Alcohol consumption is one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions around the world, with harmful effects on physical, cognitive, and social functioning. Chronic excessive alcohol use is associated with a multitude of adverse effects, including (but not…
Detoxification is not an easy time for patients in early recovery. Many are still seriously struggling with their addiction while experiencing withdrawal symptoms. At Valiant Living Detox and Assessment, the team likes to start the healing process for patients in a slightly different way—not just with medicine. “We have always been interested in redefining detoxification…
“Addictions, including substance use disorders (SUDs), are multistep conditions that, by definition, require exposure to an addictive agent. The wide variety of addictive agents encompasses drugs, foods, sex, video gaming, and gambling. Any of these agents may lead to an ‘addicted state’ through neurobiological pathways partially overlapping with those involved in addiction to psychoactive substances,”…
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…
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…