Addiction vs Dependence: Why These Terms Aren’t Interchangeable
Your brain fires a warning signal. Your hands shake. Your body craves the substance — but is this addiction or dependence? These two conditions, often confused as synonyms, represent distinct challenges in medical science. Understanding addiction vs. dependence is crucial for anyone seeking substance dependence help, as it can help unravel complex concepts to help you understand where you [...]
What Are Carts? Breaking Down the Dangers of Black Market Vapes
A $3 vape cartridge can look identical to a legal product, passed through multiple hands, and end up in the possession of a college student who thought she was making a smart financial choice. She isn’t alone. Across America, black market vape cartridges have infiltrated communities with devastating efficiency. These counterfeits, commonly known as "carts," mask lethal ingredients behind [...]
How is Viibryd Different From Other SSRIs?
Sometimes, choosing the right antidepressant can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. There are lots of them in the market, with every medication having its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique properties. Among these, Viibryd (Vilazodone) is a popular one, treating depression and anxiety. Unlike traditional Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Viibryd operates with a distinctive mechanism of [...]
Epigenetic Memory, Addiction & the Science of Recovery
Addiction isn’t a choice, but a complex interplay of biology, environment, and personal history. Every experience, every trauma, and every decision shapes us — not just mentally, but at the genetic level. The experiences you live through, the trauma you endure, and even the choices you make can leave marks not only on your life but on your genes. [...]
Do Interventions Work? The Truth About Professional Addiction Intervention
Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling with substance use—it ripples through families, friendships, and entire communities. Behind each overwhelming and scary addiction statistic stands a family who likely saw the signs, and wanted to help, but didn't know how. Professional interventions, when properly executed, can help get people into treatment. But timing and approach can make all the [...]
Are Delirium Tremens Considered Metabolic Encephalopathy?
When alcohol leaves the system unaided by a medical detox protocol, it can trigger a devastating cascade in the brain. Delirium tremens kills up to 37% of untreated cases. Delirium Tremens (DTs) and metabolic encephalopathy — both might sound like something straight out of a medical textbook. But for those struggling with alcohol addiction or supporting a loved one [...]
Cured vs Recovered: Why Language Matters in Recovery
Words hold immense power, shaping experiences, emotions, and even brain chemistry. When it comes to addiction recovery, the choice of language can significantly influence an individual's journey. This concept begs the question: Are we promoting healing when we use terms like "cured," or are we undermining the complex nature of recovery? Understanding the difference between cured vs. recovered is [...]
The Truth About Using a Breathing Necklace to Quit Vaping
The soft glow, the familiar weight in their palm, the ritual — it all feels impossible to leave behind when it comes to trying to quit smoking e-cigs. Among these methods, the breathing necklace has gained popularity as a supposed tool for battling cravings. But is this sleek piece of jewelry the miracle solution it’s marketed to be? Debunking [...]
What is Zaza? The Truth Behind This Rising Drug Trend
Hazy, deceptive, and dangerously alluring, Zaza has emerged as a troubling player when it comes to substance abuse. For those in the know — or those trying to avoid the trap — let’s answer “What is Zaza?” From its origins to the symptoms it provokes, let’s shed light on this rapidly rising drug trend that could impact countless individuals [...]
Is Trazodone a Benzodiazepine? Understanding Your Medication
Trazodone is often prescribed, but many patients find themselves puzzled about its classification. Is trazodone a benzodiazepine? The short answer is no, but the nuances are crucial. Trazodone works differently than benzodiazepines, impacting how it affects your body and mind. Let’s dive into the specifics and clear up the confusion surrounding this commonly prescribed medication. Need help managing medication [...]