Oxygen Keeps Us Alive, but Dopamine Keeps Us Living
Understanding why addiction feels bigger than basic survival needs Most people agree that human beings need oxygen, water and food to stay alive. But staying alive and truly living are not the same. To feel motivated, fulfilled and emotionally engaged, the brain relies on something equally important: dopamine. In 2016, Dr. Corey Waller spoke about dopamine in a way that helped many people better understand addiction. He explained that food and water satisfy physical needs, while dopamine fuels drive, purpose and reward. This is why addiction can overpower logic, willpower and even survival instincts. The brain begins to believe the [...]
The Rise of Delta 8, Vapes and Legal Highs and Why Outpatient Treatment Still Matters
What Parents and Adults Should Know About Today’s “Safer” Substances Over the past few years, Delta 8 products, flavored vapes and a growing list of legal highs have become easy to find in gas stations, vape shops and online stores. Because these items are widely available, many teens and adults assume they are harmless. For people who feel anxious about traditional drugs, these “legal” options can seem like low-risk alternatives. In reality, many of these substances carry serious mental and physical health risks. They are often unregulated, inconsistent from one product to the next and far stronger than people realize. [...]
The Truth About Huffing Aerosols and Why Our Youth Are at Risk
Curiosity, boredom and peer pressure can sometimes lead young people to experiment with risky behaviors. One of the most dangerous, and often overlooked, is huffing aerosols, sometimes called dusting, chroming or bagging. This is not a problem we can afford to ignore. Inhaling the fumes of everyday spray products can have devastating consequences, even after a single use. What Huffing Really Means Huffing is the deliberate inhalation of vapors from household products such as air-duster cans, aerosol deodorants, hair sprays or other chemical propellants. These products contain volatile substances that quickly pass from the lungs to the bloodstream, reaching the [...]
What Is Transfer Addiction? Understanding the Hidden Risk in Recovery
Recovery is a powerful and life-changing journey—but it’s not without its challenges. One lesser-known yet significant risk during recovery is transfer addiction—when a person replaces one addiction with another. While someone may no longer be using drugs or alcohol, the underlying emotional pain or compulsive behavior can reappear in a new form. At High Focus Centers, we help individuals recognize and address the root causes of addiction to prevent these behaviors from resurfacing elsewhere. Understanding transfer addiction is key to building a sustainable, long-term recovery. What Is Transfer Addiction? Transfer addiction, also known as cross-addiction, happens when a person in [...]
Alcoholism in Native American Communities: Raising Awareness During National Minority Mental Health Month
August is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the unique mental health challenges faced by underserved and historically marginalized communities. One such community is Native Americans—who continue to experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD), often rooted in generations of trauma, systemic inequality and limited access to culturally sensitive care. At High Focus Centers in Georgia, we believe in recognizing these disparities and providing inclusive, evidence-based treatment that respects the cultural and historical contexts behind addiction. By acknowledging the challenges faced by Native American individuals, we can help break cycles of [...]
Understanding Xanax: Risks, Dosage, Detox and More | High Focus Centers
Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by slowing down the brain and nervous system to produce a calming effect. While Xanax can be effective when taken as prescribed, it’s also one of the most misused prescription drugs in the country. It's important to be aware that misuse can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, overdose and serious medical complications—especially when combined with other substances. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. This [...]
More Than a Bad Habit: 10 Surprising Addictions and the Mental Health Issues Behind Them
When most people think of addiction, they picture alcohol, street drugs or gambling. But addiction can take many forms—and often hides in plain sight, even in our everyday lives. Some addictions develop around everyday habits, legal products or behaviors that are even praised by society. What starts as relief or routine can become a compulsive behavior driven by deeper emotional pain, like anxiety, trauma, low self-worth or loneliness. At High Focus Centers, we work with individuals whose struggles are often overlooked—because their addictions don’t “look” like addiction. This blog explores 10 lesser-known addictions and the mental health conditions that may [...]
Understanding Poppers: What They Are, Their Effects and Risks of Use and Abuse
Poppers, a term commonly used to describe a group of inhalant drugs called alkyl nitrites, have a unique place in recreational drug use. Known for their rapid onset and short-lived effects, they are popular in certain social scenes, particularly in clubs and among communities seeking to enhance sexual experiences. However, despite their relatively easy availability and widespread use, the risks associated with poppers are often underestimated. This blog will explore what poppers are, what effects poppers have on the body, and whether they carry risks of addiction or long-term harm. What Are Poppers? The term "poppers" refers to a class [...]
Understanding Relapse Rates Among College Students: A Closer Look at Addiction on Campus
College years are often filled with academic challenges, social exploration and personal growth. However, for a significant number of students, this time can also be marked by struggles with addiction and substance use disorders. Substance abuse among college students is a well-documented issue, with alcohol and drug use being prevalent across college campuses nationwide. Unfortunately, these issues come with a high risk of relapse, particularly when students attempt to balance recovery with the pressures of college life. Understanding the relapse rates in college students and the factors that influence these rates is essential to creating supportive environments that promote long-term [...]
Recognizing Early Signs of Relapse
For individuals in recovery, recognizing the early signs of relapse is critical to maintaining long-term sobriety. Those who are navigating the recovery journey should be aware of common relapse triggers and how to address them before they lead to a return to substance use. In this blog, we'll explore the substance with the highest rate of relapse, the key determinants of relapse, how to identify it early and when relapse is most likely to occur. We'll also look at the "pink cloud" phase and its impact on recovery, as well as the three rules of relapse. What Substance Has the [...]
What Kind of Impact Do the Side Effects of Oxycodone Have On Weight?
We are all familiar with the concept of side effects – if we stay out in the sun without sunscreen, we may get burned; if we forget coffee at the store, we won’t have any for in the morning; and if we fail to follow the instructions on our medications, we may be at risk for illness or addiction. Oxycodone is no exception. As an opioid, it has numerous side effects that users need to be aware of – from the abuse potential to the impact it may have on your weight. What is oxycodone? Oxycodone belongs to a group [...]
What is the Abuse Potential for Vicodin?
There is no denying that prescription opioid medications are used frequently – one could argue too often. Such is the opioid crisis we find ourselves in. Men and women, and even young adults and teens, have not been immune to the challenges of opioid tolerance and addiction. When prescription medications like Vicodin are prescribed to address pain and help individuals recover from surgery, for example, the pain-relieving benefits cannot be ignored. But when Vicodin is taken inappropriately, prescriptions are shared or one begins needing higher doses, it may be time to address the potentially forming addiction. What is Vicodin? Vicodin [...]