The Addiction & Recovery Resource Blog

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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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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6 Tips For Living With Someone With OCD

• Mandy Sandhu
• 11 May 2023

While it’s normal to double-check whether you locked your front door, see if you’ve unplugged your computer from its charging station, or sanitize your work desk each time you come into the office, these traits become a problem when they consume so much of your time that it interferes with your waking life. Unfortunately, this is what life can be...

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Tips on Finding a Therapist That’s Right for You

• Mandy Sandhu
• 27 Apr 2023

Acknowledging that you need help is one of the biggest steps that will pave the way for your recovery. Therapy makes a world of difference in the treatment of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Speaking with a mental health professional can help you understand the triggers that led you to substance abuse, guide you toward emotional recovery, and teach...

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Drugs and the Brain: Healing After Addiction

• Mandy Sandhu
• 20 Apr 2023

The effects of addiction don’t have to be permanent. If you have recently undergone a successful inpatient program, you may now be wondering about the process of undoing the damage. Chances are you may have experienced everything from a weakened immune system to damaged interpersonal relationships. The relationship between drugs and the brain can be complicated. However, the good news...

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