5 Signs of Seasonal Depression

Addiction Treatment, Mental Health, Recovery, Triggers / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

If you experience unexplained sadness every year, particularly during winter and fall, you could be struggling with a mental health condition. Seasonal depression, also known as a seasonal affective disorder or SAD, happens every year around the same time when the seasons change. So, how can you tell when you or your loved ones have [...]

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3 of the Most Dangerous Party Drugs

Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drug Information / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

Partying and clubbing is a long-held American tradition, especially for teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately, most parties involve party drugs (mostly psychoactive substances) to heighten the enjoyment. Party lovers and parents of teenagers need to gather substantial knowledge about such drugs. It can help maintain safety at parties. In Northern Illinois Recovery, we can help

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5 Effects of Heroin Use

Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drug Information, Substance Abuse / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

Heroin is among the most addictive substances. If you engage in heroin use for long periods or overdose on it, the drug can wreak havoc on your body. Heroin abusers experience euphoria, but the feeling does not last for long. The user needs to increase the substance's quantity to achieve the same high in subsequent

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How to Maintain Your Sobriety During the Holiday Season

Addiction Treatment, Sobriety, Substance Abuse / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

Every December, many American families get together and make merry. It is a month of glad tidings, and alcohol is often part of having fun. However, if you are in recovery from substance abuse, the holiday season can be difficult to maintain sobriety. The holidays can remind you of drinking escapades, family problems, past trauma,

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The Impact of Opioids on the Brain

Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drug Rehab Centers, Opioids / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

Due to their availability in the prescribed form, opioids are among the most abused drugs in the United States. Health professionals use opioids as medicine due to their capacity to relax the body and relieve pain. Opioids affect the brain’s reward system to make you feel “high,” which has led to their non-medical use. You

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4 Ways to Achieve Long Lasting Recovery

Addiction Treatment, Recovery, Rehab, Relapse / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

How can I achieve long-lasting recovery? This is a question asked by almost everyone who is on the road to recovery. While going to rehab is the first step to long-term recovery, you have to put in a lot of work. Without the right tools and skills, you may relapse a few weeks after completing

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The Different Types of Relapse Triggers

Addiction Treatment, Relapse, Triggers / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

Sobriety is a life-long commitment, with several ups and downs. Even after graduating from a rehab facility, you will face challenges in your recovery journey. Cravings are the primary challenge during recovery. While the desire to use drugs or alcohol seems to develop from nowhere, the truth is that relapse triggers bring them up. Northern

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5 Ways to Reduce Anger in Addiction Recovery

Addiction Treatment, Recovery, Rehab / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

The journey to recovery involves emotional lows and highs. During your addiction recovery, you will have both your triumph and down moments, and one of the emotions you will experience is anger. The primary reason for dealing with anger in recovery is that it is associated with relapse. Patients direct anger at themselves, specific people,

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Is Vaping a Gateway Drug?

Addiction Treatment, Drug Information, Rehab / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

With the growing popularity of vaping, people may wonder about the risks of this practice. Many people may be unfamiliar with exactly what vaping is and how it works. Maybe you’ve heard about vaping as a “safe” alternative to smoking. However, it’s critical to question just how “safe” it is and if it is a gateway drug.

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How Divorce Impacts Addiction

Addiction Treatment, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

Marriage can be a protective force against substance abuse. However, the sudden end of this union can be a risk factor for substance abuse. Divorce can cause an unstable home environment to the extent of driving you to drug or alcohol abuse. A spouse may develop feelings of resentment and turn to drugs and alcohol

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What Is Substance Use Disorder?

Addiction Treatment, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, Substance Abuse / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

When discussing substance use disorder, substances like alcohol, hallucinogens, and opioids have separate classification descriptions. The use of these substances causes health problems or issues at home, school, or work. In this guide, we're diving deeper into this definition, as well as how to tell when it's time to receive substance use disorder treatment. Defining

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Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drug Rehab Centers / By Dr. Beth Dunlap

The most commonly abused medications include anxiety prescriptions, pain relievers, and stimulants used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ease of access is one of the contributing factors regarding prescription drug addiction. In this guide, we're outlining more about commonly abused prescription drugs, and if you or a family member should attend a prescription drug

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Author name: Dr. Beth Dunlap