Opiates come in many forms. Some are more familiar and are prescribed by doctors, including OxyContin, Vicodin, and codeine, while others are illegal street drugs such as heroin. While the variations of these drugs is wide, many of the signs of opiate addiction are similar. So if you suspect someone you love is using or abusing an opiate, knowing the signs of opiate addiction can help you decide ...
There is Hope: A Medication-Assisted Treatment Success Story
I loved using drugs from the first time I tried them. Beginning with marijuana, pills and alcohol when I was 12, I escalated to IV drug use by the time I was 16 years old. I was living in a rough neighborhood in El Paso, TX and had already become immune to the fear of trying something new or getting in trouble. Out party-hopping in search of marijuana one night, we ran into my friend’s sister. She ...
Take Your Time: A Medication-Assisted Treatment Success Story
Much like developing an addiction to opioids, recovering from that addiction and reclaiming a healthy, happy life takes time. I learned that the hard way, facing a problem I should have seen coming from a mile away yet somehow didn’t realize until it was too late. The first time I ever drank was at 15 years old. Like so many kids, I didn’t see it as a big deal, it was just what kids do. When I ...
Recovery and Work Can “Work”
Recovery and work don't seem like they can go hand-in-hand. One of the biggest concerns people have when considering recovery treatment for addiction is their work schedule. Taking time off from work may not be an option for most people, making the ability to work while receiving treatment extremely important. Far too many people recovering from addiction decide to forgo continual treatment simply ...
Cross-Addiction Treatment
When you decide to go into treatment for an opiate use disorder, you are at risk for cross-addiction after opiate addiction. You can even develop another addiction at the same time as you are still fighting your initial addiction. Likewise, if you’ve been abusing weed or alcohol, you might realize that the lesser addiction has always been on your route to the one you’re now trying to kick. All ...
