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 […]
GETTING FREE OF COCAINE
Cocaine addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder characterized by persistent cocaine use despite adverse consequences, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies cocaine abuse as a “stimulant use disorder”. Cocaine use causes euphoria and high amounts of energy, as well as mood swings, paranoia, insomnia, psychosis, high blood pressure, […]
UNDERSTANDING FENTANYL
Fentanyl contamination in cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, and certain “prescription” drugs is common. Fentanyl is often found in heroin as well as illegally manufactured opioids and benzodiazepines. Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, can completely reverse an opioid overdose. Fentanyl poses an very high overdose risk, due in part to having an extremely unpredictable […]