When a drug overdose occurs, it may be accidental or intentional. Someone can accidentally ingest something they should not have or may have taken too much of a medication by mistake. Someone can also be intentionally misusing a substance to get high or hurt oneself. Regardless of the way in which an overdose has occurred, it is important to recognize the warning signs and react quickly to … [Read more...]
Abuse vs. Addiction: What’s the Difference?
While the terms “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” are often used interchangeably, there are several differences between the two. Substance abuse can often lead to addiction, but that is not always the case. In fact, it is possible for a person to abuse drugs or alcohol without becoming addicted. Regardless of whether or not abuse becomes addiction, both forms of substance use are incredibly … [Read more...]
What Drugs Show Up on a Drug Test
If you suspect your child is using drugs and is being dishonest about it, you may be looking for ways to find out the truth. While there are several signs your child can exhibit that indicate substance abuse is a problem, you may still want concrete evidence of what they are using and how serious the problem may be. Administering a drug test is one of the easiest ways to determine what your child … [Read more...]
Most Addictive Pills: Painkillers & Other Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are easier to obtain than ever before. Medications are prescribed at increasing rates, making them readily available in most homes throughout the United States. Even if you do not have a prescription for these medications, chances are, you know someone who does. Prescription drug addiction can develop in anyone, even if the medication is intended for your own use. These … [Read more...]
Why Do Addiction Counselors Go By So Many Different Titles?
In substance abuse treatment, counseling certifications and counselors themselves go by numerous names and titles. Depending on where you are located different titles are used to refer to professions with similar responsibilities; however, the type of certification obtained by an individual helps distinguish the level of care a person is able to provide and the career opportunities available to … [Read more...]
How to Find the Right Rehab Center in The Dangerous Addiction Treatment Industry
Attention needs to be paid to the lack of oversight that exists in the substance abuse treatment industry. These issues are important to understand so that clients and families of clients struggling with substance use disorders are not taken advantage of and harmed. More and more people are becoming aware of the unethical, illegal, and dangerous practices of several rehabilitation providers but … [Read more...]
Tips To Prepare For Substance Use Counselor Interview Questions
So, you have done it: you have completed your certification and you are now ready to interview for jobs. Interviewing for any position can be stressful, but you can prepare ahead of time by considering likely interview questions and how you may best answer them. We have put together a list of questions to consider and advice on how to make the best impression. Preparing for an Interview First and … [Read more...]
Substance Use Counselor vs Social Worker Careers
If you are interested in working with clients and their families through challenging life situations, social work or substance abuse counseling may be career paths you want to explore. Social work and counseling are both fields that have grown substantially in recent years. While there is substantial overlap between the two fields, there are several factors to consider when choosing which … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Son or Daughter Stop Smoking Pot
If you discover your child is using marijuana, you may be struggling with numerous emotions. From feeling upset about your child’s substance use to experiencing a sense of guilt regarding actions you could have taken, adolescent drug abuse is a reality many parents face. Due to perceptions regarding the safety of use and the movement to legalize marijuana, adolescents are increasingly at risk to … [Read more...]