There has long been a debate about the idea of gateway drugs. Essentially, a gateway drug is a drug that, once used, increases the likelihood of the user moving on to different or more dangerous substances. Perhaps the most commonly cited gateway drug is marijuana, but others like prescription painkillers and even alcohol should be…
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Choosing to attend a rehab program is the first step toward recovery, but selecting the best rehab can be overwhelming. While there’s no shortage of facilities to consider, there are some key factors to keep in mind. These are the most important elements that will help prospective patients or their loved ones select the ideal…
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Treating addiction is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. In fact, there are many different types of substance abuse programs available to patients at reputable drug rehab centers.Whether individuals are dealing with drug addictions, alcohol addictions, or a combination of the two, they can choose from several treatment options. By exploring the types of programs available, and…
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In order to begin the process of recovering from drug abuse or addiction, treatment or rehab of some kind will be integral. With so many different choices available to prospective patients, it can be challenging to pick just one. Keep in mind that there are many major differences between drug abuse treatment programs. These differences can,…
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Addiction isn’t a matter of willpower, or a decision that some people deliberately choose to make. Instead, it’s a chemical dependence on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, that becomes hardwired to the brain and the body. Chemical dependency rehab centers are the only way to break that connection and sever the ties to addiction…
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In the preface of the 2012 update of “The Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment” (multiple authors), issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora Volkow, Institute Director, explains why many of the loved ones of clients at The Hills have trouble understanding how an otherwise intelligent human being could succumb to addiction and…
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When we think of Newport Beach, Calif., images of pristine beaches, beautiful homes, and the good life come to mind. But the truth is that behind the glamour of this exquisite beach community, there is a serious heroin use problem. At an April meeting of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District which includes students in Newport Beach,…
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One of the most common emotions expressed by our clients and their loved ones is the feeling of isolation and loneliness. These people come to The Hills drug rehabilitation center believing that their situation is not only unique, it is desperate. The truth is that drug addiction and alcoholism are serious problems in the U.S.…
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How Alcoholism Affects Marriage Alcoholism is a powerful disease. It’s an addiction that holds power over a person and can create major tension in a person’s relationships, especially in a marriage or partnership. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there are serious problems that can arise in a marriage or partnership…
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The New Face of Heroin When you think of a stereotypical “heroin user” what image comes to mind? A person who lives on skid row, unshaven and unwashed? A street walker who turns tricks to score dope money? Something similar to these two images? Now consider the actual emerging face of the heroin epidemic: young,…
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