People who use drugs and alcohol often do so to cope with emotional pain and psychological turmoil. Unable to process in any other way, they turn to substances to numb their feelings. Drug and alcohol abuse due to self-medicating may appear to help them cope with pain, anxiety, or trauma. However, doing so can have…
Social anxiety disorder affects nearly 10% of American youth and about 7% of adults. Education regarding the links between social anxiety and drug abuse can help prevent addiction before it begins. However, the most common reason people with social anxiety drink or take drugs is as a form of self-medication. Reducing symptoms through substance use…
Faith-centered addiction treatment combines spiritual practice with evidence-based treatment. Faith-based practices can help you use your commitment to religion and spirituality to support your recovery. If you have a background in Christianity, are deeply religious, or feel comforted by the practice of Christian faith, a recovery community based on Christian principles will likely help you…
Oxycontin, generically known as oxycodone, was approved by the FDA for medical use in 1995. The drug manufacturers’ assurances that it was not particularly addictive meant physicians prescribed it readily for their patients. Many traced the current opioid epidemic to when doctors often wrote prescriptions for synthetic opioids for pain. Prescription medication treatment centers treat…
Once you decide that you need addiction treatment, you are already on your way to recovery. The following steps of determining what kind of treatment you need and where can seem daunting, but they don’t have to be. There are great options available to you. Some resources can help you choose between an inpatient or…
For 60 years, Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) has been providing evidence-based care to teens 18 and up and adults who struggle with addiction. Serving communities throughout Pennsylvania, several PAATC locations offer dynamic environments, compassionate care, and comprehensive therapeutic programs. If you live in or near Pennsylvania and are looking for professional treatment for…
Heroin addiction continues to be a challenge in the United States, with upwards of half a million people affected each year. Heroin addiction help is available in professional rehab centers in most states. The first thing that has to happen before anyone with a heroin addiction can start recovery is withdrawal. It is often best…
Millions of Americans report having used cocaine in their lifetimes. While the number of people addicted to either cocaine or crack, a smokable form of cocaine, has gone down slightly since the early 2000s, this addiction still affects millions every year. Cocaine addiction damages the lives of cocaine abusers and their families. If you are…
The opioid crisis is alive and well. Whether prescription painkillers, heroin, fentanyl, or other opioids, these drugs are dangerous and cost lives. Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioids. 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, fentanyl is synthetic, meaning it is created in a lab. In addition, drug manufacturers often lace other…
Phencyclidine, or PCP as it is commonly known, has been around since the 1950s. Originally formulated as an IV anesthetic, the agitating and hallucinogenic effects led to medical professionals discontinuing its use. Unfortunately, that was not the end of PCP. However, it has been available on the street market ever since and is dangerous and…