From its synthesis from the South American coca plant in the mid-19th century, cocaine has captivated people across all levels of society. It was initially used in medical applications and lauded by people like Sigmund Freud for its benefits in lifting mood in his melancholic patients. It was readily available in over-the-counter (OTC) tonics and […]
Is Cocaine a Stimulant? Read More »
In the United States, alcohol is legal and readily available to anyone over 21. People drink to celebrate, relax, and socialize, meaning that the presence and use of alcohol are normalized in our society. Moderate drinking poses no significant issues. But how do you know if your alcohol use has entered the realm of abuse?
What Is Considered Heavy Drinking? Read More »
The stigma around mental health is pervasive and, unfortunately, a serious barrier to care for the people who need it. May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to focus on breaking the stigma around mental health and addiction. These are illnesses, not personal shortcomings, and fostering understanding and compassion is crucial. At The Right Step
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As interest in ketamine rises for both medical and recreational use, the risk of misuse grows alongside it. Understanding the side effects of ketamine use and the signs of ketamine abuse is an essential first step in protecting your health or helping someone else. You’re not alone—and you’re not without options—if you or someone you
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The term “opioid” refers to a wide range of substances, including natural opiates derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and synthetic drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone, which scientists create in laboratories. They all bind with the same opioid receptors in the brain and have similar effects. The main difference among the various opioids
Is Morphine an Opioid? Read More »
Marijuana is legal in about half of the United States—but it’s still a psychoactive drug derived from a particular strain of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). Like alcohol, it’s considered by many to be safer than meth, opioids, or cocaine. However, since people can abuse cannabis, experience negative side effects, and struggle to quit, it
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Xanax® is the brand name for one of many benzodiazepines (benzos). These tranquilizers are used for medical purposes to treat mental health issues like anxiety, but their use can lead to abuse, dependence, and addiction. Benzo abuse is concerning because it can lead to serious consequences based on its sedative effects. Taking too much or
Addiction affects many thousands of people across the United States, though not nearly enough of them have access to addiction treatment. Others don’t understand the benefits of addiction counseling. The stigma associated with addiction includes shame about having a substance use disorder (SUD) and distrust of the rehab process. Most people entrust their physical care
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Alcohol is legal, common, and readily available. Most homes have some form of liquor in a cabinet, and in many states, alcohol is sold in grocery stores and gas stations. But we also know that despite its use in social settings and celebrations, alcohol is an addictive substance. About 29.8 million Americans have an alcohol
What Is Alcohol-Induced Dementia? Read More »
For far too long, addiction research focused exclusively on men, who were the only participants in studies on the subject until recently. For the last few decades, women have been included more and more in addiction research, which helps clinicians who treat addiction understand that there are differences between the sexes and how to focus
Recognizing Addiction in Women Read More »