In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month this April, it is important to highlight the complex toll that alcohol can take on the human body. Share this Image On Your SitePlease include attribution to SoberCollege.com with this graphic. What exactly does Alcohol do to the Body? Most people know that drinking too much alcohol can lead you to pass out, get a DUI, and have a raging headache the … [Read more...]
Can Cocaine Really “Eat Your Brain”?
While it is common knowledge that cocaine has devastating effects on the brain, new research shows that high doses of cocaine can actually cause brain cells to eat themselves. Large amounts of cocaine trigger “overactive autophagy,” which causes the cells to digest their own insides. In healthy cells, autophagy is a normal function that works as a cell’s “clean-up function,” ridding it of debris … [Read more...]
Magic Mushrooms – The New Cure for Addiction?
Psychedelic magic mushrooms have been used for centuries for social, religious and medicinal purposes. They are commonly called “magic mushrooms” due to their hallucinogenic properties. When ingested, users can experience a wide variety of effects. Researchers have been studying the effects of these mushrooms and believe that they can be used as a potential therapeutic option for a variety of … [Read more...]
Can Drinking in Moderation Ever Really Work?
For those who struggle with alcohol or have loved ones that do, the idea of any consumption of alcohol can produce strong responses. Family members and loved ones may strongly oppose any alcohol consumption regardless of the circumstances, while someone who has struggled with it may battle the idea of “just having one” versus none at all. After struggling with alcohol abuse and dependency, the … [Read more...]
The Rise of Addiction in White America
Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. There are numerous factors that play a role in the development of addiction including environment, genetic predisposition, family history, and mental health issues. In pop culture and mainstream media, addiction is often painted as an affliction that primarily affects people of color … [Read more...]
Do College Students Studying Abroad Drink More Alcohol?
College is a time for exploration, development, and independence, but it is also frequently associated with alcohol consumption, partying, and experimentation. Many college students drink alcohol, using it as a way to have fun, connect with others, or relax. However, alcohol can easily become a crutch and many rely on it to the point of dependency and addiction. Many students in college jump at … [Read more...]
How Far is Addiction Hereditary?
It has long been debated whether or not addiction is hereditary. The “nature versus nurture” argument has circulated for years with many questioning why some people get addicted to drugs and alcohol while others do not. Although the term “nurture” does not necessarily apply to adults who live apart from their families, it can be used to describe the environmental factors that influence the … [Read more...]
The Politics of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is often discussed during presidential campaigns. It is a polarizing topic with different opinions across the board. Each of the potential candidates has a unique platform and proposal for handling drug addiction in the United States. Addiction in the United States has long been treated as a crime and is often stigmatized. Many do not seek help for addiction due to lack of … [Read more...]
The True Cost of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction takes a dramatic toll on addicts as well as those around them. Addiction can manifest in many forms, and whether it is gambling, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, or shopping, it comes with its own set of negative consequences. Addiction can have a profound, long-lasting effect on anyone, taking everything from the addict and their loved ones with nothing positive returned. Even when an … [Read more...]