Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, is a common, chronic, and long-lasting mental health disorder that causes a person to have recurring and uncontrollable thoughts. We refer to these as obsessions. People with this condition also suffer from compulsions that involve the urge to repeat certain actions again and again. Sometimes psychiatrists will prescribe anti-anxiety…
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Heroin is an illegal recreational drug that is in the opioid class. It is a highly addictive substance made from opium poppy sap. Describing it does not answer the question, “is heroin a stimulant?” What this does do is shed light on how the initial effects of well-being can turn into cravings and dependency. At…
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Alprazolam (Xanax) is a popular benzodiazepine in the U.S. Like all benzodiazepines, Xanax is a central nervous system depressant designed to calm patients experiencing life-threatening panic episodes. It is not an antidepressant and not a painkiller. Benzodiazepines were developed in the 1960s as a safer tranquilizer than alcohol and barbiturates. However, when used in excess,…
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The holiday season can bring about a variety of emotions and be an incredibly stressful time for those in recovery. Managing holidays and recovery can be challenging, but with proper preparation and knowledge, it is possible to stay sober during the holidays.
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Methadone, a long-acting synthetic opioid, is commonly used to treat opioid addiction and chronic pain. However, its use can raise concerns about detection in drug tests, potential withdrawal symptoms, and legal implications. So, how long does methadone stay in your system, and what factors may influence its presence in drug tests?
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When certain chemicals are made illegal because people are using them improperly, new ones spring up. This is the case with bath salts, which people have used to produce a “high” by ingesting or smoking them. Now, a newer drug is on the streets, and it appears to be one of the more dangerous ones…
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When it comes to drug use in the United States, the primary concern used to be substances like cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. But in recent decades, prescription drug addiction treatment has become much needed. Like all drugs, opioids produce short-term effects that users crave and compulsively chase. What some users don’t consider, however, is the…
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So you’ve made it to Step 9 of the 12 Steps in Alcoholics Anonymous. Congratulations! You should feel proud of the progress you’ve made so far! Now comes one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, parts of the program: making amends. Step 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous is a watershed moment on the road to recovery, where individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. To complete this step, you must confront your past and present. After taking stock of issues and conflicts you may have had, it’s time to start making amends to both others and yourself.
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You’re committed to your recovery and staying sober, but there’s always a risk of relapse. Relapse is when someone who has made progress in overcoming addiction returns to substance use. It’s a common challenge in recovery, often due to triggers, stress, or a lapse in coping strategies. Knowing the stages of relapse and having a plan in place can help you avoid slipping up. Relapse happens gradually; it’s not usually out of the blue.
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You’ve reached a significant milestone by making it to Step 8 in Alcoholics Anonymous. Congratulations on your progress! By now, you’ve done a lot of hard work on yourself. You’ve admitted you have a problem with alcohol; you’ve come to believe in a power greater than yourself; and you’ve made amends for the mistakes of your past. But step 8 is where things get really challenging.
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