Nicki Lugo, Author at Virtue Recovery Center

08 Apr

Crystal Meth, drug Addiction, Drug Effects

Meth Mites, Meth Bugs, and Meth Sores: What Are They?

March 17, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Meth mites, meth bugs, and meth sores are common symptoms of methamphetamine use. The sensation of bugs crawling ...

01 Apr

addiction

Does Alcohol & Drug Addiction Have DNA Biomarkers?

March 10, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Research suggests that DNA biomarkers may contribute to addiction. Genetics and epigenetics play a role in substa...

28 Mar

Alcohol Addiction

National Alcohol Screening Day to Assess Alcohol Use Disorder

March 28, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways National Alcohol Screening Day helps people check their drinking habits and see if they may need help. Alcohol sc...

25 Mar

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: What is Cirrhosis?

March 3, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Cirrhosis is the most severe stage of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) and occurs due to long-term alcohol use. ...

18 Mar

Addiction Recovery

Stigmatizing Language To Avoid When Talking About Addiction

February 24, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways The way we talk about addiction can either support or harm recovery efforts. Stigmatizing language reinforces neg...

11 Mar

Cocaine Addiction, Drug Effects

Comparison of Cocaine and Lidocaine: Risks, Effects, & Treatment

February 17, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Cocaine and lidocaine are both anesthetics, but cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant, while lidocaine is a widely...

04 Mar

Drug Effects

Potential For Abuse & Drug Overdose From Kratom Use

February 10, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia that acts like a stimulant in small doses and like an opioid in larger doses. ...

25 Feb

addiction, Cocaine Addiction, Meth

Crack vs Meth: Key Differences and Similarities

February 4, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Crack cocaine and methamphetamine are both powerful stimulant drugs, but they differ in their chemical makeup, effects, ...

18 Feb

addiction, drug Addiction, Drug Effects, Opioid Addiction, Overdose

Is The Synthetic Opioid Nitazenes More Potent Than Fentanyl?

January 27, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that are up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl. These drugs, mixed into other ...

11 Feb

Cocaine Addiction, drug Addiction, Drug Effects

Cocaine-Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia & Heart Attacks

January 20, 2025
By Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS

Key Takeaways Cocaine use increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and heart attacks. Chronic cocaine use causes long-term dama...

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Meth Mites, Meth Bugs, and Meth Sores: What Are They?

Does Alcohol & Drug Addiction Have DNA Biomarkers?

National Alcohol Screening Day to Assess Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: What is Cirrhosis?

Stigmatizing Language To Avoid When Talking About Addiction

Comparison of Cocaine and Lidocaine: Risks, Effects, & Treatment

Potential For Abuse & Drug Overdose From Kratom Use

Crack vs Meth: Key Differences and Similarities

Is The Synthetic Opioid Nitazenes More Potent Than Fentanyl?

Cocaine-Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia & Heart Attacks

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