Signs of Alcoholism
“We are convinced …that alcoholics of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period of time, we get worse, never better”. Alcoholics Anonymous pg.30 There are a variety of indications that an individual may be an alcoholic. While some signs of alcoholism can be subtle, others are much more […]
THC Detox
Struggling with THC dependence and seeking a path to recovery? In this article, Turning Point of Tampa explains the most effective THC and marijuana detox options. In addition, we will cover cannabis withdrawal and marijuana addiction treatment options. Key Takeaways Understanding THC Detoxification THC, the active compound in marijuana, can stay in the body for […]
Medetomidine: A Dangerous New Street Sedative
What Is Medetomidine? Medetomidine hydrochloride (often referred to as simply medetomidine) is a veterinary drug, meaning it is prescribed to animals (typically dogs) and is not intended for human use. However, it is rapidly emerging as a drug adulterant in the illicit drug supply. This means it is being added to street drugs. The unpredictable […]
The AA Big Book
If you are not already familiar with the AA Big Book, this article is designed to give a quick overview of its contents as well as its purpose. First published in 1939, the AA Big Book is formally known by the title “Alcoholics Anonymous : The story of how many thousands of men and women […]
What Does Fentanyl Do to You?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that affects the body and brain in significant ways. It’s known for its high potency, about 100 times stronger than morphine, and is used medically for severe pain. However, misuse leads to severe health risks, including addiction and potential overdose. This article explores “what does fentanyl do to you” […]
Black Tar Heroin: Sticky and Sinister
The opiate crisis in the United States has caused over 700,000 deaths since 1999. Many of these deaths were due to heroin. Heroin users quadrupled between 2002 and 2013. Many trace the epidemic’s starting point to the overprescription of pain medications like Oxycontin. As users of these opioid medications developed a stronger tolerance, many of […]
Effective Treatment Strategies for Xylazine Wounds in Injection Drug Users
Xylazine wounds, caused by the use of xylazine-laced drugs, are serious skin ulcers that can become dangerous if not treated. These wounds often appear at injection sites and can quickly worsen. This article will help you identify xylazine wounds and provide effective treatment strategies to manage them. Key Takeaways Understanding Xylazine and Its Use Xylazine, […]
How Tranq is Changing the Landscape of Street Drugs and Overdose Risks
Tranq, known scientifically as xylazine, is a veterinary sedative making its way into street drugs and causing a public health crisis. Combined with fentanyl, it dramatically increases overdose risks. This article unpacks tranq’s origins, illicit use, and the severe health threats it poses. Key Takeaways Understanding Tranq (Xylazine) Xylazine, commonly known in the street drug […]
The AA Symbol
This article is to explore the story behind Alcoholics Anonymous, a brief history of AA, and the AA ymbol. The circle enclosing a triangle represents AA’s global impact and evolution, as well as the core principles of 12-step recovery. The AA symbol of a circle encompassing a triangle, along with the words Unity, Service, and […]
Hydroxyzine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Warnings
Hydroxyzine is a medication primarily used to control allergic reactions and relieve anxiety. It works by inhibiting histamine in the central nervous system and increasing serotonin levels. In this article, we will explore hydroxyzine’s uses, dosage guidelines, side effects, and important warnings. Key Takeaways How Hydroxyzine Works Hydroxyzine hydrochloride works its magic by: This makes […]
Is Alcohol a Stimulant or Depressant?
