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 […]
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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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You may have heard the phrase, “Addiction is a family disease.” This saying holds some truth, as the impact of addiction extends far beyond the person struggling, affecting their loved ones in profound ways. Families are torn apart for several reasons—including loss of trust, eroded communications, and the chronic stress and worry that family members
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Trauma can deeply affect mental, emotional, and physical well-being, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders (SUDs). Healing requires specialized care that addresses its lasting impact. At The Right Step Houston, we provide compassionate, evidence-based trauma therapy, including trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to
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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
Substance use disorders (SUDs) and other mental health issues have been successfully treated with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) since researchers first developed it in the 1970s. Based on an earlier and also highly effective behavioral modality called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT provides a whole-person approach to treatment that’s based on principles of mindfulness to achieve
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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
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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 »
Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive drug with potentially severe risks if taken chronically. However, meth addiction treatment can successfully help you or someone you care about begin a successful recovery. An inpatient and medically supervised detox program can successfully manage meth withdrawal symptoms. After detox, evidence-based therapies and supportive modalities can result in long-lasting
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