Regardless of your political views, Chris Christie’s town-hall talk about addiction and how we treat addicts in our society is worth watching: Christie’s mom was fortunate not to have faced any stigma when battling lung cancer. But stigmas surrounding addiction, including stigmas regarding medical complications due to drug use, … [Read more...]
“Selfie” Addiction is Nothing to Smile About
With the rise of social media, people everywhere are constantly updating each other on their activities, thoughts, and ideas via status updates and photo posts. Social media has also contributed to the rise of the “selfie”—a picture taken of oneself that is subsequently uploaded to social media sites. There is no rhyme or reason to the selfie, and there are no rules to follow. Some selfies are … [Read more...]
Is Vaping Leading to Long-Term Addiction?
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death both in the United States and around the world. Every year, nearly 480,000 American can be attributed to cigarette smoking. That equates to approximately one out of five deaths. It can negatively affect nearly every organ in a person’s body, as well as their overall health. Despite increased awareness of the risks associated with smoking, it continues … [Read more...]
The Complexities of Addiction: A Reaction to Johann Hari’s TED Talk
Today at Sober College, the treatment center where I work, a colleague picked up a copy of Jonathan Hari’s book Chasing the Scream. After a few of us who had read the book began to talk about the merits and the criticisms of Hari’s work, we were all prompted to sit at my associate’s computer and watch Hari’s TED talk. For those of you who haven’t seen it, here it is: All of us in that office– … [Read more...]
Brain Freeze – The Rise of “Ice” in Australia
Ice is one of the most destructive drugs in the world. Also known as crystal meth, speed, and glass, ice is a crystalline form of methamphetamine—a powerful stimulant drug. Abusing this drug has powerful effects on physical, mental, and behavioral attributes, quickly turning from recreational use into a dangerous addiction that is incredibly difficult to overcome. Meth is often manufactured in one … [Read more...]
Quality Chemical Dependency Counselor Training Provided by Sober College
In addition to providing young adults with a chance for a fresh start in recovery, Sober College offers its very own, CCAPP approved School of Addiction Studies Program for those aspiring to be a part of the dynamic and rapidly growing substance abuse treatment field. With rolling admissions, you can start the program at any time and attend class online or in person only one weekend per month! In … [Read more...]
Spice – The Synthetic Drug that is Taking Lives
Many people have heard of the drug “spice,” but most do not know what it is. The name “spice” is misleading, causing some to think it is simply a seasoning for food, when in reality, it is a dangerous drug that affects countless people across the world. Spice is known by a variety of names including synthetic marijuana, K2, legal weed, herbal incense, and potpourri. The drug is a mixture of herbs … [Read more...]
Eyes Glued to the Screen: What is Television Addiction?
Television has evolved over time to become the primary source of information for many and a daily activity in most households. Watching television has become a way many people relate to one another. Catching up on favorite TV shows and discussing them with others is a fun and easy way to build friendships. As technology has evolved, television has become more and more ubiquitous. Gone are the days … [Read more...]
Born this Way: Addiction and Genetics
There are a variety of factors that influence the development of addiction in an individual. Addiction knows no limits and can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, social status, or education. The root cause of addiction is not easy to identify, and the likelihood of its development increases when multiple risk factors are present at the same time. Risk Factors for … [Read more...]