The opioid epidemic in the US seems to be getting worse every year. The CDC estimates that in 2017, nearly 49,000 Americans died of an opioid overdose. Fortunately, awareness of the problem is growing and there are more treatment options than ever for opioid addiction. However, recovery from opioid addiction must begin with detox. Here’s…
No one who has experienced withdrawal would think it was something to be grateful for. Depending on the drug, you might experience anything from irritability and cravings, to diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and hallucinations. The fear of withdrawal keeps many people using substances long after it stopped being fun. Withdrawal has ended many attempts at recovery…
Post-acute-withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, is when you experience lingering mental health issues after acute withdrawal at the start of recovery. Most people experience PAWS as depression, lack of motivation, inability to feel pleasure, emotional numbness, insomnia, impaired concentration and memory, irritability, and anxiety. Some people develop panic disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder. There is little scientific…
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the US. While most people only drink moderately or occasionally, as many as 12 percent of American adults have an alcohol use disorder and the rate may be increasing. When you decide to get help for an alcohol use problem, the first thing you have to do…
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. They are typically prescribed for occasional use for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Unfortunately, you can develop a dependence on benzodiazepines in as little as two weeks of regular use. What’s more, they are among the most difficult drugs…
Stomach trouble, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common during withdrawal. These may be especially severe for opioid withdrawal, which is often described as “the worst flu you’ve ever had.” Opioids slow down digestion and cause constipation. In fact, poppy seed tea is a traditional remedy for diarrhea. The problem is that your body adjusts…