Have you ever heard of “Ayahuasca?” You may have already…it’s a popular search term here in Northern California. Also known as “Yage,” it’s a uniquely powerful hallucinogen. So powerful that some insist it’s a priceless medicine, not any sort of drug. However, that perception masks the very real risks of the substance. What does ayahuasca...Read More

We’ve heard it for decades. “Don’t smoke while pregnant! It’s dangerous for the baby!” But they mean smoking cigarettes. What about marijuana? It’s said to help curb morning sickness. As well as the aches & pains that come with pregnancy. If it helps the mother with all those, it can’t be all bad, can it?...Read More

Early Prevention and Detection are Key to Combating Teen Addiction Just about every teen spends time on social media these days. It’s mostly harmless…but there’s a disturbing parallel to social media use. Teens who spend a lot of time on social media are much more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. How much more? 5...Read More

In recent years, marijuana has gained more social acceptance as states legalize its use. As of this post’s publication, over 30 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana in some form, and more than 10 states have fully legalized marijuana for recreational use. Great news, right? It is…but there’s a caveat. Unfortunately, a...Read More

Most of us will want to help a friend or loved one suffering from addiction. If they need something, we’ll want to get it for them. But what if they ask you to buy them more drugs? Do we get them what they ‘want’? If you do, this is what we call enabling. Bringing an...Read More

What is a co-occurring disorder? What does it have to do with “dual diagnosis treatment?” We hear these questions often from concerned friends & family members. The terms are a little obscure, so it’s not surprising. This post will explain them, and answer the most common questions. 1. What do “co-occurring disorder” (COD) and “dual...Read More