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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a complex disease that results in functional changes to the brain circuits. In the beginning drug use is voluntary, whether it's the result of experimenting with recreational drugs and alcohol or taking...

Many studies show the impact of addiction not only on those with substance use disorders but on their family members as well. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of drug abuse includes the development of manipulative behaviors that help the person with an addiction...

Some people may have a problem with alcohol abuse and not realize it. While the perception of an alcoholic is someone who drinks every day or even takes a drink when they get out of bed in the morning, there's another equally damaging form of alcohol abuse – binge...

You've had a rough week — or even a rough day. That glass of wine is calling to you, and, sure, it'll help you unwind. But it's not your only option when you need to relax. Whether you setting aside the booze for Dry January or Sober October, or you just want alcohol...

When a parent is using alcohol, it can be very difficult for a child to know what to do. As adults, you may recognize just how worrisome alcohol use disorder is. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that in 2019, 14.5 million people over the...

The effects of drugs and alcohol harm every aspect of a user's life, from damaged relationships to exacerbated mental health concerns and debilitating physical effects. While every drug, including alcohol, affects the body differently, substance abuse overall can have...

Drug and alcohol abuse is bad for anyone, but the effects can be even worse for teenagers and young adults. The brain develops until about age 25. Drinking or using drugs while the brain is still developing can leave irreversible damage. If you're concerned about your...

Mixing uppers and downers is dangerous. So why do people do it? If you're driving your car too fast, you pump your brakes to slow down. If your bathwater is too cold, you add hot water to warm it to the right temperature. Even Goldilocks wanted to mix something to...

According to SAMHSA, nearly 15 million Americans suffer from alcohol use disorder, and millions more have drug use disorders. So, this isn't something you have to face alone or be ashamed of. It's more important to seek help. Perhaps you are looking for a residential...

While marijuana use has been seen as less of an issue compared to other drugs, it still has a heavy impact on its users. Frequent marijuana use can lead to the development of dependencies, one of the precursors to addiction. Both the mind and body can become dependent...

One of the most important parts of recovering from alcohol addiction is learning how to live a fulfilling life while maintaining sobriety. For many, this simply means being able to provide for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, addiction can put these...

Substance abuse impacts people of all ages and backgrounds — anyone can become an addict. In the United States, substance abuse is shockingly common, with 10% of adultsmeeting the clinical criteria for having a drug use disorder during their lifetime. Knowing the...

Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a complex situation involving both physical and psychological dependence on the substance. Addicts are often unable to quit on their own, and many of them have underlying mental health conditions or past trauma that they're...

Addiction is exceptionally common in the United States, and the National Institutes of Healthreports that American adults have a one in ten chance of developing a drug use disorder at some point during their lifetime. The high prevalence of substance abuse means that...

Alcohol is one of the most problematic addictive drugs in America and throughout the world, for many reasons. The substance is culturally important in many societies, and this helps create pressure to drink while also making addiction seem less serious. However, it's...

Hickory Treatment Center proudly serves Indiana by offering substance abuse and addiction treatment to those who need it. Making treatment as accessible as possible is extremely important as drug addiction becomes a worsening...

Looking forward to 2022 and all of the opportunities and challenges it holds can feel both invigorating and overwhelming. For many of us, 2021 meant seeking out and completing treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. In order to...

As addiction treatment becomes talked about more throughout the US, friends and families of individuals suffering from addiction are looking to learn more about the disease. The realm of substance abuse and addiction can seem overwhelming but at the end of the day...

Spending the holidays with friends and family is one of the best ways to make the most out of the fall and winter months. From family gatherings to workplace parties, there's almost always something going on to celebrate the loved ones we have. Unfortunately, these...

Seeking out addiction support with Hickory Treatment Centers means working with a team of compassionate medical specialists who put the success of each and every patient above all else. We understand that addiction is a lifelong...

The unknowns of addiction can make enjoying the holidays a challenge for both the individual suffering and their loved ones. When the time comes to start inviting guests over for festivities, it can be difficult to know how to make the experience as comfortable as...

Much of America is struggling with a surge in drug and alcohol abuse across the board, but Indiana faces some of the toughest challenges across the nation. Right now there are millions struggling with the state of the pandemic...

Like much of the country, Indiana has seen an increase in drug and alcohol use since the start of the pandemic. As such, more individuals are seeking out mental health and addiction recovery treatment than ever before. The stigma around getting help for drug or...

It doesn't matter if someone's addiction is newly formed or has complete control over their life, they deserve access to compassionate and professional treatment. Recovering from substance abuse takes an entire team and network of support, something not all treatment...

As substance abuse and addiction continues to rise in the United States, access to treatment programs is becoming a more urgent matter. To help address this problem, Hickory Treatment Centers has been working to expand the...

