Laura Millán

When you realize that it’s time to make a change and want help in the fight against addiction, you have a choice: to get treatment in a hospital or to go to therapy and live at home. It’s called inpatient and outpatient care. How do we understand which option is more suitable inpatient vs outpatient rehab? Each has pros and cons. Someone needs constant support from the rehab center and a safe place to focus on their healing. For some, staying at home, continuing to study, work, or be with family while still attending therapy and group meetings is better.

June 17, 2025

Ethyl alcohol, also recognized as ethanol or simply ETOH, is the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. While moderate drinking tends to be socially acceptable, the situation becomes concerning when someone starts drinking too much and too often. That’s what we call ETOH abuse. It’s when an individual keeps drinking heavily even though it’s clearly affecting their health or job or even results in alcohol poisoning and dependence. It’s often viewed as a less severe stage of alcohol use disorder (AUD), but it’s still a red flag. Importantly, misusing alcohol doesn’t always mean a person is addicted. Dependency is a deeper

May 19, 2025

In 2025, the trend towards healthy lifestyles will increase. One reason is that people are now thinking about how they want to treat alcohol dependency—with the help of the sober curious movement. The essence of being sober curious is not to stop having a glass of beer with dinner at all (although it is also useful). The main goal is to get more conscious of your choices and understand how and when you drink. The younger generation, in particular, is taking this step. JAMA Pediatrics claims the number of U.S. students (from 18 to 22) who do not drink alcohol

April 18, 2025

Taking medication in a way other than prescribed crosses the line into abuse. What starts as borrowing a friend’s painkillers for a sore back or taking an extra pill for better sleep can escalate into dangerous habits like crushing and injecting drugs for a stronger effect. Prescription drug abuse is a growing crisis that affects people of all ages — from teen drug abuse to adult dependencies. Some of the most commonly misused pills include pain relievers, sedatives, and ADHD drugs. People turn to these medications for different reasons, but the consequences are often the same. It quickly spirals into

March 18, 2025

People suffering from hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) often fail to recognize its first signs. It affects their mental state and has a lasting impact on health. The condition is accompanied by flashbacks and unpleasant visual experiences that manifest long after consuming drugs. In this guide, we will analyze the meaning of the ailment, consider the main HPPD symptoms and types, and explore possible ways of assisting affected individuals in controlling anxiety, distress, and various unfavorable consequences. What is HPPD? The term refers to the condition that typically occurs after the non-medical consumption of hallucinogenic drugs. It’s accompanied by troubling

February 17, 2025

When a person starts feeling that marijuana does not have the same effect it used to have, they may have developed a high tolerance to it. This phenomenon leads to adverse impacts, as the individual needs to ingest more to achieve the desirable result. Increased weed endurance is typically associated with cannabis use disorder, which is especially dangerous for those who utilize it due to medical reasons. The weaker effect of prescribed remedies results in uncontrolled consumption. In this guide, we will consider how to lower weed tolerance and improve health outcomes. What is High Weed Tolerance? When an individual

February 03, 2025

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coined the term dry drunk syndrome (DDS) to describe a specific condition when an individual who no longer consumes alcohol has to deal with problems that caused the initial dependence on booze. However, many critics doubt the use of the term and believe it should not be used lightly due to its stigmatizing potential. A person with DDS should be ready to transform their mindset and change their behavior patterns to overcome the addiction. In this guide, we will consider the typical causes of DDS and the most result-yielding strategies for helping individuals advance on the way

December 17, 2024

A person with a substance use disorder (SUD) needs to take decisive steps toward full recovery. People with SUD often exhibit signs of antisocial behavior. They are prone to self-isolation and may experience mental health issues. Prescribed medications cause dependency when used longer than recommended. Bad habits lead to disastrous consequences and poor health. When the brain becomes dependent on a pill, it may be daunting to adjust the behavior patterns without undergoing treatment. In this guide, we will explore what is the most addictive drug and what steps an individual can take to minimize the threat of compulsive substance

November 18, 2024

Most people do not think that a glass of wine at a family event or a cocktail shared with friends may lead to perilous consequences and result in a lifelong addiction. However, regular alcohol consumption may lead to severe outcomes. Health professionals across the globe share a common concern regarding the increasing consumption of intoxicants. Experts emphasize the grave impact of alcohol use disorder (AUD) on health. Fighting this affliction is impossible without dismantling the myths around this phenomenon. In this blog post, we will outline the risks of AUD and answer the question, “Why is alcoholism considered a chronic

October 15, 2024

The misuse of prescription drugs with analgesic properties may lead to a host of adverse effects. Learning how to recognize the symptoms of OxyContin addiction is the only way to use this semisynthetic opioid safely to reduce pain. Even individuals who take it for medical purposes are not protected against the detrimental consequences of its prolonged usage. In this article, we will answer the question: “How addictive is OxyContin?” and determine the signs of opioid use disorder and move toward healing. Why is OxyContin so Addictive? OxyContin is a slow-release painkiller that is safe to use if an individual follows

September 16, 2024

Seeking to reduce pain, people increasingly often rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medications without realizing that simple solutions may result in a host of unforeseen consequences. The popularity of ibuprofen stems from its widespread accessibility, affordable price, and pain alleviation effects. However, it might be wise to examine the existing evidence to see whether this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is safe to take for prolonged periods. Faced with unexpected ramifications of extended usage, people ask themselves: “Can you get addicted to ibuprofen?” In this article, we will analyze the common symptoms associated with overdose and consider time-tested recovery practices. Is Ibuprofen

August 16, 2024

With the continuing legalization of cannabis across the U.S. states, its usage keeps increasing. However, despite its medical benefits, it contributes to a host of potentially harmful side effects. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rarely diagnosed medical condition accompanied by extreme dehydration and other symptoms that occur in people who utilize cannabis for prolonged periods. In this article, we will clarify the nature of this ailment, explain how it affects health, and discuss possible pathways to recovery. What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)? Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a dangerous disorder resulting in vomiting and abdominal pain. Its advanced stages

July 22, 2024

Psychedelic drugs are a broad class of medications that modify or amplify energy levels, cognitive functions, and sensory experience. They come in a variety of ways, from artificial substances like LSD to organic plant sources like peyote. We’ll discuss a very important topic today: are psychedelics addictive? The article will touch on the various risks and the dangers involved. Understanding Psychedelics The class of hallucinogens includes psychedelics as a subset. Unlike stimulants or depressants, psychedelics profoundly alter a person’s perception and thought processes. The fact that they are categorized as hallucinogens is not by mistake; they have the ability to

June 20, 2024

Formerly used to treat heroin addiction and as a painkiller, methadone is an artificial opioid. Subsequently, it became apparent that this medicine rapidly leads to addiction and ruins the user’s health. Some of the most common methadone withdrawal symptoms comprise unbearable agony and a constant deterioration of the patient’s well-being. The withdrawal stage is highly challenging. It frequently results in pain and raises the risk of relapse. If you want to manage such an experience with ease, it is vital to understand the timing, severity, and possible changes in these symptoms. Today, let’s explore the complexities of methadone withdrawal and

May 14, 2024