The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) still defines addiction as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.” Although Harvard Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine John Kelly et al. were skeptical of the “chronic, relapsing” characterization of addiction in their 2019 study, they still […]
Category Archives: Detox
For many people with addiction, the recovery journey begins with detoxification. However, after completing this important first step, there are sometimes questions as to what to do next. A detox may be an essential part of the recovery process, but it’s not a cure. It’s only the start of a potentially much longer process that […]
Most people are aware that drinking too much alcohol can be detrimental to their health. Many people are aware that excessive and prolonged alcohol misuse can cause liver damage and “alcoholism,” i.e. a severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). If untreated, alcohol addiction can lead to severe symptoms like delirium tremens and death. According to the […]
An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in just one year, a never-before-seen milestone that US health officials say is tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and a more dangerous drug supply. Overdose deaths have been rising for more than two decades now, but sharply accelerated in the past two years, according to new data […]
Everyone has different needs when it comes to treating a severe substance use disorder (SUD), a “treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences,” according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. “People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and […]
Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a stimulant drug with significant addictive qualities. Most individuals that use this drug become addicted, wreaking havoc on their lives and the lives of those closest to them. To recover from meth addiction, the first step is detoxification (detox). Meth detox has an average timeline of 14-20 days, […]
Addiction is a chronic disease, meaning there is no cure, but it can be managed with ongoing treatment. Therefore, individuals are not healed, nor should they stop treatment following detox. Even if you are unsure of what to do after detox, there are resources available to help you figure out your next steps. This is […]
The first step in addiction treatment is detoxification. You cannot enter treatment without it or expect to learn the tools you need to conquer addiction without undergoing this necessary process. However, detox can be intimidating for many, especially those that have never gone through it before. Luckily, there are ways that you can prepare for […]
Deciding to seek treatment for addiction is a significant step forwards on the road to recovery. Detox is the first stage in your journey, and while it can be intimidating, it is absolutely crucial to your recovery. Without this initial step, you will not be able to make it through treatment successfully. By understanding the […]
When your loved one decides to seek treatment for addiction, you may feel relieved and excited to see them get the help they desperately need. The first step in most treatment programs is detoxification. This period can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, with severe and sometimes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. As a family member, it can be […]







