by Dr. Kerri Heath “Only when we are sick of our sickness shall we cease to be sick.” –The 71st verse of the Tao The problems underlying dependency always have both physical and psychological components, and both have to be treated simultaneously. At Passages Addiction Treatment Center in Malibu, itContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Opioids are prescribed to those with suffer from severe acute or chronic pain. Unfortunately, this drug is extremely addictive and dangerous even when taken as prescribed by a doctor. Many people who take opioids become physically dependent on the drug, making it difficult to detach or ween off onceContinue Reading
Ecstasy use has increased in recent years and is considered a fairly new street drug; however, the consequences of ecstasy abuse are very severe. Deaths from ecstasy can occur due to overdose, as well as from either electrolyte imbalances or impairment while driving. Hyponatremial is the term used to describeContinue Reading
Is Ketamine Physically Addictive? Ketamine does not meet the criteria for physically addictive drugs. In fact, Ketamine’s widespread use in medicine as a mild anesthetic is due in large part to its nonaddictive properties. However, when used recreationally, ketamine users have the potential of developing a psychological addiction to itsContinue Reading
Personality changes can occur as drug dependency begins to take a physical hold on a dependent individual. Illegal drugs start to affect brain function—including the areas regulating cognition and mood—by altering chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters. While some illicit drugs create specific and predictable alterations in personality,Continue Reading
The transition period that follows drug or alcohol recovery is an important one. During this crucial intermediary phase, you embark on a life free of drugs and alcohol dependency and set the tone for the new, sober life ahead of you. By creating a transition-friendly environment, you can maximize yourContinue Reading