What Does Drug Use Do to the Brain?
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands The brain is the most complex organ in our body. It regulates essential functions, such as breathing or keeping your heart beating and allows you to interpret and respond to external stimuli. Your brain gives you the ability to interact with your environment and make […]
Understanding Medical Detox
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands Over time, chronic substance use can wreak havoc on an individual’s physical and mental health. Alcohol and other drugs interfere significantly with brain functioning, disturbing standard communication between brain regions and the cells within those regions. Chronic substance use persuades the mind and body to […]
Understanding Addiction vs. Dependency
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands One of the many misconceptions about substance use and addiction is that addiction equates to dependence or vice versa. It is essential to understand that, although sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, they are not the same. The difference between addiction and dependence can be […]
Signs of Opioid Withdrawal
Signs of Opioid Withdrawal Opioid withdrawal is one of the more uncomfortable parts of treatment, but it is one of the most important. There are many signs of opioid withdrawal, the length and severity of which can vary from person to person. However, each detox experience almost always includes strong cravings. Symptoms can be mild, […]
Vicodin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline and Treatment
Vicodin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline and Treatment What is Vicodin and What Does It Do? According to MedicineNet, Vicodin is a combination of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain-reliever and a cough suppressant, similar to codeine. Hydrocodone blocks the receptors on nerve cells in the brain that give rise to the sensation of pain. […]
What is Vicodin Withdrawal Like?
What is Vicodin Withdrawal Like? When someone has an addiction to Vicodin and is ready to become sober, there are many questions that may arise. These can include: Where should I go for treatment? How much will it cost? How long will treatment take? What is Vicodin withdrawal like? Since there are many unknowns when […]
Tips on Fighting Through Opioid Withdrawals
Fighting through opioid withdrawals is challenging, but there are strategies to help make it smoother. Quitting cold turkey is never recommended. It can lead to intense cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are much more effective options, allowing for a gradual tapering off opioids while also minimizing withdrawal discomfort. Having […]
Can I Detox From Methadone?
What is Detox from Methadone Like? Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication. It was originally designed to help people in treatment struggling with addiction to opioids, such as heroin. It is used to slowly wean people off of heroin and opioids so that they do not experience sudden and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. However, methadone in […]
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Heroin Withdrawal Aside from making the decision to finally get help, one of the biggest obstacles of heroin addiction is detoxing. Chances are, you have experienced being “dope sick” when you haven’t had heroin for a certain period of time. That is actually the beginning of the symptoms of heroin withdrawal, and it can be […]
What Can I Expect In Detox During Recovery?
Aside from making the decision to enter treatment for addiction, detox is one of the most important parts of the recovery process. It is also one of the most feared parts of the recovery process, since detox has long been notorious for being an uncomfortable, scary process. Detox has evolved to be much more comfortable […]