In recent years, new trends in substance abuse have emerged. In just six years, the number of people who tried heroin for the first time nearly doubled. When the prescription drugs run out, instead of getting help through opioid addiction treatment, many turn to heroin to get their fix. For most people, that was a completely valid and legal use of the medication. Doctors frequently prescribe … [Read more...]
The Benefits of Yoga in Addiction Treatment
The benefits of yoga are far reaching, and because of this, it has become an increasingly strong presence in the world of addiction treatment. Yoga is commonly considered a natural form of medicine that can accompany a traditional treatment program. More and more treatment programs are expanding on their approach to addiction treatment by not just focusing on treating the addiction itself, but by … [Read more...]
Overcoming Opioid Addiction | How Do We Treat the Opioid Epidemic?
Opioid addiction is skyrocketing in the United States. An estimated 2.1 million people struggle with opioid abuse in the United States alone and approximately 78 people die every day due to complications related to painkillers or other opioids such as heroin. Recent studies suggest that abuse of painkillers has reached epidemic levels. How Opioid Addiction Can Develop Opioids are regularly … [Read more...]
Importance of Family Therapy for Recovering Addicts
Those who have someone they love who struggles with substance abuse know that substance abuse affects not only the abuser but those around them as well. Drug and alcohol use can damage relationships and negatively affect others physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. In some cases, problems within the family can contribute to addictive behaviors and prolong substance abuse. Regardless … [Read more...]
The Opioid Epidemic | Facts & Stats
Drug overdoses are now responsible for more deaths than car accidents, and this trend shows no signs of stopping. Opioids and heroin are now the leading causes of drug overdoses, with the majority of overdoses in the United States (6 out of 10) involving an opioid. With as much information as we have about the risk of use, the dangers of side effects, and the likelihood of overdose, many are … [Read more...]
What You Should Know About Medication-Assisted Treatment
There are many types of medications that can be used to ease the withdrawal process of opioid and alcohol addiction.The withdrawal symptoms associated with these two types of substance abuse can be painful or deadly. For many, withdrawal from these substances should be done in a medically-supervised environment. The use of medication to manage withdrawal symptoms can help people overcome what is … [Read more...]
Using Non-Prescription Ritalin Affects Brain Chemistry
Use of medications like Ritalin has evolved into a culture of abuse with the intent to improve performance. Unsurprisingly, using a medication improperly can lead to damaging side effects and increased risk for addiction. Prescription drugs are used to treat numerous mental and physical health conditions. These medications can bring relief and comfort to the people who receive prescriptions for a … [Read more...]
Changing the Conversation About Addiction | Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook Post on Addiction Recovery
On April 29, 2017, Mark Zuckerberg shared his experience meeting with people from Dayton, Ohio, to discuss their recovery from opioid addiction. His Facebook post has received thousands of responses from people all over the world, many of whom shared their own experiences related to opioid abuse. Whether they personally struggled, or had family members or loved ones who did, many people united … [Read more...]
Anxiety & Addiction | The Importance of Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
The paralyzing fear associated with anxiety disorders can make the temporary relief provided by drugs and alcohol seem appealing. For a moment, drugs and alcohol can make people forget about the things that cause them discomfort. While this may be tempting, this method of self-medication can cause more harm than good. For some, drugs and alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of the condition. Even if … [Read more...]