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Heroin is a type of opioid drug derived from poppy plants. As an illegal, recreational drug, it can be sniffed, snorted or smoked in its powder form. This substance binds with opioid receptors in the brain that affect feelings of pain and pleasure. Many prescription opioid drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin, which are used for […]

Frequent and chronic use of dangerous drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin) typically leads to a much more severe disorder—drug addiction. Addiction or substance use disorder is a physical and psychological condition characterized by one’s inability to control the use of drugs, no matter the consequences. As a result of addiction and long-term use, the body gradually […]

The journey of recovery is not just about getting clean and sober. It's also an opportunity for you, as well as those around us who care deeply for your wellbeing (and our own), to learn how best to take care of both physical health and mental wellness too! Mental fitness can go a long way […]

Alcohol is often considered a "social lubricant" used to break down conversational walls, reduce self-consciousness, and facilitate disclosure. Additionally, many individuals view alcohol as a way to heighten the sexual experience, not realizing the effects of alcohol and alcohol dependency can have on sexual health. In fact, consume a single drink or are struggling with […]

Introduction Millions of Americans drink alcohol regularly, and while many people can do so without any problems, for others alcohol can be addictive and have negative effects on their health. Alcohol dependency is the most common form of drug addiction in America, and it can lead to a wide variety of health problems. What is […]

Alcohol dependency can have devastating effects on long-term health. In fact, conservative estimates link over 100,000 deaths per year to alcohol, in the United States alone. Due to the effects of alcohol dependency on the body and mind, alcohol-dependent individuals find even their lifespans become affected—living up to 15 years fewer than their non-addicted peers. […]

The effects of detoxing from cocaine can be mild to severe, depending on how much and when you took it. Symptoms may include: restlessness; an increase in heart rate or blood pressure (depending upon the individual); difficulty sleeping due to the intense energy levels that are often present during this phase). It's important not only […]

When in recovery, one of the first things you might want to do is start fixing your broken relationships. You may recognize that there was harm done because of substance use and be eager for mending them back together again so they can thrive without any more damage being inflicted upon either party involved! Repairing […]

One of the most common rationalizations for alcohol addiction is relaxation, with nearly one in three alcoholics stating they use alcohol to relax. However, the truth is that alcohol is not an effective stress reducer—working mainly to reduce the perception of stress instead of eliminating it. Due to the intricate interactions of alcohol with the […]

The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that early intervention is key in helping someone who may be at risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. With this stage, the progression can potentially prevent future problems and while it's recommended to always have an experienced therapist implementing their initial but vital part during the treatment […]

Liver health can be seriously affected by untreated alcohol dependency. In fact, alcohol-related liver disease can lead to serious conditions such fatty liver, alcohol-induced hepatitis, and even fatal cirrhosis. For those who have been dependent on alcohol for years, private inpatient alcohol dependency treatment can be the first step to restoring liver health and preventing […]

The decision to see a therapist is not always an easy one. When you are searching for the right person, it's important that your criteria match up with what they offer in order to ensure both parties will be satisfied and happy with their choice! There are many factors that you should consider when looking […]

From the first drink of alcohol, the body's digestive health can begin a long road to peril. Alcohol can cause damage to a host of digestive organs with prolonged drinking—including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Because of the negative effects of alcohol dependency on digestive health, it becomes imperative that alcohol-dependent individuals receive treatment […]

The best way for parents to show their unconditional love and support is by helping them get treatment. When children fall into substance abuse or addiction, it can be difficult because no one wants a child's life taken away from them but there are ways of coping with the situation if you react correctly! When […]

If your loved one shows symptoms of a substance use disorder, your relationship is likely affected by this in various ways. This may include the physical, emotional, and financial aspects of your relationship, and you may find yourself interacting with them codependently. Codependency refers to a pattern of actions where you may try to help […]

Alcoholism puts a person's health, safety, and life in danger. When a person has an addiction, family members may resort to sending their loved one to alcohol rehab. Family members must separate a loved one's alcoholism from the specific circumstances surrounding the person's drinking problem before taking action. Spotting the Symptoms of Alcoholism The first […]

There are several reasons why a couple may start to use and become addicted to drugs and alcohol: 1. Comfort Partners who struggle with stress and worries because of their mutual problems and individual issues may turn to illicit substances for comfort. These issues can include mental illness, job stress, and family strife. Alcohol and […]

Alcohol addiction has become a disease that is affecting thousands of people in the United States every day. According to a survey from NIH, 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and above face Alcohol Use Disorder because of addiction. Based on this data, alcoholism is already prevalent which if not solved right away will destroy the […]

Addiction is a chronic illness that cannot be managed through rehab treatment alone. The affected individual, therefore, needs to be constantly monitored and supported by family members and friends who need to work with professionals to help the alcoholic achieve recovery. This is the case even after treatment. After treatment, family members need to remember […]

Alcohol addiction treatment is a combination of medical detox and therapy. Therapy can help identify the root cause of alcohol issues, while medical detox gets your body ready for substance abuse treatment. Take note that most rehab centers may include family therapy in the process. This therapy is geared toward helping your loved one and […]

Even though you’re not sure if your loved one would want to enter a rehab center. It is necessary to find a center before talking to the involved person. This is because a person thinking about entering alcoholism treatment is more like to go if there’s an easy way for them to do so. Delays […]

All couples have the potential to be addicted to alcohol and drugs if they are not careful about their habits. After all, addiction is not based on the social status, financial situation, or professional abilities of the partners, but on their mutual and personal choice to use and abuse illicit substances. Nevertheless, there are common […]

If you have a friend or family member who lives with an addiction, it’s only natural to think of how you can help. While it may not always be easy, providing your loved ones with the help they need to fight their addiction will give them a better chance of overcoming it. In this blog […]

The best treatment option for each couple will depend on their unique situation and needs. Individual Treatment Individual rehabilitation is a viable alternative for certain couples who may not benefit from attending rehab together, such as: Codependent couples Partners in an abusive relationship Couples where one of the partners has special treatment requirements Couples where […]

If you have a friend or family member who lives with an addiction, it’s only natural to think of how you can help. While it may not always be easy, providing your loved ones with the help they need to fight their addiction will give them a better chance of overcoming it. In this blog […]

The word substance refers to illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, and other items that aren’t considered to be drugs. Substance abuse refers to a person’s pattern of use when it comes to any kind of substance to change someone’s mood with adverse consequences.  According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration […]

Joining a treatment program is a major step to recovery for your loved one. It can motivate your family member or friend to overcome substance use disorder (SUD), which can harm his or her personal life and your family life. Licensed therapists in a rehabilitation center can guide someone close to you in his or […]

It's been nearly two years since the pandemic, and the world has changed drastically. The majority of the population now lives with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders resulting from losing loved ones, friends, homes, and jobs. One way to cope with living in this new world is to practice mindfulness and awareness. […]

It's never easy to decide to detox from alcohol. But there are some things you should know before you give up drinking for good. Not only will your body be healthier, but your mind will also be clearer and sharper than it has ever been before. Find out what to expect after alcohol detox-from withdrawal […]

Drug abuse affects people of any age, gender, and economic background. For some, substance addiction begins with the occasional use of a recreational drug in social contexts and then progresses to more regular use. For others, substance abuse develops with exposure to prescription meds or acquiring medications from a close friend or relative who has […]

November is an important time of the year, not just because of Thanksgiving, but also because it is considered Men's Health Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to focus on the physical, emotional, and mental wellness of the males in the U.S. and all over the world. Continue reading to learn what exactly Men's Health Awareness […]

For someone struggling with alcoholism, it can be a challenge to admit that they need help. Alcohol abuse can be very difficult to recognize, especially for those who are able to function properly in their daily lives. It can be easy to underestimate how the extent of alcohol dependency has affected one’s health, job, and […]

The dangerous cycle of alcohol or drug addiction can have life-changing consequences for an individual. Not only do they take a toll on physical and emotional health, but they can also affect relationships with loved ones. Recovery programs are beneficial for people suffering from substance abuse, especially those at an extremely risky stage. Undergoing a […]

The holiday season is filled with festivities, gatherings, and parties -- and the presence of alcohol is inevitable. This can be a challenge for those recovering from their alcohol addiction. During this time, a person may feel depressed and lonely. In other cases, some recovering addicts may feel stressed or pressured to deal with their […]

Many people practice yoga to boost their strength, flexibility, and metabolism. However, unknown to many, it is also an effective addiction treatment. There are no one-size-fits-all cures for addiction, but yoga has become one of the most common recovery methods today. The latest addiction statistics reveal that around 20 million Americans abused a substance in […]

Owned & operated by a licensed Medical Doctor, we've established strict protocols to ensure a safe & supportive environment for our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic with no cases reported to date. If you or someone you love is considering inpatient treatment contact us today. Participation in a rehab program is a necessity for people […]

Co-occurring disorders are doubly challenging compared to single disorders. Individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders are susceptible to developing other forms of psychiatric disorders. Patients with co-existing disorders usually require longer periods of treatment than people with single disorders. Find out what a co-occurring disorder is. Learn what its common symptoms are. Discover […]

Relationships are one of the first casualties of addiction. As an addict’s dependence on a substance worsens, they may lie, cheat, steal, and even exercise violence towards their spouses, parents, children, relatives, co-workers, and friends. These and other extreme behavioral changes can put a strain on their relationships. Thus, repairing relationships should be a priority […]

Addiction recovery is a long, hard, and painful road. Many challenges still lie ahead even after undergoing addiction treatment. Whether someone has just recently started their recovery journey or has completed their treatment, there will always be the temptation to fall back into old habits. This is why it’s hard for newly sober, recovering addicts […]

Drug detox and alcohol detox are essential to the recovery of patients who wish to overcome substance use disorder. Nevertheless, unsupervised detoxification may harm the physical and mental well-being of a person. Continue reading to learn what drug detox and alcohol detox are. Discover what the dangers of self-detoxing from drugs or alcohol at home […]

NorthStar's Medical Director, Dr. Julio Meza, was featured in the Podcast "Trapped: Understanding Addiction," in a segment titled Drug Facts - Opioids with Dr. Julio Meza. From the Podcast: Dr. Meza will give us an overview of where opioids come from, how they affect the brain and body, and how they rank in terms of […]

Various experts have been figuring out the very nature of drug addiction - a type of substance abuse disorder. Debates continue about whether, or not this disease can be prevented. For some, the tendency to abuse drugs may be ingrained in their system. Genetics, or a family history of drug addiction puts many people at […]

The product with the street name “gray death” or “grey” death is an illicit opioid combination of potent drugs that have led to several fatal overdoses in the United States. It is a synthetic, designer drug said to be more dangerous than heroin. The ingredients can vary from one batch to another, which make it […]

“It takes a village.” Since a book with this phrase was published several years ago it has become a popular phrase.   One of the common interpretations of the phrase is that for most human beings, if not all of us, it ideally takes many people who care about us and our well-being to take a […]