There have been extensive debates surrounding the idea of “gateway drugs” and their role in the development of addiction. Many suggest this idea is a myth and use of specific substances does not automatically mean that someone will later become addicted to hard drugs. While this is obviously not true for everyone, research does suggest that early use of certain substances often leads to the … [Read more...]
Role Reversal: How to Deal with Parents Suffering from Addiction
Millions of Americans struggle with drug addiction, which is often accompanied by negative repercussions for both the user and their loved ones. Addiction wears many faces, and sometimes those who struggle with addiction may be parents. Addicted parents or those struggling with substance abuse problems can negatively impact their children’s lives inadvertently, even when steps are taken to avoid … [Read more...]
Convenience Could Kill: The Problem with Alcohol Delivery Services
The introduction of alcohol delivery services sounds like a promising idea—delivering alcohol to a person’s home should reduce the number of alcohol-related car crashes, and many may welcome this as a fun and innovative idea. In truth, alcohol is one of the most dangerous legal substances in the United States and even with measures to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, it is difficult to … [Read more...]
Why are Drug Overdose Deaths on the Rise?
Drug overdose deaths are a growing problem in the United States and across the globe. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 47,055 people died from drug overdoses in 2014—One and a half times more people than were killed in car crashes. These alarming statistics are largely due to the dramatic increase in prescription drug abuse, specifically opioids such as morphine, codeine, and … [Read more...]
Everything you need to know about W-18
One of the most commonly abused types of prescription drugs are painkillers. Because they are so addictive, manufacturers began to develop new painkillers that they thought would be less likely to be abused. The drug labeled W-18 was developed in the 1980s at the University of Alberta and was intended to revolutionize the way pain was managed; however, it was never picked up because the synthetic … [Read more...]
No Fun in the Sun: Why Teen Drug Use Rises in Summer
Summer is a season most teens look forward to. With no school and an excess of free time, adolescents fondly anticipate warm summer days and spending more time with friends. While the break from academic responsibility is more than welcomed, the summer months are often accompanied by a rise in teen drug use. Studies show that during the months of June and July, teens are more likely to begin … [Read more...]
Everything You Need to Know About Dual Diagnosis
This Mental Health Awareness Month we wanted to shed some light on dual-diagnosis & co-occurring disorders so you, your coworkers and your friends are able to help those who may need it. If you have question about dual-diagnosis treatment for yourself or a loved one Share this Image On Your Site <p><strong>Please include attribution to SoberCollege.com with this … [Read more...]
What’s Your Poison? Effects of Alcohol on the Body Infographic
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...]