Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. However, like many other prescription drugs, Xanax can be abused, leading to serious health consequences, including damage to the brain. In this blog post, we will discuss what Xanax abuse does to the brain, the…
Benzodiazepines (commonly referred to as “benzos”) are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. While benzos can be helpful for those with a valid medical need, they can become addictive if misused. Benzo abuse statistics are alarming. For example, in the United States, from 1996 to 2013, the number of adults aged…
Heroin is a powerful and deadly drug with the potential to alter everything in your life dramatically. The illicit drug can change you emotionally and mentally, and then there are the physical effects of heroin addiction. Heroin use and abuse will severely limit the functions of your brain. While the short-term effects can be tragic,…
Adolescence is a time of drastic changes, growth, and development for young people. It is a time when many young people start looking outside their family unit for cues about what to do, how to behave, and things to try. Unfortunately, this also means that some adolescents will run into trouble with drugs or alcohol.…
It’s never easy when a family member abuses drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, it becomes even more difficult to deal with when they develop a dependence or addiction. When you’re a parent, and you see your child, no matter their age, struggle with the disease of addiction, you want to help them. Without question, every parent…
The physical signs of meth use in adults are distinct, worsen over the course of the addiction, and sometimes the neurological consequences can be irreversible. Getting help as early as possible is key for achieving a successful recovery from meth addiction. At Grace Counseling, we’re here for you in the moment of crisis and far…
Prescription drug abuse is defined as “Taking drugs other than how they were prescribed to you,” and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 18 million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2017. Prescription drug abuse is dangerous not only on its own but because it can lead to opioid addiction. With that comes…
An estimated 8 million people in the United States currently struggle with a substance use disorder. Of that number, about 10% are cocaine users. As one of the most highly addictive illegal substances, it is difficult for users to stop independently instead of requiring help to overcome their addiction. Sierra Sage Recovery Services offers a…
For individuals who want to stop engaging in substance abuse, drug withdrawal can be a great obstacle. Withdrawal occurs when long-time usage suddenly stops or significantly decreases. It can also arise when a dependency has gotten too great, requiring individuals to take larger and larger doses. Withdrawal symptoms are not usually life-threatening, but they can…
Could your teen be using drugs or alcohol? Some parents may not believe this is possible. Others may recognize the risks but are unsure what to do about them. The signs of substance use in adolescents are nothing to ignore. The sooner you react to it, and do so in a positive way, the better off…