You might have heard the term Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, thrown around. But what does it actually mean? If you are looking for an outpatient program that provides flexibility, relapse prevention, and community, an IOP might be a good fit for you. An IOP is a treatment program designed to treat addiction, depression, and…
Admitting you need help may not be easy, but it is a step in the right direction. Addiction is a complex condition that can be hard for people to understand. However, when you decide to enter into substance abuse treatment, you will be under the supervision of experienced medical professionals that specialize in getting you…
Dual diagnosis is when you have two or more co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and drug or alcohol addiction, for example. Treating addiction and mental health disorders together increases the likelihood of recovery. If you treat one disorder without addressing the other, then it’s more likely for…
Over the last decade, we have seen opiate addiction skyrocket, as well as opioid overdose rates. While there are paths to recovery from opiate addiction, first, it’s important to understand what opiates are, what addiction may look like, and recovery options. What are Opiates? Opiates, or opioids, are controlled, narcotic, prescription painkillers. They are typically…
After going through a treatment program, you may be asking yourself what the next steps are. You have some choices to make that can influence your future. For example, will you move back home? This can be tricky if you do not have a supportive environment or are surrounded by the same triggers that landed…
What is Percocet and why is it a problematic drug? Percocet is a prescription medication that is used to treat acute and moderate to severe pain. It falls into the classification of an opioid/acetaminophen combination drug. It is taken orally in the form of a pill, tablet, or solution. Since it is an opioid, it…
A dual diagnosis is when someone has co-occurring disorders, such as a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder. Most people who have a mental illness will have a substance use issue at some point in their lives and vice versa. It can be hard to determine which disorder came first and if one…
An outpatient facility is a safe place where you can go and receive substance abuse treatment while also being able to maintain commitments to family, work, school, etc. Instead of living at the treatment facility like you would in an inpatient program, you can visit an outpatient facility on a needed basis. The requirements of…
What is the Difference Between Crack and Cocaine? Crack and cocaine may sound like two different drugs but they are actually very similar. As a matter of fact, they share a chemical makeup but are two different forms. Cocaine is a powdered substance while crack cocaine is a rock form. Both are powerful stimulants that…
What is the Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders? Which came first – the chicken or the egg? The same question can be asked about mental health and substance abuse in situations involving dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis is when someone has both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder. In…