,000 lives to drug overdose in 2020. This is a 29% increase from 2019 when we lost 72,000 lives. The staggering and depressing number…
