Early recovery can feel like it will never end. Working toward that first full year of sobriety is one of the most challenging yet most rewarding things you will ever do in your lifetime. Every single day of that year you will watch magnificent transformations take place. Your entire life is going to change, from … Read more
One of the things you’ll hear often from people who have recovered from addiction is that, while they were still “using” they believed they were living their life to the fullest. Drugs and alcohol change the way our brain functions, leading us to perceive the world around us differently. For many people, just feeling something … Read more
Recovery from addiction to drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol is a lifelong process that may not always be linear. Data show that between 40 and 60% of those in recovery will relapse at least during the first year of treatment. Experiencing a relapse can provoke feelings of guilt and discouragement, but it certainly doesn’t mean … Read more
Flakka, also known as alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone or desmethylpyrovalerone, is a synthetic cathinone. Synthetic cathinones, or “bath salts,” are human-made chemicals that are chemically similar to the khat plant, a shrub grown in East Africa and Arabia. People chew the leaves of the khat plant for its stimulating effect, but synthetic cathinones vary greatly from natural cathinones … Read more
12-step programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) have helped millions of people free themselves from addiction, but their impact extends beyond the steps. Behind each step is a guiding principle—values that shape personal growth, accountability, and a new way of life. These principles of 12-step recovery provide a moral and spiritual foundation … Read more
In early sobriety, even discussing drugs or tell “war stories” about using can cause cravings. We have a tendency to forget about all the pain and suffering of our addiction and remember only the good feelings associated with drug or alcohol use. Conversations about drug use and discussing the seemingly positive aspects of intoxication can … Read more
Molly, also known as MDMA or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that acts as a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It provokes feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and heightened sensory perception. While some people use molly recreationally for its mood-enhancing effects, the drug also has significant impacts on brain chemistry that can trigger short-term and long-term … Read more
Salvia is a plant native to South and Central America used by the Mazatec Indians in traditional ceremonies. Its active ingredient—salvia divinorum—is among the most potent psychoactive drugs that occur naturally. The substance triggers dizziness, confusion, intense visions, and a sense of disconnection from reality. While the effects of this drug are usually short-lived, they … Read more
Seeking help for substance use or mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance everyday responsibilities like work, school, or family. For individuals who need structured support but don’t require 24-hour care, an IOP (intensive outpatient program) provides a path to sustained recovery. IOPs deliver flexible and effective treatment that fits into … Read more
