One of the worst parts of addiction is how far-reaching it can be. Oftentimes, addiction is depicted in movies and TV as really only affecting one person, the person with an addiction. However, sadly, addiction impacts those around nearly as much as it does to the individual. Though typically not in a physical sense, addiction can have an impact on a loved one or even an entire family’s emotional and social well-being. This is due, in part, to the risk of codependency, wherein family members attempt to maintain some sort of stability by enabling the addicted individual. They are probably trying to help, but in the long run, it can only make things worse; in short, codependency and addiction are a toxic combination.

Although some drugs, like multi-vitamins or allergy pills, can benefit your health, others, like illegal street drugs, can act as a poison, damaging and negatively altering the body. Some of these street drugs’ physical side effects can show themselves outwardly. However, some of the more frightening side effects occur in the brain. Nearly all illegal street drugs can alter the brain’s natural chemistry. When using them habitually, a chemical imbalance from drugs can happen.

As in any other medical field, there are various methods and philosophies regarding substance abuse treatment. In comparison, experts in the many treatment forms may argue that the benefit for those seeking treatment is that they have options. If traditional medicine does not seem right for you, then holistic rehabilitation may be a better option. But, as you may be wondering, what is holistic rehab? In brief, holistic addiction treatment is an opportunity for those who feel they do not fit the conventional substance abuse treatment model to find some help.

Sobriety. Oftentimes, it can feel like a dream. Something familiar yet foreign, abstract but real. No matter how far off it may seem, sobriety is attainable. Though it may not be the easiest goal to achieve or mountain to climb, a commitment to a desire to be sober and staying sober is the first, most important step on the journey. Yet, obstacles to this sobriety may not only come from within yourself. Sadly, they may also appear in those around you, even family. These hurdles are often the most difficult to work through, but there are methods, services, and communities that can show you how to stay sober. In one way or another, they can guide a person on what to do when your family doesn’t support your sobriety. However, we have the tools to help you today.

Vaping technology is evolving. Many vaping devices, such as Juul pods, now allow for various drugs to be used. A study from King’s College in London says nearly 40% of e-cigarettes and vaping users in their poll vape illegal drugs. In creating a new form of drug use, a new set of health concerns follow. While some of these concerns are no different from those using the same drug in other ways, vaping poses a new set of dangers when taking drugs of any kind and ultimately serves as a foundation for addiction.