Some people think marijuana isn’t addictive, but it can lead to a serious physical dependence. While not everyone becomes struggles with dependence on marijuana, it can happen more often with marijuana than with other illegal drugs. What’s the Difference Between Dependence and Addiction? Being dependent on marijuana (or “cannabis”, or “weed”) doesn’t always mean you’re […]
Addiction Resources
How to Know If Someone Needs Rehab: When a Loved One Needs Alcohol Help
Do you think someone you care about needs help with drinking? Understanding how to know if someone needs rehab can be hard. But it’s one of the most important choices you might face. Alcohol rehab is not the end of the world. It might feel scary to the person going to get help, as it’s […]
Can An Alcoholic Ever Drink Again?
If you are secretly wondering, ‘Can an alcoholic ever drink again?’, then the answer may not be what you are expecting. The Short Answer: No, a person who has struggled with alcoholism should not drink again. The Long Answer: Alcoholism is a long-term condition that affects both the mind and body. Even if someone has […]
The Role of Drug Rehab for Helping Depression
It is not uncommon for people to know someone in the family or amongst friends who has struggled with addiction. Many people have a difficult time understanding addiction. Many different reasons exist why a person may experience depression but understanding how drug rehabilitation and depression go hand-in-hand can be helpful. Treatments are usually set […]
Tips for Stress Management in Recovery
Stress is a normal part of life, but for people in recovery from addiction, it can also be a trigger for relapse. Managing stress effectively is an essential skill for maintaining long-term sobriety and emotional balance. At Smarmore Castle rehab clinic, we encourage every patient with alcohol addiction or drug addiction to create a personal […]
How to Be an Advocate for Recovery
If your friend or family member has gone into treatment for a drug or alcohol problem, you’re probably quite happy and relieved. It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one struggle with addiction and all the misery it brings. Being an advocate for recovery means more than just showing support; it requires understanding, patience, […]
How to Walk Through Temptation and Stay Sober
We get the invitation: A co-worker is retiring, and there’s a send off at the local restaurant/bar. Or, an old friend is flying in from out of town, and the gang is planning a welcome-home party. Though we know there’ll be alcohol or drugs at these gatherings, we’re sure we won’t be tempted to partake. […]
Withdrawal Symptoms of Ecstasy
Despite its popularity as a “club drug” and the belief that it is a safe drug, Ecstasy or MDMA is addictive, and individuals who use this drug can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that are akin to the symptoms of withdrawal from heroin or methamphetamines. Ecstasy is a psychoactive central nervous system stimulant. When a user […]
When Kids are Exposed to Drugs at Home
When Children Are Exposed to Drugs or Alcohol at Home For parents who used substances before starting their families, the temptation to continue that behaviour can be strong, particularly when substance use has become a familiar coping mechanism. Some may rationalise using drugs or alcohol in front of their children by suggesting it helps them […]
What to Do When the Urge to Drink Returns
Managing Cravings and Urges in Alcohol Recovery For many people in recovery from alcohol addiction, the decision to stop drinking is only the first step. The physical discomfort of withdrawal during detox can be intense, but what often follows is just as challenging: navigating cravings, triggers and emotional ups and downs that emerge during early […]
What Causes a Hangover?
What Causes a Hangover? Symptoms, Science & What to Watch For After a night of heavy drinking, many people wake up feeling miserable, plagued by nausea, fatigue, brain fog, or an unrelenting headache. These symptoms make up what we commonly call a hangover. It’s a physical response that can range from unpleasant to debilitating, and […]
How Long Does Nicotine Withdrawal Usually Last?
The American Author, Mark Twain, once remarked, “It’s easy to quit smoking, I’ve done it hundreds of times.” For those living with nicotine dependence, this sentiment often feels painfully accurate. Nicotine withdrawal involves a combination of physical symptoms and emotional disruption that can make quitting feel nearly impossible without support. But knowing what to expect […]