Depressants are a category of substances that work by slowing the function of the central nervous system. These can include prescription medications that help treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Examples of depressants include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and also alcohol. In small doses, a substance like Xanax or Valium, both from the benzodiazepine class […]

Vicodin is a prescription pain reliever intended for individuals who have sustained an injury or have undergone surgery. As with all opioids, Vicodin provides swift pain relief with an accompanying sense of deep relaxation and euphoria. These pleasant effects create the perfect space for addiction to develop. As the brain registers the desirable effects in […]

People may seek out cocaine for its desirable initial effects, but soon learn that the euphoric high is very short-lived. This can lead to increasing cocaine consumption, can quickly develop into a substance use disorder. Cocaine is a highly addictive illicit drug that has the potential to destroy personal finances and health, and even lead […]

After a decade of ever-increasing opioid overdose deaths, the rising trend appears to have slowed down. At the end of 2019, states began to report slight decreases in drug overdose death rates, particularly opioid-related deaths. But, that changed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Since March, tragically, several states have announced upticks in opioid-related […]

Because life does not happen in a vacuum, neither should the therapy that helps you overcome a substance use disorder. While individual psychotherapy sessions are a core component of the treatment plan, process group therapy also plays a pivotal role.  Process groups are essential to recovery.. Process group therapy involves a gathering of peers who […]

Using the prescription stimulant Adderall recreationally with alcohol is both dangerous and risky. Some might believe that when mixing a stimulant with a depressant, the effects of each cancel out. This is untrue. Adderall only masks the alcohol’s depressant effects, leading to serious, even fatal, outcomes. The Adderall and alcohol combination has become a favorite […]