The Cycle of Addiction
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 10. 23. 2024
The cycle of addiction involves brain chemistry, tolerance, withdrawal, and the body's changing response to substances over time.
Category: Substance Use Disorder
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Substance Use DisorderMedication-Assisted Treatment: What It Is and How It Works
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 07. 29. 2025
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) refers to the use of medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. It’s a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that supports the whole person
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AddictionWhat to Do if Someone You Love Is Struggling with Addiction
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 09. 11. 2025
Addiction recovery is rarely a straight line. Relapse can happen, and progress may feel painfully slow. But recovery is possible. Don't lose hope.
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AddictionOnline Addiction Treatment vs. In-Person Treatment: Which is Right for You?
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 09. 23. 2025
With more recovery options than ever, understanding the differences between online addiction treatment and in-person treatment is critical.
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Addiction ResourcesRelapse Prevention Strategies That Work
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 10. 23. 2025
Relapse is the process of returning to substance use after a period of abstinence. It usually doesn’t happen suddenly; instead, it often unfolds in stages where there are noticeable warning signs.
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Substance Use DisorderCychlorphine: A New Synthetic Opioid 10x Stronger than Fentanyl
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 03. 22. 2026
Several features of cychlorphine make it distinctly more dangerous than even the synthetic opioids that have dominated the overdose crisis for years. You can’t see it or taste it, for example.
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Substance Use DisorderKratom: The Hidden Danger in Plain Sight
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 03. 03. 2026
Regular kratom use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms that mirror opioid withdrawal, including anxiety, irritability, insomnia, muscle aches, nausea, and intense cravings.
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Substance Use DisorderThe Dangerous New Face of the Opioid Crisis: What You Need to Know About Medetomidine
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 12. 29. 2025
The emergence of medetomidine represents a significant shift in the opioid crisis. Healthcare systems, harm reduction programs, and addiction treatment providers need to adapt quickly.
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ResearchIbogaine: A First-Timer’s Guide to the “Reset” Medicine for Addiction Recovery
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 11. 05. 2025
Learn about Ibogaine: the psychedelic plant people are calling a game-changer for substance use disorder.
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EducationalTusi (“Pink Cocaine”): What it Is, Why it’s Spreading, and How to Respond
by Dr. Traci Sweet, Psy.D | 10. 27. 2025
Despite the nickname, pink cocaine and cocaine are not at all the same thing. White cocaine is a single, well-defined drug and "pink cocaine" aka "Tusi" is something else entirely. It’s not one drug but a brand name for a mixture.