Link Between Gender Dysphoria and Substance Use Many transgender people live with a deep feeling that their body doesn’t match who they are inside, a phenomenon called gender dysphoria. It’s more than just feeling uncomfortable. It can lead to sadness, anxiety, and stress every day. For some, this pain becomes too much to carry alone,…

Queer Sober Spaces: Alternatives to Alcohol-Centered Socializing For several years, bars and clubs have served as places where LGBTQ+ people can find each other, get support, and feel welcomed. But what happens when alcohol becomes a problem? Alcohol problems are common within the queer community, yet people may feel like they cannot enjoy queer social…

Kratom Withdrawal  Kratom withdrawal usually begins within six to twelve hours after a person takes their last dose. During this early phase, it is common to feel uneasy, restless, and irritable. Some persons may become anxious and have mild muscle aches as their body adjusts to the absence of the substance. Kratom withdrawal symptoms often…

How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain? Alcohol is not just “hard on the liver.” This socially acceptable substance affects nearly every system in the body. From the very first sip, alcohol begins to impact the brain, changing how we think, feel, and behave. Over time, it can disrupt the gut, damage the heart, weaken the…

What is Alcoholic Dementia? Alcoholic dementia (also called alcohol-induced cognitive impairment) is a type of secondary dementia. Unlike primary dementia, alcohol-related dementia is cognitive decline and memory loss caused by another condition, in this case, heavy, long-term alcohol use. Discussing alcoholic dementia is very important in supporting those who have or are at risk of…

What Happens After 72 Hours of No Alcohol For many people, what happens after 72 hours of no alcohol is that the most intense withdrawal symptoms often begin to ease. However, some may continue to experience lingering effects like anxiety, sleep disturbances, or cravings, especially if they have been drinking heavily for a long time. …

What is Methadone? Methadone is a long-acting opioid sometimes prescribed to help people reduce or stop their use of heroin or other opioids. It has been around for decades and is typically administered and monitored by a medical provider. Some people find it helpful as part of their recovery process, while others prefer non-medication-based approaches.…

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Stimulant Abuse: Adderall, Vyvanse & More Many people believe that abuse and addiction only occur with illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. But abuse is also very common with prescription medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, etc. With extended use, people become dependent on these drugs that were initially supposed…

Prescription Stimulant Addiction: What You Need to Know Prescription stimulants are central nervous system (CNS) medications often prescribed to manage Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and binge eating disorder. While these drugs can be of immense help to people with these conditions, they also have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Prescription stimulant drugs…

Understanding Hallucinogen Addiction and Misuse in the LGBTQ+ Community To understand hallucinogen addiction and misuse in the LGBTQ+ community, we have to talk about what they are and why they are so addictive. As the name suggests, hallucinogens are substances that cause their users to experience hallucinations. That is, they alter a person’s perception of…