THE 10TH STEP
The 10th step is a vital part of the recovery process for program veterans, emphasizing personal responsibility, accountability, and mindfulness. To stay committed to their sobriety, program veterans seek support from their peers by calling or meeting to “do a 10th step.” This process involves discussing any negative emotions or resentments that have arisen during […]
SLEEP IN RECOVERY
Sleep is important for mental health, and poor sleep habits increase the risk of mental health problems, including substance abuse disorders. A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that insomnia is linked to a history of substance abuse and higher relapse rates after treatment. Individuals in recovery from alcohol use disorder […]
MEDITATION AND ADDICTION
Meditation has emerged as a practice with manifold mental health benefits, especially for those recuperating from substance abuse disorders. Recent research has established that meditation can effectively mitigate symptoms of anxiety and emotional dysregulation, leading to enhanced feelings of well-being. For those grappling with substance abuse disorders, meditation has proven to be a powerful tool […]
NUTRITION AND MENTAL HEALTH
The link between proper nutrition and good mental health is well established, with research illustrating that a healthy diet can have a significant impact on mood, cognition, and overall mental well-being. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals who followed a Mediterranean-style diet, characterized by fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and […]
FITNESS IN RECOVERY
Physical fitness plays a very important role in the recovery process for individuals with a substance abuse disorder (SAD). A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that incorporating exercise into addiction treatment was strongly associated with reduced cravings and improvements in mood. Another study published in the Journal of Consulting and […]
12 STEP PROGRAMS
12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide a structured program for recovery from addiction. The process of working through the steps with others helps individuals to address past mistakes, repair relationships and rebuild trust with themselves, leading to stronger family and social connections. Those who have had success in the program credit […]
KETAMINE AND ITS RAMIFICATIONS
Medically, ketamine is used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia; it is also abused as a recreational drug. Ketamine is a novel compound, derived from PCP. Ketamine may additionally be utilized for acute pain management. Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962; in 1970 it was approved for use in the United States. It has […]
THE CONSEQUENCES OF PCP
Phencyclidine or phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP), aka angel dust, is a dissociative anesthetic mainly used recreationally for its mind-altering effects which may cause hallucinations, distorted perceptions of sounds, and violent behavior. As of 2017, in the U.S., about 1% of high school seniors reported using PCP in the year prior. 2.9% of those over the age […]
THE RISKS OF OXYCODONE
Oxycodone is the most commonly abused opioid in America. More than 12 million people use opioid drugs recreationally in the U.S.A. Oxycodone was the leading cause of drug-related deaths in America until 2012, when heroin and fentanyl became more widely abused. Oxycodone overdose can cause spinal cord infarction in high doses as well as ischemic […]
THE DANGERS OF METHAMPHETAMINE
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant used as a recreational drug and rarely as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. It is seldom prescribed over concerns involving human neurotoxicity and potential for recreational abuse as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. The highest degree of illegal methamphetamine use occurs in parts of […]