Analgesics is the medical term for painkillers. Painkillers fall into four distinct categories: non-opioid, anti-inflammatory, compound, and opioid. Some painkillers are over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription. All painkillers can be misused, and even OTC painkillers can negatively impact the body in certain circumstances. Compound painkillers can be potentially addictive, while opioid painkillers are […]
Prescription medications are used daily by millions of Americans to treat conditions ranging from anxiety to pain management. There are several classifications of prescription medications, many of which have a high risk for misuse, dependency, and addiction. Opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Studies on prescription drug […]
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction is an evidence-based approach to treatment that remains misunderstood. Many traditional or step-based programs believe that using medications as part of addiction treatment is like trading one addiction for another. While it is true that these medications can have the potential for abuse, when used properly, they are highly […]
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that can cause significant medical, mental, social, and economic impairments. Opioids are a class of drugs that affect the central nervous system by blocking pain and creating feelings of intense pleasure. The most immediate danger from opioid use is the very high risk for overdose. Many mistakenly believe that […]
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug made from the leaves of the coca plant. In its powder form, it is most often snorted but can also be liquified and injected. Crack is a crystallized form of the drug that is smoked. It is even more potent and addictive than powder cocaine. Cocaine is a stimulant […]
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic mental health disorder that can occur after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD impacts millions of people every year and can affect people of any age. Since every individual is different, not everyone who experiences the same trauma will develop PTSD. It is normal to […]
Personal boundaries are the physical, emotional, and mental limits we set for ourselves to safeguard our wellbeing. They allow us to form our sense of identity and separate who we are, what we think, and how we feel from the thoughts and feelings of those around us. We have different boundaries for different circumstances and […]
California has one of the highest concentrations of substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States, most of which are in Los Angeles and its surrounding neighborhoods…
For many who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, the desire to quit can be overshadowed by the fear of the withdrawal symptoms of detox. Attempts to detox at home frequently fail because…
