Fentanyl deaths are soaring in Colorado and many overdoses are occurring as users unknowingly ingest other drugs (such as heroin) laced with the powerful synthetic opioid. In April, for example, Shanna Lewis reported on Colorado Public Radio (CPR) that deaths involving fentanyl have been doubling annually over the last five years in El Paso County:…
There are many contributing factors to addiction, including genetics, environmental factors, and mental health. However, trauma can be one of the most significant factors in the development of addiction as the person uses drugs and alcohol to cope. Unresolved trauma can lead to numerous negative feelings of shame, guilt, depression, fear, anger, anxiety, and more.…
Stimulant addiction has become more popular among the general population over the years, especially when it comes to improving athletic or academic performance. Even individuals that do not misuse stimulants are at risk of becoming addicted, so it is crucial for friends and family to be informed of the potential signs of stimulant addiction. By…
Many individuals who struggle with addiction often say that they will not seek treatment until things get “bad enough” or hit rock bottom. However, when you ask people what rock bottom means, it is likely that they will not have a definitive answer. This is because rock bottom is an arbitrary term that describes something…
The detox process is the first step in addiction recovery, but it can be intimidating and challenging. This is especially true if you are not sure what to expect, so it is best to educate yourself on the process and duration before entering detox if possible. Heroin detox specifically can be challenging because of the…
Human beings care and look out for those closest to them. At the core, humans are made to stick together and take care of one another. It is common for friends to be there supporting one another when one person is struggling. However, how can you be there for your friend if you are unsure…
Heroin addiction has been ravaging the United States since its beginning in the early 20th century. However, heroin use and deaths have been rising dramatically since 2002. Thousands of Americans struggle with heroin addiction every year due to the drug’s availability, potency, and highly addictive nature. Considering the chemical makeup of the drug, how addiction…
Depression is more than just having a bad day. It drains your energy, makes you feel inadequate, withholds feelings of pleasure, and drives you into isolation. Each of these symptoms can be challenging on its own without the added pressure of maintaining sobriety in recovery. However, there are ways to cope with depression while in…
Typically, a person suffering from addiction is likely to have a co-occurring disorder as well. There are often underlying conditions that may cause a person to use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. One such disorder that often occurs alongside addiction is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be highly distressing for individuals that…
When it comes to treating addiction, there are numerous modalities and approaches. Some believe that more traditional methods are better for treating a disorder. Others argue that holistic therapies offer more value in helping individuals sustain lifelong recovery. Holistic therapies are a subject of debate, but it has been proven that they are beneficial for…