About tobacco addiction
If you’re in recovery, the holidays can be packed with moments that feel a little tricky to find your way through. With so many social events, changes in routine, and a lot more pressure in the air, managing triggers to avoid relapse takes a bit of planning and self-awareness. I’ve found that understanding your triggers … Read more
Skin lesions can pop up for a bunch of reasons, and using certain drugs is one that often surprises people. I’ve spoken with folks who found rashes, sores, or weird bumps after starting a new prescription or after experimenting with recreational drugs. It can be anything from a harmless blotch to something you really want … Read more
The kidneys do much more than most people realize—they filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and support many essential body functions. Because they work constantly, they’re especially vulnerable to damage from both legal and illegal drugs. Yet this connection is often overlooked, even by those familiar with other health risks of substance use. Drug-related … Read more
Drug use can affect many parts of the body, but the impact on the respiratory system is one of the most concerning. Whether it’s tobacco, prescription drugs, or illegal substances, many types of medicines can cause breathing problems that range from mild irritation to life-threatening complications. I’m going to break down how different drugs affect … Read more
If you’re like most people, there’s probably something in your daily routine that gives you a little boost of energy or helps you focus. While these stimulants can be handy if you need a quick wake-up call or to get through a tough day at work, some actually have a track record of causing dependency. … Read more
Many people know that smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs can be hard on the body, but the long-term risks go much deeper than most realize. These substances don’t just cause short-term symptoms—they can create cellular damage that greatly increases the risk for several types of cancer. Over years of use, chemicals in tobacco, … Read more
Drug use and its impact on oral health come up more often than people expect, especially when teeth or gums start acting up after substance use. Dental damage is common but often overlooked because attention usually goes to more obvious symptoms. Substances like methamphetamine, opioids, cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, and even some prescriptions can dry out … Read more
Heart damage from drug use is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most serious health effects of substance misuse. Many drugs—legal, illegal, and even common everyday substances—can quietly strain the heart, weaken blood vessels, and disrupt normal heart function. Early warning signs are easy to miss and often mistaken for stress or fatigue. Stimulants, … Read more
Stimulant addiction occurs when drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, or prescription stimulants alter the brain’s reward system, leading to dependence and compulsive use. It often begins as a way to boost focus or manage stress but quickly turns into a harmful cycle of craving and tolerance. Preventing stimulant addiction requires a holistic approach—through self-management strategies that … Read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping addiction therapy by improving relapse detection, personalizing treatment, and expanding access through apps and virtual tools. While it offers clear advantages, it also brings challenges like privacy risks, over-reliance on technology, and reduced human connection, raising ethical concerns about autonomy, fairness, and accountability. Effective use requires self-management, where individuals protect … Read more