mom and daughter engaging in therapy session for long-term recovery support

Why is Family Therapy Important to Addiction Recovery?

Addiction, Family Therapy, therapy / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Addiction is a serious mental health disorder that affects millions of men and women each year in Portland and across the country. It impacts the lives of the person abusing drugs or alcohol as well as their family and loved ones. Family therapy and addiction recovery are a perfect combination. Together, they create a more [...]

Why is Family Therapy Important to Addiction Recovery? Read More »

A therapist discusses cocaine abuse with a patient.

What to Know About Cocaine Abuse and Getting Treatment

Addiction, Addiction Treatment Programs, Cocaine Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Information / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Not everyone who uses cocaine develops an addiction that destroys families, careers, and physical health. But many people do. If cocaine abuse is causing problems in your life, quitting on your own might not be an option (otherwise you would’ve quit already). Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and confidence in

What to Know About Cocaine Abuse and Getting Treatment Read More »

A doctor authoring facts about prescription drugs

How Long Do Prescription Drugs Stay in Your System?

Addiction, Blog, Controlled Substances, Drug Information, Prescription Drugs / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

When it comes to drug use in the United States, the primary concern used to be substances like cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. But in recent decades, prescription drug addiction treatment has become much needed. Like all drugs, opioids produce short-term effects that users crave and compulsively chase. What some users don’t consider, however, is the

How Long Do Prescription Drugs Stay in Your System? Read More »

Man experiencing the signs of benzo abuse

What are the Signs of Benzo Abuse?

Addiction, Addiction Treatment Programs, Benzos, Drug Addiction / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Are you or a loved one is taking benzodiazepines? If so, it’s important to be aware of the signs of benzo abuse before starting this medication. Benzodiazepines, or benzos for short, are a type of central nervous system depressant that treats insomnia, anxiety, and panic disorders. They produce a calming effect by slowing the neurotransmitter

What are the Signs of Benzo Abuse? Read More »

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

Addiction, Addiction Therapy, Detox, Drug Addiction, heroin addiction, Substance Use / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

The heroin withdrawal timeline describes how long it takes for the drug to leave the body and withdrawal symptoms to subside. While detox and withdrawal can take place at an addiction treatment center, some people try to self-detox at home. This is a dangerous practice that may cause relapse, overdose, and fatality. To avoid the

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline Read More »

Man sampling some commonly abused painkillers

3 of the Most Commonly Abused Painkillers

Addiction, Drug Addiction, Drug Information, Prescription Drugs / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Finding an effective pain medication is imperative after recovery from surgery, a car accident, or for those living with chronic pain. Some of the commonly abused painkillers on the market today can treat pain successfully. However, this is only true when following the prescription and not taking it with other drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, most

3 of the Most Commonly Abused Painkillers Read More »

What Are Gateway Drugs?

Addiction, Infographic, Prescription Drugs, Rehabilitation / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

In the United States, substance use is prevalent in the media. Songs, TV shows, and movies all highlight the appeal of substance use. However, the United States also faces an opioid crisis that claims countless lives every year. Many people blame the growth of gateway drugs on the rise of the opioid addiction crisis. However,

What Are Gateway Drugs? Read More »

A man in treatment at a meth rehab center in Portland

Meth Rehab Center in Portland, Oregon

Addiction, Drug Addiction, Meth Addiction Treatment / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive illegal stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It can also cause a serious addiction after a few uses. The Portland area is currently seeing an increase in the number of overdose deaths due to meth. Sadly, nearly half of the overdose deaths involve more than one substance.

Meth Rehab Center in Portland, Oregon Read More »

Two people holding hands and trying to deal with the opioid epidemic

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic and How to Protect Your Loved Ones

Addiction, Drug Addiction, Drug Information, Opioid Addiction Rehab / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Opioids are a natural pain reliever derived from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, and are used to treat intense pain caused by a number of issues. The opioid epidemic began in the early 1990s when doctors began prescribing opioids for pain without fully understanding their addictive capabilities and potential for abuse. Today, drug-related deaths caused

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic and How to Protect Your Loved Ones Read More »

Two people discussing the tendencies of a high-functioning addict

Signs You are Dealing With a High-Functioning Addict

Addiction, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction / Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

Signs of a high-functioning addict can be hard to spot when you aren't sure what to look for. Drug treatment programs provide successful treatment to those who are actively addicted to substances but good at hiding their addiction. It's not easy to function as an addict, but some people are very good at hiding what they

Signs You are Dealing With a High-Functioning Addict Read More »