The actor Robert Downey Jr., or RDJ, made himself a household name with his role as Iron Man. But years before The Avengers, his future looked bleak as he battled alcoholism and drug abuse in front of the tabloids. Decades later, sobriety has stuck, and RDJ is now one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors. With his…
Methadone is a useful drug that doctors prescribe to help patients better manage symptoms of withdrawal or cravings for illegal opioids. However, while taking methadone, it’s possible to experience itching of the skin, develop a rash or even break out in hives. Find out what other common methadone side effects on skin are associated with…
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have emerged as the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States for the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. They are widely used because they don’t pose a high risk for severe side effects and are highly effective for many people. However, not everyone who starts taking…
The road to sobriety can often be difficult. Sometimes, it may feel like you’re alone and fighting a losing battle. You’re trying to cope with cravings, but temptations are everywhere. You’re doing your best to improve, but problematic situations are constantly testing your resolve. In times like this, spirituality can be a powerful resource. Reading…
Whether you’re a fully recovered addict or just beginning your recovery, the holidays are difficult for anyone with a substance abuse problem. This guide reviews some issues that make holidays in recovery challenging and how you can create a holiday relapse prevention plan to cope with these triggers. The Family Factor While some people find…
Oxytocin is a natural hormone that your body produces during sexual intercourse and childbirth. While this hormone is produced naturally in a healthy body, many people are discovering the benefits of taking this chemical as a dietary supplement, usually in the form of a nasal spray. Oxytocin nasal spray uses include treatments for autism, PTSD,…
Happiness comes from within. What we think of ourselves shines through in all our actions. Being negative and possessing self-hatred can limit the quality of lives we live since such thinking makes us feel less than or incapable. Altering those self-defeating thoughts and improving one’s mental health is the key to living a full life…
Addiction is a chronic brain disease that, like many other diseases, slowly appears over a long period of time. Often times, a substance that a person initially casually enjoys using becomes something that they are not able to live without and the addiction appears. This then turns into a constant cycle of addiction, treatment, sobriety…
Five Common Causes of Relapse People say that relapse is a part of recovery. While it doesn’t need to be true for everyone, it’s a sad fact that up to 60% of people that leave rehab will end up relapsing. After a year, this number decreases to less than 50% and continues to do so…