Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Its abuse can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences, making it crucial to recognize the mental and physical signs of meth use early. If you suspect a loved one is struggling with meth, understanding these signs and knowing how to […]
Signs of Meth Use in a Loved One Read More »
Toxic relationships can take many forms. Some involve physical harm, while others are cold or cruel, leaving you feeling battered. Often, toxicity can’t be resolved without a total commitment from both parties. The responsibility for the relationship shouldn’t fall on just one person. In families facing toxic dynamics, it is possible to rebuild healthy and
Understanding Toxic Relationships Read More »
Ecstasy, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a trendy party drug. Most popular among young men aged 18 to 25, the drug is readily obtainable at festivals, concerts, and raves. Many people believe it to be relatively harmless, which can backfire by making abuse seem safe, leading to adverse outcomes. Ecstasy abuse treatment at The Right Step
Dangers of Ecstasy Abuse Read More »
Mental health conditions and substance abuse co-occur often. The links between anxiety or depression and addiction are well-documented, as are the links between a substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health diagnoses. People with mental health challenges often use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate to relieve symptoms. This can lead to addiction. Also, drugs
How Your Mental Health Can Be Worsened By Substance Abuse Read More »
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been around since the 1960s when Dr. Aaron Beck, a pioneering psychiatrist, developed it based on his research into the links between thoughts and behavior. CBT techniques focus on an individual’s thought processes, often outside of awareness, and their direct impact on actions. Research has confirmed what Dr. Beck recognized sixty
Utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Read More »
Polysubstance abuse means that someone is regularly abusing more than one drug at the same time or mixing a drug with alcohol. Often, tolerance builds for both or all the substances being abused, and ultimately, there can be an addiction to more than one substance. This scenario is far from unusual, and alcohol is one
Risks of Mixing Benzos and Alcohol Read More »
Addiction has existed as long as alcohol and other psychotropic substances. Our understanding of addiction—its evolution, treatment, and the role of loved ones—has changed significantly over time. Unfortunately, some enduring myths about addiction complicate life for those with a substance use disorder (SUD) and their families. Debunking these myths is crucial for helping those struggling
Debunking Common Myths About Addiction Read More »
Opioid addiction is a matter of global concern. Though opium and opium-derived drugs like heroin have been around for a long time, the epidemic of opioid abuse and addiction ramped up exponentially thanks to lab-synthesized medications like oxycodone and fentanyl. Both have medical applications but are widely abused as well. The long-term effects of opioids
How Do Opioids Affect the Brain? Read More »
Drugs derived from opium have been around for about 8000 years. In ancient times, many cultures realized that the opium poppy produced a substance that could treat pain and alleviate symptoms of specific ailments. No doubt, they discovered that this medicine also created feelings of euphoria. Did they see patients becoming addicted? Perhaps. Regardless, Chinese,
Is Heroin an Opioid? Read More »
Since prehistory, humans have created alcohol and used it in ceremonies, celebrating significant events, showing visitors hospitality, and more. Nowadays, alcohol use is normalized in most cultures, and alcohol of some kind can be found in the majority of American homes. Not everyone who uses alcohol becomes addicted, but more than 15 million adults in
When Does Alcohol Use Become a Drinking Problem? Read More »