Urine adulteration is a common method practice by those who want their drug testing results to come out negative even if they have the presence of illegal drugs in their system. Here are common and popular means of altering a urine analysis of which a parent, loved one or employer should be aware. * […]
Pets have been known to assist with general health, alleviate stress with their adorable antics, quell loneliness with their erectie-problemen cuddles, in addition to increasing opportunities for exercise and socialization. Is it possible they could also assist someone recovering from a substance abuse problem as well? While pets are an extra responsibility and expense, […]
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stress is the number one trigger to substance abuse. Keep in mind that each person’s idea of stress may be very different than that of another. Getting laid off is stressful enough, but having to tell your wife you were laid off is probably stress of a whole […]
Alcohol Related Brain Damage is a brain disorder that includes several different conditions. One of those conditions is wet brain. A person with wet brain acts much like the Alzheimer patient with loss of recent memory, disorientation and confusion believing something is not true or real when in fact it is or vice versa. Truly an ultimate […]
As a clinician in the substance abuse field, I have had my share of run-ins with insurance companies. In fact over the years it has been a battle to get reimbursed for many, if not all of the services delivered. Not only are policy holders and beneficiaries at the mercy of the insurance companies on […]
If hangovers, DUI’s, and developing a beer belly wasn’t enough of a reason to not drink in excess here are 7 new reasons to add to that list. While it has already been established that alcohol is linked to cancer, this is the first study to find that it can be a direct cause of […]
Environmentally triggered cravings are similar to chemically triggered cravings except the drug related memories or mental image pictures are environmentally triggered. (Click here to read Chemically Triggered Cravings blog) That is, the person suddenly recalls past events of times they used drugs which are triggered by events in their present environment. This results in their craving the […]
A drug is any substance which when taken into the body, may modify one or more of its functions. Drugs are essentially poisons. The degree they are taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant. A greater amount acts as a sedative. An even larger amount causes death. Each drug has a […]
Learning to be responsible for yourself and others is an important step for any one recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Many addicts lose the ability to care for themselves or others. They become different people, completely focused on themselves but unable to be responsible. In order to regain control over their lives addicts may […]