Cocaine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that peaked in popularity during the 1980s, known as the “cocaine boom.” While cocaine use has significantly decreased since the ‘80s, it remains among the most commonly abused drugs within the U.S. and throughout the world. Cocaine is typically cut with a variety of substances, from […]
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Mental health and self-esteem are closely linked and interdependent. Self-esteem influences how individuals perceive themselves, their abilities, and their worth. Mental health influences thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. People with higher self-esteem tend to have better mental health and vice versa. Most individuals struggling with addiction and mental health also struggle with self-perception. They often feel
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Many drugs have legitimate medical uses for which they are highly effective, while others are notorious for their potential to cause harm, including addiction, overdose, and death. Fentanyl is both. Fentanyl was originally developed for pain management among cancer patients, and it worked to bring relief. However, today, fentanyl is best known for its illicit
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Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium are four of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, a type of drug classified as a depressant because of the sedative effects they have on the central nervous system. Benzos, as they are commonly called, are highly effective in treating conditions including insomnia, anxiety, and panic disorders. However, their addictive nature
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Addiction, now clinically referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), impacts millions of Americans of all ages, races, and walks of life. For years, alcoholism and other forms of addiction were viewed as character flaws in people who had no willpower, resulting in stigmatization that, unfortunately, remains today despite the knowledge that SUD is a
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Heroin is one of the most potent drugs available, second only to fentanyl. In recent years, heroin use has been on the rise across all demographics.1 Heroin dependence and addiction are complex conditions that require professional interventions for successful recovery. The heroin addiction treatment program at Hill Country provides comprehensive medically assisted detox and therapy
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Methamphetamine, or “meth,” is a powerful stimulant drug that is highly addictive and has far-reaching impacts on physical and mental health. Prolonged meth use causes damage to multiple organs and body systems and the chemical changes in the brain can lead to mental health conditions, including anxiety, severe depression, and meth psychosis. At Hill Country,
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Benzodiazepines, typically referred to as benzos, are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. They are highly effective for treating anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. However, they can be addictive and carry risks of abuse, addiction, and overdose. Benzos are frequently used recreationally, which is a dangerous practice, particularly when combined with alcohol or
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Trauma includes the emotional, psychological, and physical responses resulting from exposure to a distressing event or series of events. Most people will experience trauma at some point. Typically, the brain processes a traumatic event in due time, and the impacts naturally resolve. Still, for millions of people, trauma can remain unresolved and have significant implications
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We all experience periods of sadness from time to time. Still, if you experience prolonged sadness accompanied by feelings of irritability, fatigue, helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, you may be experiencing depression. Clinical depression is common throughout the world, and women are about 50% more likely to experience it than men.1 At Hill Country, we understand
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