What Is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)?
Key Points Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), also referred to as neonatal withdrawal syndrome, is a condition in which a newborn experiences withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to opioids or other addictive substances during pregnancy. When the baby is born and the flow of the substance stops, their body reacts to the sudden absence, leading to […]
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Accutane? Understanding Liver Risks and Mental-Health Effects
Key Points Accutane (isotretinoin) is a powerful prescription medication used to treat severe or cystic acne when other treatments fail. It works by shrinking oil glands and reducing skin inflammation, but it’s also one of the most heavily monitored medications because of its potential side effects, especially on the liver and mental health. One of […]
AA vs. NA: Understanding the Difference Between Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
Key Points Recovery begins with connection, and for millions of people around the world, that connection starts with a 12-step meeting. But while most have heard of AA and NA, few understand how the two differ, how each works, and what alternatives exist today for people seeking support outside of traditional 12-step programs. This guide […]
Celebrate Recovery: How Faith-Based Programs Help People Overcome Addiction and Find Lasting Freedom
Key Points Addiction recovery isn’t only about physical healing, it’s about rebuilding what was lost: purpose, relationships, and hope. For many Americans, that hope begins with faith. Celebrate Recovery has become one of the most widely recognized Christian recovery programs in the world, offering a Christ-centered approach to healing from addiction, trauma, and emotional pain. […]
The Yellow 230 Pill Explained: Effects, Risks, and What You Should Know
Key Points The yellow 230 pill is a prescription opioid combination containing 10 mg of oxycodone-hydrochloride and 325 mg of acetaminophen (a generic form of Percocet). It is manufactured by Alvogen, Inc. and is identifiable by its round yellow color and “230” imprint. While this medication can effectively relieve moderate to severe pain when prescribed, […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder in Recovery
Key Points Recovery is never a one-season journey. As the months shift, so do the challenges, and for many, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (also known as “seasonal depression” or “winter depression”) is one of the hardest to manage. More than “winter blues,” SAD is a form of depression that develops in late fall or winter […]
Counterfeit Pills & Fentanyl Adulteration: The Hidden Crisis
Key Points The spread of counterfeit pills has redefined the drug crisis in America. Unlike legitimate prescriptions, these tablets are manufactured in clandestine labs, pressed into pill form, and sold on the street or online. Most contain fentanyl adulteration, a cheap, powerful opioid 50–100 times stronger than morphine. What makes counterfeit pills especially dangerous is […]
How To Get Off Suboxone | Suboxone Detox | Brooks Healing Center
Key Points This page about Suboxone detox is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Never change your dose without a clinician’s guidance. How To Taper Off Suboxone Tapering is the safest way to discontinue Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone). At Brooks, we individualize the taper based on your dose history, time on medication, co-occurring conditions, and […]
Trauma Bonding and Addiction: Understanding the Cycle
Key Points Addiction is rarely just about substances, it often has deep emotional roots. One concept that has gained increasing attention in psychology and recovery is trauma bonding. Trauma bonding occurs when individuals form powerful emotional attachments with people who cause them harm. These bonds, fueled by cycles of abuse and intermittent reward, can keep […]
Blue Bliss, PinkStar, and The Borax Combo: The New Designer Drug Putting Lives at Risk
Key Points What Are Blue Bliss and PinkStar (Borax Combo)? Over the past year, a new set of designer drugs has been circulating under nicknames like Blue Bliss and PinkStar. Together, these pills and powders are often referred to as the “Borax Combo.” Despite the harmless-sounding name, the Borax Combo is anything but safe. Instead, […]
Bromazolam: The Rising Threat of a “Designer Benzodiazepine”
Key Points Bromazolam, often referred to as “designer Xanax,” has quickly become one of the most concerning new substances in the illicit drug supply. Unlike prescription benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), bromazolam is not approved for medical use and is considered a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) [6][7]. Over the past few years, forensic labs and […]
Nitazenes | Dangerous Synthetic Opioids Stronger Than Fentanyl
Key Points Nitazenes | The Next Wave of the Opioid Crisis The opioid epidemic has been marked by waves, beginning with prescription painkillers, followed by heroin, then fentanyl. Now, a “new to us” class of opioids called nitazenes is fueling concern among public health officials, law enforcement, and addiction treatment providers worldwide. Unlike fentanyl, which […]
Tennessee’s THC-A Ban in 2026: What It Means for Consumers, Businesses, and Recovery
Key Points Effective January 1, 2026, Tennessee THC-A ban will eliminate the sale of THC-A-rich products such as flower, vapes, and concentrates by reclassifying THC-A into the total THC calculation. This legislative change aligns THC-A with delta-9 THC under state law, closing a loophole that previously allowed high-potency intoxicating products to be sold in hemp […]
7OH Vape Review: Risks, Side Effects, and What You Need to Know
Key Points The recent rise of 7OH vape products in smoke shops and online has caught the attention of health professionals and recovery specialists alike. While some people see these products as a novel alternative to kratom powder or capsules, the reality is far riskier. 7OH Kratom, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, is the most potent alkaloid […]
Is Clonidine a Controlled Substance? Uses, Risks, Withdrawal, and Addiction
Key Points Clonidine is a prescription medication with multiple uses, from treating high blood pressure to easing withdrawal symptoms during detox. If you’ve heard of clonidine in a recovery or mental health context, you might be wondering: Is clonidine a controlled substance? The short answer is no, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. What Is […]
Anti-Anxiety Medication Names & Identifiers: What To Know, How To Identify, and How To Help
Key Points Anxiety disorders affect millions of people, often making everyday life feel overwhelming. Fortunately, medication to treat anxiety can play an important role in managing symptoms, especially when paired with therapy and comprehensive treatment. Here’s an up-to-date look at the most commonly used anti anxiety-medication names, and why professional guidance is essential. Common Types […]
Trump’s Healthcare Records Data-Sharing App: Implications for People In Recovery
Key Points On July 30, 2025, President Donald Trump introduced a new big tech led healthcare records data sharing initiative designed to give patients easier access to their medical records through major technology platforms. Over 60 companies, including Apple, Google, Amazon, OpenAI, CVS Health, and UnitedHealth—have pledged to participate in what’s being called a “patient-centered […]
“Wellness Farms”: A Look at Nature-Based Recovery and Clinical Treatment
Key Points In recent months, the term “wellness farm” has entered the national conversation in a new way. Promoted by presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the idea refers to community-based farms where individuals struggling with addiction or mental illness can recover by working the land, growing food, and participating in holistic healing activities outside […]
“Feel Free” Drink: Unregulated “Wellness” Drinks Causing Addiction
Key Points At gas stations, gyms, and yoga studios across the country, a new class of herbal “wellness” drinks is gaining traction, particularly among young adults, athletes, and people in recovery. One of the most well-known is “Feel Free Classic”, a shot-sized beverage that markets itself as a kava and kratom-based “plant tonic” for energy, […]
Adderall Side Effects in Females: What Women Need to Know
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts and is a widely prescribed treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as narcolepsy. However, it’s important for women taking Adderall to understand they may experience side effects differently than men taking the same formulation. This is due to various factors, including hormonal variables, body composition, […]