Can addiction run in your family, like heart disease or diabetes? Is addiction genetic? At the end of the day, our genes influence but don’t determine whether we develop an addiction or not. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role. So, what do we know? Below, we explore addiction risk factors and answer questions…
In recovery, that first step is often the hardest one to take. Standing at the crossroads of addiction and healing can feel overwhelming. But change and recovery are possible. So, what is the first step in recovery? While many people delay getting help because they fear judgment or failure or believe they must hit rock…
Recovery is about more than just quitting substances; it’s also about learning how to live well without them. True healing means rebuilding the everyday skills that may have been lost, neglected, or never fully developed during active addiction. In the early stages of recovery, the main focus is often just staying clean. Inevitably, this is…
For those battling opioid addiction, withdrawal symptoms can be a significant hurdle toward recovery and getting the holistic treatment and care necessary for lasting recovery. Yet, methadone clinics may offer a path forward, setting the stage for a life free from opioid addiction. Methadone clinics offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and stability for many who have…
Before entering rehab, it’s natural to have concerns about the process and how it’ll affect you going forward. That includes questions about privacy and confidentiality. Will future employers or schools know you went to rehab? Is rehab public record information, or can you keep it private? In many cases, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act…
A growing body of research has shown that long-term rehabilitation programs lead to high success rates. For example, a study from the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse showed that 76-78% of participants who completed 6-12 month addiction treatment programs remained abstinent 3-5 months later, which was substantially higher than those who didn’t complete…
Rapid detox for opioids might sound like an appealing way to get the most unpleasant and initial stage of recovery over with. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe or recommended. Below, we define rapid detox, how it works, its safety, and how it compares to medical detox. What should you know for yourself or…
Detoxing and stopping the use of the abused substance is often step one toward recovery. But this isn’t what recovery is all about. Sustainable sobriety is about developing the skills to recognize and effectively manage triggers. Triggers are essentially external or internal cues that lead to cravings and relapse.So, what should you know about addiction…
Fear of the unknown is common, even in rehab. If it’s your first time (or not!), knowing exactly what your days will look like can help calm your nerves and prepare you for what’s to come. So, what is a typical day in drug rehab like? Most often, you’ll have a daily schedule in rehab,…
Whether you’re trying to make sure it’s safe to drive, looking out for your health, or needing to be mindful of work-related drug tests, it can be helpful to know how long alcohol stays in the blood. But how long alcohol stays in your system depends on many factors, such as the test used and…
