Every year in the United States, more than 100,000 people lose their lives to drug overdose. While a shocking 16,706 deaths in 2021 were directly linked to legal, prescribed medications — specifically opioids — drug overdose death rates encompass more than just those with a legal prescription. The Opioid Crisis: ... Read More
Learning Center
FHE Health is dedicated to educating the American public—especially individuals, families, and communities—about mental health and substance abuse topics. In our Learning Center, you'll find articles on alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral and mental health, and other treatment-related issues. Our articles are written both for the person in need of treatment as well as loved ones seeking more information. We also provide information for those who have gone through treatment and are building a new life in recovery.
Overdose Statistics by Demographic Groups
What Does It Mean to Be “Mentally Unstable”?
Updated on 9/11/2024 "Mental instability" is a broad phrase people use to refer to a wide range of mental health conditions, from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder to bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. When someone uses this phrase, they generally mean that someone is showing signs of ... Read More
Understanding the A.A. Preamble
Updated on 9/11/2024 Alcoholics Anonymous has had a large presence in recovery communities since it was founded in 1935. One of the main reasons is that group meetings are standardized and consistent. No matter where you go, every meeting is run using the same guidelines, and every meeting starts the same way: a ... Read More
What Are the 12 Principles of AA?
Updated on 9/10/2024 What are the 12 Principles of AA and how do they work in recovery? A complete answer to this question begins with a quick history of how these principles originated, who developed them, and why. You'll then get to learn about each principle separately and what it means.... The Principles of ... Read More
What Factors Influence Your Risk of Relapse
Achieving sobriety after years of battling drug and alcohol addiction is far from easy. There's more to recovery than getting past withdrawal. It also involves learning new coping mechanisms, making significant lifestyle changes, and having a comprehensive relapse prevention plan. Substance use disorder is ... Read More
The Signs of Being ‘Roofied’ That Everyone Should Know
The act of being drugged without your knowledge or consent is commonly called "being roofied." The term "roofie" originated as a way to describe the drug Rohypnol and its role in date rapes. Since then, the concept has come to refer to several drugs used for this same purpose. In the sections that follow, you'll ... Read More
What Is an Overdose and What Causes Them?
Updated September 12, 2023 What does overdose mean, exactly? Learn possible outcomes from drug overdose, including heart attack, and find out if you can die from overdosing. What does an overdose mean, and can you die from overdosing? An overdose isn't always fatal, but even nonlethal overdoses can lead to ... Read More
How to Navigate a Parent’s Alcohol or Drug Problem
Living with alcoholic parents can be challenging. Due to their substance abuse problems, they may display abnormal behaviors, struggle to maintain a job or fail to meet your emotional and physical needs. Without help, you risk developing your own addiction or mental health issues that can last into ... Read More