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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

In a recent study published by the University of Michigan, rates of substance abuse among teens have shown positive changes in rates of abuse among certain drugs. Use of several substances including ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, and synthetic marijuana has declined, and alcohol and cigarette use has reached new lows. Although these are promising trends, rates of prescription drug abuse and marijuana … [Read more...]

Electronic cigarettes have substantially grown in popularity over the past few years. Marketed as a safe alternative to actual cigarettes, many are putting down traditional cigarettes in favor of the high-tech devices. Although there is not yet enough research available on the safety of the devices, their popularity has not been tempered. It is estimated that the number of teens and adolescents … [Read more...]

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise throughout the United States, and teens continue to be the most affected. It is estimated that each day about 2,500 teens try a prescription pain reliever recreationally for the first time. Prescription drugs are more readily available than ever before. If a person does not have a prescription for a medication, they more than likely have a friend or family … [Read more...]

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem across the United States. Increased accessibility has made prescription medication a gateway drug for many, leading some to begin abusing more illicit substances in order to achieve a greater high. In 2014, deaths attributed to drug overdose—primarily opioid painkillers and heroin—skyrocketed to 47,000, according to the National Center for Health … [Read more...]