The Addiction & Recovery Resource Blog

What Are the Warning Signs of an Overdose?

• Mandy Sandhu
• 13 Dec 2023

Can you spot the signs of an overdose? With the drug crisis ongoing and the need for opioid addiction treatment at an all-time high, knowing the signs could be the difference between life and death. It could be the reason you or someone nearby administers a naloxone kit. Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms of an overdose—all it...

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Methadone vs. Suboxone for Opioid Addiction

• Mandy Sandhu
• 15 Nov 2023

Suboxone vs. methadone treatment—which is best for opiate addiction? Both are FDA-approved medications with similarities in how they help manage opioid-related withdrawal symptoms. Yet they also have major differences, meaning the suboxone vs. methadone choice can be quite important for users and prescribers. Keep reading for an in-depth methadone vs. suboxone comparison. Opioid Agonists vs. Antagonists Methadone is administered to...

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What Is Xylazine? Canada’s Dangerous New Drug Explained

• Mandy Sandhu
• 18 Oct 2023

The urgent need for opioid detox and treatment remains high in Canada as the ongoing crisis shows no signs of slowing down. Further exacerbating the issue is the emergence of xylazine, a powerful sedative with no known antidote. But what is xylazine, and where does it come from? In this article, we’ll dive deep into this hazardous substance—commonly known as...

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The Dangers of Detoxing at Home

• Mandy Sandhu
• 28 Sep 2023

You might be wondering how to detox drugs at home. Well, the answer is that you shouldn’t—drug detoxing should always be done under the supervision of trained medical professionals. While the idea of detoxing at home might seem like a convenient and discreet option, it is a perilous decision that can have dire consequences for those seeking to break free...

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Understanding Methadone Withdrawal: Symptoms and Timeline

• Mandy Sandhu
• 26 Jul 2023

Methadone is a synthetic analgesic used to replace other drugs such as fentanyl and heroin to avoid a harmful relapse. It’s often used as part of a harm reduction plan and can be quite effective when used as prescribed.  However, users can easily become addicted to methadone due to its pain-relieving effects. When this happens, methadone withdrawal symptoms may be...

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What Is Rainbow Fentanyl?

• Mandy Sandhu
• 21 Jul 2023

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid—more people than ever are seeking detox treatment to fight its addictive properties.  But what is rainbow fentanyl? This new and colourful variation of the drug is said to target young people and children, often coming in the form of pills or powder. Unfortunately, it is just as addictive and deadly as its less...

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Methadone Pros and Cons: Everything You Need to Know

• Mandy Sandhu
• 29 Jun 2023

Some substance abuse treatments require the use of synthetic medication to reduce the pain or cravings that often come with their withdrawal symptoms. For instance, those with opioid addiction can benefit from medication-assisted treatment. Methadone is a synthetic drug often given by doctors to help alleviate extreme pain and other challenging symptoms of opioid abuse withdrawal. It is often taken...

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Principles of Harm Reduction: A Better Solution To Drug Abuse?

• Mandy Sandhu
• 15 Jun 2023

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to drug abuse. Therapy and medicine are often parts of successful addiction treatment plans, but not everyone responds well to these methods. Enter harm reduction. Drug abuse can be reduced through harm reduction. It focuses on decreasing the risks and harms associated with drug use rather than trying to stop the use of drugs altogether (abstinence)....

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What To Do After Relapse: 8 Tips To Get Back on Track

• Mandy Sandhu
• 25 May 2023

Recovering from addiction is never easy. At times, it can feel like a constant uphill battle. This is why addiction relapse is considered a chronic condition. Even if you think you have overcome your battles successfully and have rid yourself of drug or alcohol addiction, there’s always the possibility of you reverting to your old, harmful habits. This is why...

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How Do Drugs Affect Sleep?

• Mandy Sandhu
• 18 May 2023

High-quality sleep keeps you physically and mentally healthy. Getting a good night’s rest is refreshing, helps you think more clearly, and improves your mood. However, if you or someone you know has ever struggled with drug addiction, then you’ve experienced or seen first-hand how it affects sleep quality. Those living with substance use disorder also often find themselves suffering from...

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