A spilled bottle of pills begs the question: what is a benzo?

What is a Benzo?

Benzo, or benzodiazepines, are a category of medication that doctors use to relieve pain or reduce anxiety and insomnia. These are among the most used drugs in America. Currently, one in eight U.S. adults (12.6 percent) are taking benzo medication for some type of mental health condition.  While benzos are effective in treating these conditions,… Continue Reading What is a Benzo?

A man sits against a wall with his hand on his head, wondering about alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when you suddenly stop drinking after prolonged excessive alcohol use. Symptoms range from cravings, insomnia, and anxiety to nausea, depression, and delirium tremens. The severity and length of withdrawal symptoms depend on the length of your addiction, how much your drink, and if you combine alcohol with other substances.  The most… Continue Reading Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

A therapist holds his patient's hands between his own as they talk about the alcohol detox timeline and how long is alcohol detox

How Long is Alcohol Detox?

How long is alcohol detox? That is a complicated question. The length of detox depends on a wide range of factors, including: How long you have been drinking The type of alcohol you have been drinking The frequency and amount you drink Your weight and overall body chemistry If you have been mixing alcohol with other… Continue Reading How Long is Alcohol Detox?

A group of people talk about common fears about entering residential treatment

4 Common Fears About Entering Addiction Treatment

People often feel conflicted about entering treatment for addiction. Although they may know that addiction is making them miserable and they need to do something about it, they may also feel apprehensive about the challenges ahead. Here are some of the common fears people have about entering addiction treatment. Detox Perhaps the most concrete and… Continue Reading 4 Common Fears About Entering Addiction Treatment

A doctor talks to a man in a hospital bed about 3 risks of medication assisted treatment

3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, is the practice of using FDA-approved medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. MAT has been shown to be most effective for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Typical medications include Antabuse, naltrexone, and Campral for alcohol addiction, and methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, often in the monthly, injectable form,… Continue Reading 3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment