A therapist discusses cocaine abuse with a patient.

What to Know About Cocaine Abuse and Getting Treatment

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…

A young woman thinking about the Kratom withdrawal timeline

Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

Kratom has an online reputation of being a safe alternative to manmade opioids. That’s incorrect. Rather, the substance has addictive properties that can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In this blog, we’ll discuss what a typical kratom withdrawal timeline looks like. Do you need to know more about Kratom withdrawal symptoms? Call us today at…

xanax side effects

What are the Side Effects of Xanax Abuse?

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a popular benzodiazepine in the U.S. Like all benzodiazepines, Xanax is a central nervous system depressant designed to calm patients experiencing life-threatening panic episodes. It is not an antidepressant and not a painkiller. Benzodiazepines were developed in the 1960s as a safer tranquilizer than alcohol and barbiturates. However, when used in excess,…

Woman wondering, "How long do prescription drugs stay in your system?"

How Long Do Prescription Drugs Stay in Your System?

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…

Man sampling some commonly abused painkillers

3 of the Most Commonly Abused Painkillers

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…

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

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic and How to Protect Your Loved Ones

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…

A person who may need to think about their cough syrup abuse

Cough Syrup Abuse

Your medicine cabinet may cause the death of a loved one in your home due to cough syrup abuse. It may surprise parents and caretakers to know that medicine cabinets filled with seemingly harmless OTC (over the counter) cough syrups, can be life-threatening. A substance use treatment center in Portland Oregon can help with cough…

A distressed woman wondering, "What is kratom?"

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, isn’t illegal — yet. You can buy it at some smoke shops and nutritional supplement stores. There, you might find it as a tea or powder-filled capsules. Precisely what is kratom, and why is there controversy about its use? Do you need to know more about synthetic marijuana addiction treatment? If…