The Estate News & Blog

Synthetic marijuana, also called K2 or Spice, is a dangerous substance that has become a growing concern across the United States. Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic marijuana is made from plant material sprayed with chemicals designed to mimic THC, the active compound in marijuana. These chemicals act on the cannabinoid receptor in the brain but produce unpredictable and often harmful reactions.

Opioid addiction has become one of the most urgent public health crises in the United States. Millions of people are struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), which affects the body, mind, and overall quality of life. Opioid addiction treatment programs are essential for saving lives and helping people regain control.

For centuries, people have described alcohol as both a “pick-me-up” and a “slow-down” substance. You may feel energized and sociable after the first drink, but the science is clear: alcohol is classified as a depressant drug. While alcohol can create stimulating effects in the short term, the longer-lasting reality is that alcohol slows brain function, reduces reaction time, and affects breathing and heart rate.

Being a student intern at Soberman’s Estate has been one of the greatest experiences of my academic and personal journey.  From the first time I stepped onto the property and was greeted by our amazing CRC team, I instantly was welcomed into the supportive environment this is. I was surrounded by beautiful desert views and the gentle rhythm of horses grazing nearby, reemphasizing how special of a place this truly is. What I didn’t realize at that moment was how much I would end up learning. I didn’t only learn about addiction recovery, but how to approach my own practice with empathy, resilience, and the power of human connection. 

The holidays have a way of amplifying everything—joy, stress, expectations, memories, and sometimes, the quiet pressure to be who you used to be. For men in recovery, this time of year can feel like walking into a room where every light is just a little too bright and every emotion is turned up a few notches.

The journey through addiction recovery is filled with ups and downs. One of the most intriguing and often misunderstood phases early in this process is known as Pink Cloud Syndrome. 

Most people drink to socialize, relax, or temporarily escape from stress. However, too much alcohol can significantly harm the brain. Mental illness disorders are seriously impacted by the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol addiction can lead to delusional thinking.  

Is cocaine an opioid? Cocaine is not an opioid. Cocaine is a stimulant with entirely different effects on the body and brain. Confusing the two can be dangerous.

The holidays can be a beautiful time of year—filled with lights, laughter, and connection. But for men in recovery, they can also bring a unique set of challenges. Memories of past celebrations, family dynamics, social pressure, or even loneliness and other emotions that can test even the strongest recovery foundation.

Benzodiazepines are a widely prescribed medication in the United States, used primarily to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and other medical conditions. Many have taken more than prescribed and become physically dependent on the medication – stopping abruptly can cause severe medical concerns and should not be done, those wishing to stop taking benzos should promptly consult professionals.