BRC Recovery Blog

Aug 13, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Blog, Drugs

How Jails Contribute to the Opioid Crisis

As we’ve previously discussed on the blog, America’s opioid epidemic is a complex and multifaceted issue. Its origins lie in the deception of physicians by large pharmaceutical companies, and in the years since, countless factors have contributed to its out-of-control growth and devastation. Unsurprisingly, one major contributor to the crisis is America’s system of jails and prisons. Jails and the American Prison System The prison-industrial complex has grown exponentially since the 1970s. With President Richard Nixon’s declaration of the “War on Drugs” in 1971 and the 1984 introduction of the Sentencing Reform Act (SRA), the number of incarcerated Americans […]

Aug 5, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Blog, Recovery

Overcoming Depression in Addiction Recovery

Mental illnesses and addiction tend to go hand in hand. Sometimes, people begin using in order to numb their emotions and other symptoms of a mood disorder. In other cases, they develop mental health problems over the course of several years of active addiction. Even those without a formal diagnosis of depression may feel a mood drop in the weeks after rehab. The question of which comes first – depression or addiction – therefore is of less importance than one may believe. Regardless of where your journey with recovery and mental health began, it’s vital that you’re able to manage these intense […]

Jul 29, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Addiction Relapse, Blog, chronic relapse

Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Relapse

While countless people succeed in their first or second attempt at sobriety, others struggle to leave their addiction behind for good. With the myriad temptations and stressors of day-to-day life, it’s vital to build your recovery on a concrete foundation. This is why many people require a specific program tailored to chronic relapse patterns. Fortunately, with proper, evidence-based treatment, healing is possible. What is Chronic Relapse? Because addiction is a disease, it is similar to other ailments such as diabetes or hypertension in its relapse potential. Those who fail to adhere to their ongoing treatment plans – such as […]

Jul 19, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Blog, Family

Choosing Your Family in Recovery

One of the greatest features of recovery is that you are able to start over – it’s a second chance at life. As you let go of harmful habits and establish better ones, your overall quality of life improves. Many people find that asking their friends or family members to become actively involved in their recovery is beneficial to their sustained sobriety. Involving loved ones in treatment is an important part of the healing process, but what do you do if your family and friends aren’t supportive of your recovery? When Your Family Isn’t Cooperative After struggling with addiction […]

Jul 10, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Alcoholism, Blog, Drug News

The Relationship Between Opioid Use and Binge Drinking

Binge Drinkers More Likely to Misuse Opioids Prescription opioid misuse is more common among binge drinkers, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. In their analysis, researchers discovered that the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse increased significantly with binge drinking frequency; put simply, those who drank more were more likely to misuse their opioid medications. This is of particular concern because of the dangerous interaction between the two depressants – previous studies show that about one in five opioid overdose deaths also involved alcohol. Today we will explore this study and its implications for […]

Jul 5, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Addiction, Blog

Fighting Meth: America’s Other Drug Problem

We’ve discussed America’s opioid epidemic before – an estimated 11.4 million people have misused these highly addictive medications. Unfortunately, the well-funded fight against prescription painkillers has overshadowed another American drug problem. Meth use is on the rise, but the government has yet to provide adequate funding to address this new public health concern. What is Meth? Methamphetamine is a powerful, extremely addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, particularly dopamine receptors, to produce a euphoric effect. Dopamine is involved in the body’s movement, motivation, and reward system, meaning that drug use is robustly self-reinforcing. Meth is a […]

Jun 28, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Addiction, Blog

How to Help an Addicted Friend or Family Member in Treatment

Watching a loved one battle addiction is one of the most upsetting experiences that you can go through. It’s not unusual to feel powerless in the face of drugs and alcohol, especially as you watch someone lose control of their life. Your friend or family member may have dramatically shifted in both personality and behavior, which may spark feelings of disorientation, fear, and even resentment. When the situation becomes worse, it’s more important than ever to focus on helping your loved one work through their addiction and treatment. With the right support, recovery is possible. Signs of a Substance […]

Jun 21, 2019 / By BRC Recovery / In Blog

The Link Between Alcohol Use and Early-Onset Dementia

Alcohol is one of the most abused substances in America. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the U.S. averages 88,000 deaths each year caused by heavy drinking, binge drinking, and other issues related to alcohol use disorder. In addition to causing these deaths, alcohol is a key factor in thousands of car accidents, is responsible for damage to internal organs (especially the kidneys and liver), and increases health risks including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. As if all of this wasn’t enough, studies show that alcohol can also increase the risk of dementia. […]