Risks of Using Marijuana to Reduce Anxiety
Risks of Using Marijuana to Reduce Anxiety Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer at Cliffside Malibu With the increasing number of states legalizing both the medical and recreational use of marijuana, its use is becoming more popular. Like any drug, there are different reasons why people may initially choose to use marijuana. […]
Let’s Talk About Hallucinogens
Let’s Talk About Hallucinogens When people consider hallucinogenic drugs, the 1960s will likely come to mind. The late 1960s birthed the counter-culture of hippies and hallucinogenics. Initially, these substances were promoted as a means of expanding consciousness and exploration of the self. However, the federal government quickly outlawed hallucinogens in 1970, placing them into the […]
The Short and Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens
Updated 2/27/25 Content reviewed by Nicholas G. Glines In the 1960s, hallucinogenic drugs were popularized as a part of the counter-culture revolution. These drugs alter an individual’s perception of reality, causing them to see and hear things that aren’t actually there. While hallucinogens are now recognized for their value in medication-assisted therapy, these drugs can […]
Defining Co-Occurring Conditions
Updated on 02/19/24 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC Co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Mental health disorders can be a contributing factor to the development of substance use disorders. Risk factors for developing these disorders overlap, including environmental and genetic factors. Effective […]
Grounding Techniques to Calm Your Mind in Addiction Recovery
Updated on 3/2/2023 The grounding techniques outlined in this blog can help lower your anxiety levels. Addiction and anxiety are recognized as commonly co-occurring disorders. When a person self-medicates to quell anxiety symptoms, they increase their risk of becoming dependent and developing an addiction. On the other hand, a person may develop an anxiety disorder […]
Once the Party Stops: Treatment for Club Drugs
Once the Party Stops: Treatment for Club Drugs COVID-19 brought an abrupt halt to how people party. The clubs went dark and gone were the days of exchanging names and numbers and sharing club drugs. The clubs once held to a standard of fun, freedom and letting go are not found online. Social distancing, the […]
Social Distancing and Quarantine: Looking at the Bright Side
Social Distancing and Quarantine During Coronavirus: Looking at the Bright Side With everything going on in the world right now, it can be hard not to feel anxious and stressed out. Our normal daily routines have been turned upside down, our creature comforts are either gone or hard to come by, and it is nearly […]
COVID19, Stress & Relapse
Who knew we would be talking about Corona in such a derogatory fashion? Possibly, for the rest of our lives, we will recall the days when COVID19 became a part of our vocabulary. No matter how you perceive the issue or where you live, this pandemic has affected your life. Perhaps you are part of […]
What Does Xanax Do?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, resulting in a feeling of calmness and relaxation. It can be highly addictive and often abused, with signs of addiction including drug-seeking behavior, taking more than the prescribed dose, taking Xanax at […]
Is Xanax an Opioid?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication, not an opioid, that acts as a central nervous system depressant. Benzodiazepines produce sedation, relieve anxiety, induce sleep and prevent seizures. Both benzodiazepines and opioids are highly addictive, and misuse can easily occur. Withdrawal from Xanax can have serious symptoms, and medical detox is often necessary for a safe recovery. […]