taking-a-pill-750px

Abusing more than one substance is referred to as polysubstance abuse.

Many people abuse more than one substance and have what is commonly referred to as polysubstance or polydrug abuse. Sometimes people abuse different substances to intentionally create different reactions. Certain substances make them feel better or give them a “high”, while other substances cause sedation and help them relax or sleep.

No-medication-for-meth-950px-1

No medications are available to treat methamphetamine addiction

Methamphetamine (meth) abuse is growing. The drug is becoming easier to get and is inexpensive. It is also highly addictive, and methamphetamine treatment can be complicated. Unlike some substance abuse disorders that are treated with medications, at this time there are no medications that have proven effective to counteract the effects of methamphetamine or improve abstinence rates for people seeking recovery from methamphetamine addiction.

addiction-escalation-and-overdose-deaths-950px

The Disturbing Escalation of Addiction and Overdose Deaths

According to the Surgeon General’s Report published in 2016 “20.8 million people aged 12 or older in the United States had a substance use disorder. That number is similar to the number of people who suffer from diabetes and more than 1.5 times the annual prevalence of all cancers combined (14 million).”

alcoholism-950px

What I Learned about Cravings and Addiction at Gulf Breeze Recovery

I attended Gulf Breeze Recovery in 2016 after over a decade of failed attempts to get clean at 12-step drug treatment centers. I was an IV drug user, and I thought that if anyone truly understood how powerful my cravings were, then surely they would see why it was impossible for me to stay sober. That’s why one of the most valuable insights I gained during my time in Gulf Breeze was my relationship to cravings.

EMDR-1200px

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Our bodies and our brains are built with healing mechanisms already embedded in them. Think about when you’ve cut your finger; have you ever watched how, over time, the skin molds back together? The only time this doesn’t occur is if something is blocking the way or reinstating the cut. So, healing is allowed to happen. The bandage doesn’t heal it; it’s a catalyst for keeping your healing body on track. So is the case with EMDR.