While some repercussions can depend on the type of drug, there are some common problems that impact the brain due to long-term drug abuse.

The negative physical effects of fentanyl are many, ranging from mild drowsiness to severe complications, including death.

Joining Alcoholics Anonymous helps members recognize that they are not alone in their addiction, that they are sick and that they can recover.

While only your loved one can make the decision to get help for their addiction, you can share your concerns with them and offer to support them in finding treatment.

It can be difficult to navigate everyday life when newly sober. For many people in recovery from drugs and alcohol, a good next step after becoming sober is to live in a sober home.

Is it possible for someone to take off work for residential addiction treatment and not lose their job? What other options are available for people who wish to keep their jobs and work on their sobriety?

Some medications are safe to stop without medical supervision. This is not the case with benzodiazepines. Withdrawing from this type of drug can be dangerous without the guidance of a health care professional.

Completing rehab for drug or alcohol addiction is a major accomplishment that should make anyone feel proud. But even amid the pride, you may be feeling some uncertainty, as well.

Addiction begins when drugs start to change how our brains work. As this process progresses, we’re no longer able to control how much we take of the drug or how often.

Most people who seek help with sobriety can benefit from group therapy. Read on to learn why this form of support is so helpful and effective for addiction treatment.

Often, someone struggling with a substance use problem is also dealing with depression or another mental health concern. Are there reasons for this overlap? And what are the best treatment options for someone living with both depression and a substance abuse issue?

Making the right choice between inpatient and outpatient options is crucial. To prepare yourself, take a moment to learn about outpatient rehab and the advantages of this type of addiction treatment program.

Stopping overdose deaths is vital, but to stop using the drug, individuals need to undergo detoxification and withdrawal. Meth withdrawal can be difficult, and, if not done with medical help, potentially dangerous and life-threatening.

Because of how Xanax interacts with the brain’s neurotransmitters, it is easy to develop a tolerance to the medication over time. That is why long-term use of benzodiazepines, even when taken as prescribed, can be problematic.

Vivitrol is a non-addictive prescription that can aid someone in reducing their cravings for alcohol or opioids, once they have fully detoxed from either substance. This medication works best when paired with an overall treatment plan that includes therapy.

Many people have benefited from the variety of different 12-step programs available today to deal with substance and behavioral addictions, as well as other compulsive behaviors.

What makes it so hard for someone to stop abusing alcohol? The reality is that addiction changes the brain, disrupts a person’s thinking, and makes it very difficult for them to stop abusing alcohol.

Synthetic drugs may be even more dangerous than other drugs because they can have an unpredictable impact on the brain or behavior. Because these designer drugs are made in a lab, often overseas, it’s difficult to know what they contain or their strength, adding to the risk.

While we may view the people who care for our health as superheroes, they can fall victim to the same issues and concerns that affect regular people, including substance abuse challenges.

Read on to learn more about CBT and how such treatment can help someone recover from a substance abuse problem.