Alcohol is a depressant. Overall, ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is generally considered to be a depressant. Alcohol acts to slow or depress basic functions of the central nervous system (CNS). Yes, drinking alcohol releases us from our inhibitions at first. But then, as alcohol slows the activity of the central nervous system, our reaction time […]
Celebrating Dr. Hardeep Singh: A Leading Addiction Doctor Honored in 2024 Tampa Magazine’s Top Docs
Turning Point of Tampa is delighted to announce that our esteemed Medical Director, Dr. Hardeep Singh, has been named in Tampa Magazine’s 2024 TOP Doctors List. This recognition marks the third time that Dr. Singh has been honored, highlighting his exceptional contributions to addiction medicine and psychiatry. A Legacy of Excellence in Addiction Medicine Dr. Singh’s inclusion in […]
Anonymity Meaning
The tradition of anonymity has been a critical part of AA, since it’s founding, in 1939. Let us always remember that anonymity – not taking credit for our own or others recovery – is humility at work. The Twelve Traditions Illustrated, published by World Services, New York, NY In AA, The concept of humility – […]
AA Camel Prayer
After the book, “Dr Bob and The Good Oldtimers,” was published in 1980, by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, camels became a metaphor in Alcoholics Anonymous for sobriety, one day at a time. Dr. Bob liked the camel symbol. The concept of one master and staying the whole day completely dry. He then would explain prayer […]
Exploring What is DMT: Effects, Risks, and Legality Explained
What is DMT (n dimethyltryptamine)? DMT is a natural psychedelic found in plants. Dimethyltryptamine—better known as DMT—is a powerful hallucinogenic substance. This article explains the nature of DMT, its effects on the human mind, cultural significance, legal status, and the addiction and health implications tied to its usage. Overview Exploring the Essence of DMT DMT, […]
Treatment to Beat Synthetic Marijuana in Hillsborough County
The use, abuse and addiction to synthetic marijuana and synthetic cannabinoid products has been a problem not only in Florida, but many other parts of the country, as well. For instance, in Hillsborough County, Florida, there have been reports of people being hospitalized for consuming synthetic marijuana containing a chemical found in rat poison! Also, […]
What Is An AA Sponsor?
The answer to the question, “What is an AA sponsor?” is complex. Keep in mind that addiction recovery is hard. If we are to be successful, we will need all the help we can get. That’s where an AA sponsor comes in. Getting started in a 12 step program and beginning any process of recovery […]
What is Dual Diagnosis? Definition Symptoms and Treatment
Mental illness and substance use disorders are a combination of co-occurring factors and conditions, such as genetics, stress, or trauma, for example. So, what is dual diagnosis? It is well understood that substance abuse can contribute to, or actually cause, mental health problems and/or induce a dormant mental disorder such as depression, anxiety, and in […]
Brain Zaps
This article will go over brain zap, what they are, how a brain zap feels, what causes them, and how their connection to antidepressant discontinuation. Definition of Brain Zaps Brain zaps, also known as brain blink, brain shivers, brain shocks, brain shakes, brain flashes, or brain flips, are a perplexing neurological phenomenon. They are experienced […]
Risks of Using Marijuana and Spice
As you can tell from the title, the purpose of this article is to outline the very serious risks people take when they use synthetic cannabinoids. If you don’t know this already, there are real and immediate risks to an individual’s mental as well as physical health from the use/abuse of fake weed, also known […]
What Is Al-Anon?
If you are in the Tampa, FL area (or just about anywhere else on Earth) and have an alcoholic or substance-addicted loved one, there is somewhere you can go for help. Al-Anon is a support group designed for individuals, typically family members or other loved ones, affected by someone else’s alcoholism, whether or not that […]
Rule 62
Are there rules in Alcoholics Anonymous? Well, no. Suggestions, yes, but no rules. Instead, AA developed Traditions to keep AA from destroying itself from within. And out of that process we have Rule 62. Rule 62 originated in what was known as The Middleton group. They decided it would be a great idea to build […]
Anxiety and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are among the most common mental illnesses. They are also among the most deadly. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder all pose severe health risks to sufferers, as their preoccupation with food intake drives them to unhealthy and prolonged periods of nutritional deprivation or overeating. Anorexia nervosa is particularly dangerous and […]
Understanding What Is Ketamine: Uses, Effects, and Risks
Ketamine: a name that straddles the line between relief and risk. On one side, a powerful anesthetic and innovative treatment for severe depression and chronic pain. On the other, a notorious club drug with hallucinogenic effects and a potential for abuse. The dual nature of ketamine paints a complex picture, one that requires careful navigation […]