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...]
Being Sober & Social: How to Stay Sober in Social Situations
One huge misconception is that if you are sober, you cannot go out to bars, clubs, concerts, music festivals etc where there will be drinking. Well… MYTH BUSTED. That is not the case at all. However, getting used to going out without drugs or alcohol can be a challenge in early sobriety and takes some getting used to. Early Sobriety and Your Social Life One of the most difficult aspects of early … [Read more...]
Is Marijuana Addictive?
While those in favor of legalization often argue that marijuana is not addictive, there is no evidence to support this claim. As recreational use of marijuana becomes legalized across the United States, many still worry about its possible consequences. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States, and with its changing legal status, these numbers will surely rise. It … [Read more...]
Coachella, Music Festivals, Teen Drug Abuse, and Sober Fun
Drugs and alcohol have been a consistent presence at concerts and festivals, like Coachella, for years. While different events tend to attract diverse groups of people, the presence of illicit substances is almost always a constant. Many of these events last for several days and include a wide-array of outdoor activities. People relish the chance to get away from work, obligations, and the rules … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Cope with Anger in Addiction Recovery
Many people in addition treatment struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders. Some may develop an addiction after self-medicating their symptoms, while others may develop these conditions as a result of substance abuse. Regardless of the order in which these disorders manifest, successful sobriety is largely contingent on holistic treatment that addresses all aspects of physical, mental, … [Read more...]