An Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-based medication that was recently developed could potentially offer protective effects for patients attempting to stop using methamphetamine. Eric Peterson, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have used AAV particles to deliver genes that produce high-affinity, anti-meth antibody fragments in mice. “The antibody-based medications we are developing […]

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have found a way to change alcohol drinking behavior in rodents, using the emerging technique of optogenetics, which uses light to stimulate neurons. Their work could lead to powerful new ways to treat alcoholism, other addictions, and neurological and mental illnesses; it also helps explain the underlying neurochemical basis […]

The effects of drug addiction are serious and far-reaching. The abuse of illegal and prescription drugs can destroy families, careers, and financial stability, while undermining your self-esteem and harming your health. Most substance abusers recognize that drug use can cause early or sudden death; however, not everyone is aware that substance abuse can cause serious health damage […]

Most commonly-abused drugs can cause various heart problems. The effects vary widely from increasing or decreasing your heart rate, to causing infection or calcification; often leading to a heart attack or vein collapse. Substance abuse damages the heart, so it’s important to make the recovery of this vital organ part of the substance abuse recovery process. Fortunately, even if […]

Drug abuse happens for many reasons, ranging from genetic predispositions to environment to life-related stresses. However, stress in and of itself can be enough to lead to substance abuse, drug addiction or relapse after rehabilitation. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), studies have found the following factors to be true when it comes […]

If you are seeking more information about holistic addiction treatment, for either yourself or for a loved one, it is important that you look into the details of exactly what a rehabilitation, or addiction treatment center can offer. At Bluff, our goal is to offer rehab services in a serene environment that allows patients the […]

When you are dealing with addiction, a very careful approach must be taken if you are looking for a true recovery, rather than just a short term detox. More than half of addiction patients today relapse within nine months, something that is quite possibly due to the “quick fix” rehab centers that don’t give patients the tools […]

Holistic addiction treatment may seem like a new-age concept, but drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities have always understood and embraced the mind-body-spirit connection. In fact, twelve-step programs embody that concept by combining spirituality and cognitive changes to manage substance abuse disorders. All complementary therapies that can help the body, mind and spirit in the recovery process […]

The fear of experiencing detox prevents many addicts from entering a rehab facility and getting the addiction help they need. Detox can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful depending on the overall health of the person, the substances they use and the frequency and duration of use. Some addicts try to undergo detox alone, […]