According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a total of 8,606 tons of illegal drugs were seized in 2016. When thinking about this staggering number, we wondered how it broke down between countries globally, which drugs were seized, and what drugs had the most seizures. We looked at the most recent data […]

People who use drugs regularly spend a significant amount of time under the influence,  especially if they continue to use drugs frequently for long periods of time. We recently looked at the potential monetary costs associated with both short and long-term addictions to various illicit substances, and found the financial consequences of an addiction can […]

We hear a lot about detox in recovery. After “admit there’s a problem,” it’s generally the first step you take to get sober. It’s an essential start, to cleanse your body of the toxins that have been poisoning your system. Most people know and accept this as part of the process. Many, however, miss the […]

Since the 1970’s, methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) has been the top treatment for opiate addiction. In recent years, additional pharmacological therapies have developed. The most promising of these is buprenorphine, often combined with naloxone. Addicts are prescribed these drugs in controlled doses during detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Doses are continued after detox to curb […]

Your loved one is taking the first step to recovery: Detox. It won’t be an easy process. Are you prepared to help them? It might be hard to watch them suffer through it, but it’s even harder to watch them suffer through substance abuse. You want to help them any way you can, but are […]

Many people believe that marijuana isn’t addictive, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 9 percent of those who use pot will become addicted to it, including 25 to 50 percent of those who smoke daily. About 4.2 of the 6.9 million Americans who abused illegal substances […]

Plenty of people adhere to the old adage that, “If you want it something done right, you have do it yourself.” But when it comes to detoxing, that’s hardly the best method. Online Detox Products Strike Again The latest example of DIY detox is Hot Detox, a product primarily sold online. It’s touted as an […]

Inpatient detox is first step in safely withdrawing from drugs and alcohol. The process can last anywhere from three days to two weeks – it ultimately depends on the drugs abused, the severity of addiction and how the you respond to the process. Generally speaking, addictions to alcohol, opiates and poly-substances will require a longer […]

Highly addictive and very popular, crack is a widely abused drug. Its prevalence has developed the need for crack-specific treatment programs. The most common and effective of these involves a rehabilitation center. Rehab Treatment Rehabilitation programs, or rehabs, require those in recovery to reside at a rehab center while receiving treatment. Typical residential programs last […]

When you’re kicking a drug, the only thing running through your mind is how to get your hands on more of that drug. You can’t help but think that, with just one hit or one pill, all the withdrawal symptoms would stop. In the end, however, the question you have to ask yourself is: Are you sick […]

It’s well-documented that most people who are currently incarcerated suffered from some form of addiction while committing crimes. A 2010 study from CASA Columbia found that 65 percent of U.S. inmates across the country meet the medical criteria for substance abuse addiction. But while these inmates desperately need drug treatment, only 11 percent received any […]

In today’s treatment world, an individual’s continuum of care is much more customizable than it used to be, including the detox process with options of rapid, inpatient or outpatient detox. Rapid and Inpatient Options With rapid and inpatient detox programs, medical doctors use pharmaceutical drugs to transition you through withdrawal. In most cases, you can […]

The decision to quit drinking or using drugs is often a voluntary one. For others, the decision is made after intervention efforts on behalf of family, friends or the legal system. Despite the circumstances, you know you need help and one of your very first questions might be, “Do I need an inpatient rehab or […]

The thought of getting sober can be scary for some. But while many are concerned about the lifestyle change, they are even more concerned about the physical symptoms they may experience during the detox process. Duration and Intensity of Symptoms TV shows such as Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Intervention have highlighted the worst […]

As more addicts come forward with stories of how medical marijuana helped them beat their opiate addictions, new fire has been added into the ongoing debate about whether pot should be legalized nationwide for medical and possibly recreational use. Opiate Statistics Opiate overdose deaths occur in the U.S. at a rate of 46 per day, […]

Since the 1970’s, methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) has been the top treatment for opiate addiction. In recent years, additional pharmacological therapies have developed. The most promising of these is buprenorphine, often combined with naloxone. Addicts are prescribed these drugs in controlled doses during detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Doses are continued after detox to curb […]