It’s no secret that addiction and obsession often go hand in hand, but what you may not know is that there’s actually a reason behind this link.  When you look at the brains of those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), they process information differently than those without it, which can trigger impulsive or addictive behaviors in sufferers that they may not even be aware they’re exhibiting. In other words, those who suffer from OCD might also be at risk of developing addictions later in life. This does not mean that everyone who suffers from OCD will develop addiction issues, but it does suggest that the two conditions are related in some way that science has yet to fully understand.  Nevertheless, understanding [...]

If you’re struggling with Benzo withdrawal, you know that the symptoms can be uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous, depending on the severity of your symptoms. There are many treatments available for benzo withdrawal symptoms, including herbal remedies which can be effective in some cases. However, this is not a substitute for professional medical care and should only be used temporarily as a measure to ease your discomfort until you receive treatment from your doctor or counselor. What Are Benzodiazepines? A benzodiazepine, or benzo for short, is a psychoactive prescription drug that has been used for years to treat anxiety and insomnia. Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the central nervous system, reducing the intensity of all thoughts and emotions. They are [...]

It’s the question that has plagued mankind since the 1970s – will acid stay in your spinal cord? If you’re going to be taking LSD, you might be wondering whether it will stay in your spinal cord or exit into your bloodstream where it can travel to your brain and cause hallucinations. After all, the last thing you want to do when getting high is damage yourself! The short answer to this question, however, is that LSD does not enter your spinal cord after consumption, but rather stays in your bloodstream and travels through your body before it can affect your brain and other organs. If you’re worried about the effects of LSD or other psychedelic drugs, you’re not alone. [...]

If you’re struggling to kick an addiction to benzos, detoxing from benzos at home may seem like the safest approach, but it isn’t always safe or effective.  Learn more about the risks and benefits of benzo detox before making your decision. What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative that slows down the central nervous system. They are depressants that are used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and acute seizures, and as general anesthetic premedication. The class of benzos includes some popular drugs such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin.  The problem is that benzodiazepines are addictive and tolerance to them can build up quickly—which means you'll need higher doses to get the same effect. The process starts [...]

Many drug users, whether they are abusing prescription medications or taking recreational drugs, experience symptoms of withdrawal when they try to quit using the drugs. However, some individuals who have abused certain drugs such as opioids will develop a condition known as protracted withdrawal syndrome (PWS), which can take months or even years to resolve fully.  Protracted withdrawal syndrome is a condition that results from the long-term use of drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), and narcotics (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet). In some cases, withdrawal can happen after just one use.  The symptoms of protracted withdrawal syndrome can be very severe and may include panic attacks, nausea or vomiting, convulsions or seizures, hallucinations, agitation or irritability, tremors or shaking in [...]

If you have an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or both, it can be hard to know when you should go through medically-assisted detox. While it’s true that anyone with an active addiction may need some form of detoxification, you also don’t want to go through this process unnecessarily or prematurely because there are risks involved in the procedure.  Medically-assisted detox is a process where addicts are taken off of their drug or alcohol dependency under a doctor's supervision and given medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Medically assisted detox is also known as detoxification or detox.  The decision to pursue medically-assisted detox is a big step, and it’s not one to be taken lightly. Often, the first sign that [...]

“At-Home Detox” options are becoming increasingly popular around the country. These options seem to offer individuals looking to get off drugs and alcohol an easier way to detox than the traditional option of admitting into a drug and alcohol detox and treatment facility. However, as any addiction treatment professional would tell you, easier is not always better or safer.   The truth is, for some people there are options outside of admitting into a detox facility or rehab in order to detox and receive care and support in order to manage withdrawal symptoms. For some people, an outpatient detox is adequate for getting them through withdrawals and getting to a place of physical stabilization to then begin treatment. For certain [...]