The Dangers of Gambling Addictions: How to Start Recovery and Seek Treatment

Is Gambling Really an Addiction? Gambling, often seen as an innocuous form of entertainment, can lead to a perilous addiction with severe consequences. While not everyone who engages in gambling activities develops an addiction, the risks associated with compulsive gambling are real and should not be taken lightly. It’s essential to shed light on the […]

Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Utah

Addiction is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities across the United States, with each state facing its own unique challenges. In the case of Utah, the current addiction statistics can shed light on the severity of the issue. Moreover, the more detailed information we have, the better treatment options we can develop. Addiction […]

What Are Behavioral Addictions and How Do You Recognize Them?

What Are Behavioral Addictions? Behavioral addictions are, in short, addictions to certain behaviors. Instead of alcohol or other substances, it’s a compulsive behavior that a person struggles with. Accordingly, the same “reward” chemicals are released in the brain, but a behavioral addiction doesn’t involve outside substances. There are other terms to describe behavioral addictions, including: […]

An Alcohol-Free Halloween

Is a Sober Halloween Possible? Every season has its challenges for those in recovery. During the summer months, summer beach parties may be hard to manage. But now that summertime is over, the fall present challenges of its own. The autumn season can feel ruled by the presence of Halloween and its festivities, including the […]

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults: Symptoms and Solutions

What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? Our actions, especially when it comes to substance abuse, affect everyone around us. One serious example of this is known as “fetal alcohol syndrome” (FAS). This syndrome occurs when a mother is pregnant and continues to drink alcohol throughout the pregnancy. Moreover, her choices can have a lasting impact on […]

Helping a Loved One Start Recovery: The Conversation

First Steps to Recovery Do you have a loved one who’s struggling with substance abuse? If you do, you’re not alone. According to the Journal of Addiction Medicine, over 21 million people in the US struggle with substance abuse disorder (SUD). This means that the number of family members impacted is even greater. We know […]

The Trouble with Alcohol and Xanax

To Mix or Not to Mix? Medications like Xanax, even if prescribed, should never be taken lightly. They’re still chemical substances that should be handled with care, especially when it comes to mixing with other substances. And alcohol is no exception. Generally, it’s better to avoid alcohol if you are taking Xanax since they both […]

Neuroplasticity: What It Is and What It Has to Do With Addiction

What is Neuroplasticity? The brain is one the most complex organs in the human body. It is composed of synapses, or small structures that neurons use to communicate with each another. Over time, some synapse connections can grow stronger, while others weaken as we get older. Because our brains are so adaptable, they change according […]

The Dangers of Fentanyl and Addiction

What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. Producers make it in a lab and chemically modify it to be stronger than other opioids such as heroin or morphine. Doctors prescribe it to patients in severe pain, most commonly after serious surgeries. Although fentanyl is present in a number of legal prescriptions, it’s now increasingly […]

How to Rebuild Your Immune System During Addiction Recovery

Many people recovering from addiction are unaware of their immune health. It can be a tough topic to address, especially when there are so many other things to work on. But your immune recovery is an essential part of your new life. Substance abuse over an extended period of time has harmful effects on a […]