Fentanyl is an extremely strong opioid painkiller, 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Due to its strength, fentanyl can be highly beneficial to those experiencing severe pain such as during recovery after an operation. The drug blocks pain receptors in the brain...

Heroin addiction in the United States stems largely from the opioid epidemic that saw doctors heavily prescribing opioid painkillers under the assumption that they were not habit forming. Research shows that of those who abuse or are addicted to heroin, 80...

Fentanyl is an extremely addictive opioid that targets the section of the brain responsible for emotion, pain and reward. This powerful drug is up to 100 times stronger than heroin or morphine which leads to higher risk of overdosing and rapidly forming addiction. Due...

Chronic alcohol abuse and alcoholism, defined as a dependence on alcohol, often mask underlying mental health issues. Many people start drinking to alleviate feelings of anxiety or depression, self-medicating to boost their mood, reduce worries, or feel more relaxed...

Addiction recovery services in Indiana are what Hickory Treatment Centers work to bring to anyone in need of assistance. One of the first questions that comes to mind when an individual seeks out addiction treatment is how much time and money will be needed to...

A slip or even a full-blown drug relapse is among the most common challenges patients face in their addiction recovery journey, with studies estimating that 85 percent of individuals relapse within a year of treatment. In your recovery, you will likely be faced with...

Having a beer or a glass of wine with friends is a socially accepted norm that millions of people enjoy every day. However, there's no denying that alcohol consumption can have an impact on your physical, emotional and social health. Whether you enjoy an occasional...

Throughout history, we've understood addiction in many ways that are fundamentally different. For a long time, the perception of addiction as a moral failing was uncontested. However, the scientific literature universally refutes this concept and many new ideas have...

Becoming addicted to drugs is a process for most people. Whether it is alcohol, marijuana, opioids, or other substances, people do not start using drugs to become addicted. For many people, the first encounter with addictive substances feels good. Whether it is a...

Percocet is an opioid that's often the source of addiction. For individuals who are addicted to this drug, trying to get sober will involve going through withdrawal and treatment. While the timeline for this can vary from one person to another, there are some typical...

Known as a powerful sedative, benzodiazepine has a calming psychological effect on users. It is commonly prescribed as a form of treatment for anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, insomnia and similar ailments. However, this prescription drug is also known to be highly...

Choosing the right drug rehab center can be a daunting process. As you research treatment centers and speak with providers, here are 10 important questions to ask to help you narrow down your options. 1. Is your drug rehab center licensed and accredited? To ensure an...

Many people don't recognize the warning signs as they slip from recreational substance abuse to addiction. It can happen so gradually that even those around you don't notice. Unfortunately, once a drug addiction occurs, it often comes with many negative consequences...

Alcohol use disorder is a serious matter. It can lead to major life issues, including alcohol poisoning and death. There are 22,000 deaths attributed to alcohol poisoning, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of this...

When you suddenly cease drinking alcohol, your body responds by going into withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of substance you used, how long you used it, as well as your genetics and family history. In some cases, the...

The liver is an essential organ in our body, facilitating many everyday bodily functions. The liver's primary functions include breaking down potentially toxic substances (such as drugs and alcohol) to make them less harmful to the body, storing certain nutrients and...

Starting opioid detoxing is a process that should always be done under the supervision of medical professionals. Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening depending on the severity of opioid abuse. These symptoms last for a different amount of time for everyone but...

One facet of substance abuse and addiction is the fact that once someone decides to stop taking drugs or drinking alcohol, withdrawal will have to be addressed. The longer and more heavily a substance is abused makes the more severe withdrawal symptoms present...

The road to a life free of alcohol addiction is a long but fulfilling journey that anyone struggling with drinking should pursue. Since alcohol has such a heavy impact on our body, the withdrawal and healing process takes time. Alcohol changes how our body balances...

Detoxing is the beginning of addiction treatment and recovery for both drug and alcohol abuse in those struggling with addiction. Detox is the process of removing the problem substance from within our bodies which allows the mind and body to begin healing. The reason...

When overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction, there are many different obstacles you might encounter along the way. Recovering from addiction is no minor accomplishment, and it takes an immense amount of courage to work toward sobriety. It's vital to have a strong...

Alcohol withdrawal is usually the first stage of recovery from alcohol dependence. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, scared, or uncomfortable about the idea of going through alcohol withdrawal, given how it can trigger a wide range of unpleasant symptoms....

Alcohol is the most widely used substance in the United States, where it is consumed by nearly 55% of adults every month, reports the National Institutes of Health. Many people drink in moderation to feel relaxed, have fun with friends, and celebrate special...