When people struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol, it can affect every aspect of their lives. Using drugs and alcohol can harm people’s health, worsen mental health conditions, and makes it hard for them to have healthy relationships or contribute to their community. The choice to seek addiction treatment at an Illinois detox center…
Heroin is a highly addictive opiate drug that can be injected, snorted, or smoked. While using heroin, people experience a euphoric or high feeling and often feel calm or drowsy. Over time, heroin can have a profound effect on a person’s brain. It can deteriorate the physical brain tissue and inhibit people’s ability to make…
Addiction to drugs can take its toll on your physical, mental, and social health. Many people find that quitting can be so uncomfortable that they keep using drugs to avoid it. Withdrawal is what happens when someone stops taking a drug that their body has become dependent on. The symptoms of withdrawal can be physically…
Abusing alcohol can take a toll on your body, including high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, and a higher risk of certain forms of cancer. Over time, drinking excessively can lead to physical dependence or addiction. Many people require treatment at an alcohol detox center to overcome their addiction. The first step of treatment is…
It can be challenging to love someone who is addicted to heroin. You might worry for them, feel frustrated, or have periods of helplessness. Once you recognize that your loved one abuses heroin, your first instinct will probably be to offer help. One of the best ways for people to overcome their heroin addiction is…
Addiction affects every part of a person’s life, from their physical and mental health to their ability to contribute to their family and community. Most people require substance abuse treatment to overcome their addiction. There are so many programs, approaches, and levels of care that it can be difficult to know how to choose the…
Independence Day is one of the highlights of summer. It means fun in the sun, backyard BBQs, fireworks, and friends. For people in recovery, it might also be a little stressful. As you find your balance in your new way of life, discovering new ways to celebrate while staying sober is important. Life after treatment…
When you’re dealing with addiction, the definition of sobriety can seem confusing. Living a life of sobriety may seem out of reach when struggling with a substance use disorder (an addiction to drugs or alcohol). However, there is support available. When you come to us at Northern Illinois Recovery, you can get the support and…
Drinking alcohol continuously for a period of weeks or months can lead to physical dependence. Stopping or cutting back on the amount of alcohol you consume may result in uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms. This period is referred to as the withdrawal period. For most, the length of time that you have been drinking and the…
Stopping or cutting back on your use of drugs can lead to withdrawal. Withdrawal often involves symptoms that are uncomfortable and, at times, life-threatening. Often, the length of time you have been using the drug and the amount you regularly use affect the severity of symptoms you experience in withdrawal. But even people who have…