Drug use in young adults is on the rise. While all drugs can be dangerous, it’s important to stay informed and understand which drugs are most likely to be life-threatening when used. Professor David Nutt, one of the world’s leading experts on drugs (in terms of their use and effects on the brain), led a scientific study specifically designed to determine what is the most dangerous drug in the … [Read more...]
How Binge Drinking While Young Can Permanently Destroy your Brain
Many people begin drinking alcohol during adolescence or young adulthood. This is often due to peer pressure and the perception that alcohol consumption at this age is both normal and socially acceptable—despite the fact that it is illegal to consume until a person is 21 years old. Other influences, such as family history, the presence of a mental health disorder, and use of other substances play … [Read more...]
The Rise of the Middle-Aged Addict
As a society, we largely view substance abuse and addiction as a problem of the youth. When we talk about addiction, we are most often thinking of teenagers and young adults—drug use is seen as part of growing up, something they’ll eventually leave in their past as they mature and age. In reality, substance abuse, particularly prescription drugs and alcohol, is the one of the fastest growing … [Read more...]
Can an Anti-Alcoholism Drug Help Cure HIV?
Antabuse, also known as disulfiram, is a drug used to treat alcoholism. The drug has been used in treatment for over 60 years and is one of several prescription treatment options for those struggling with alcoholism. Recently, the drug has garnered attention due to its potential to be used in treatment of other deadly diseases, particularly HIV. In a recent trial, scientists have found that … [Read more...]
The Decriminalization Dilemma; the Risk of Ireland’s New Drug Policy
In many countries, drug addiction carries with it a negative stigma. Some drugs, such as marijuana, have recently been garnering national attention with discussions surrounding their use and possible benefits, but other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, are rarely ever given a positive spin. These illicit substances tend to be at the top of the list when discussing negative stigmas associated … [Read more...]
The Problem with Pessimism: Is Negativity an Addiction?
Addiction is most frequently discussed and understood as an addiction to a physical substance. Drugs, alcohol, gambling, and even food addictions are well-known; however, there are other types of addiction that can be just as difficult to combat. Emotional addictions are often overlooked and go unnoticed. One of the most debilitating forms of emotional addiction is addiction to negativity. … [Read more...]
Extra Cheese: The Current State of Food Addiction
Drugs and alcohol are most commonly referenced when discussing addiction. Most people are aware of addiction to these substances and acknowledge the need for education and treatment in addressing it. More recently, the topic of food addiction has become widely discussed and debated, and many question whether or not it is possible to be addicted to food. Food is essential to survival; it impacts … [Read more...]
Top-5 Reasons People Relapse in Long-term Recovery
Individuals in early recovery exude ambition and are highly motivated to achieve a healthier life. The endless possibilities of the recovery process seem to instantly replace the misery of addiction. However, as newcomers accumulate clean-time and the desperation fades, the motivation for continued recovery can deteriorate. From fellowshipping with members of various support groups to … [Read more...]
The Relationship between OCD and Addiction
One of the most common factors in the development of drug and alcohol addiction is the presence of a co-occurring disorder. Nearly 6 in 10 individuals who struggle with addiction are also affected by at least one co-occurring disorder. Whether the co-occurring disorder was a preexisting condition, or the disorder developed as a result of substance abuse, treatment of mental health disorders in … [Read more...]