Author name: Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Because addiction is a chronic brain disease, a cure is impossible. Its progressive nature underscores the urgent need for treatment. Like other chronic illnesses – examples include diabetes and asthma – occasional relapse can and does happen. But what type of behavior falls under the relapse definition? What is a Relapse? The following situation is […]

Figuring out how to stop drinking isn’t always as easy as many people think. Because of this, there’s sometimes a stigma surrounding alcoholism. The common misconception is that if you’re experiencing negative consequences as a result of drinking, you can just stop. If you’re reading this and struggle with alcoholism, you know that it’s easier

Addiction not only affects the user but also his or her family. Unfortunately, not everyone truly understands addiction. In fact, some people still think of it as a lack of willpower or control. However, it’s a mental disorder that requires addiction treatment. Moreover, family addiction treatment can be beneficial for everyone in the familial unit.

Detoxification, or detox, is a critical part of recovering from addiction. This is an all-important first step, but it isn’t the entire process. Answer the question, “What is detox?”, and learn more about the steps that follow on the road to recovery. What is Detox? At the most basic level, detox is when individuals stop

There’s a big difference between substance use, abuse, and addiction. Getting an exact substance use definition can determine whether individuals need treatment. These are some of the best ways to define and recognize substance use. The Substance Use Definition May Mean Using Prescription Drugs Without a Prescription There are thousands of prescription drugs that individuals

If you’re like most people suffering from addiction to opioids, you’ve probably experienced times where you want to quit but can’t. This is a very common issue for anyone struggling with an addiction to this type of drug, primarily because opioid withdrawal is harsh. In most cases, people continue using just so they can feel

There are many people who ask, “Is addiction a disease?” Individuals who struggle with drug or alcohol use want to know how severe the problem is and what kind of treatment they need. On the other side of that coin, people who know someone with a problem often want to know if addiction is a

It is no secret that withdrawal is a necessary evil of ending a heroin addiction. However, heroin withdrawal can be an overwhelming and confusing subject. Patients with a better understanding of the withdrawal process, what to expect, how long it takes and what comes next will be better prepared for recovery. Average Duration of Heroin

There are tens of millions of people in America stuck in the cycle of substance use, just as you may be right now. Sadly, only a small number of these individuals receive help from an addiction counselor. Finding the help you need can give you the tools you need to chart a better course for

There’s a big prescription drug crisis happening in the United States, and it kills more than 15,000 people per year. In fact, there are more fatal overdoses from prescription drugs each year than heroin and cocaine combined. The United States prescribes more opiates, including codeine than any other country. Physicians prescribe enough narcotic pain medications