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 […]
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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Like alcohol, cannabis is an addictive substance that creates a euphoric high and can interfere with brain chemistry. Another similarity is that they are both legal. At least cannabis is legal in more states every year, though not yet all. Just because a substance is legal does not make it completely safe. Cars are legal
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Prescription drug misuse is a growing concern that impacts countless lives across the country, including many right here in Texas. Whether it’s painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants, the misuse of these medications can lead to serious health risks and dependency. Recognizing the signs of painkiller abuse or prescription drug misuse early can make a critical difference
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