America's opioid crisis has been publicly linked to prescribing practices, highlighted by such statistics as this one: Between the early 1990s and mid-2000s, opioid prescriptions increased by a factor of five, despite patients reporting a similar level of pain. These numbers struck outrage and led to policy change. ... 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.
Signs of Prescription Painkiller Addiction at the Pharmacy Counter
5 Essential Tips for Enabling Your Child’s Recovery
As a parent, facing a child in recovery can be a devastating reality. When you only want the best for your child, accepting that circumstances have gone awry is one of the most painful things you may ever have to face. Unfortunately, for too many families, addiction is a tragic part of life. With nearly 20 million ... Read More
The Dangers of a So-Called “Good Trip”
Have you ever wondered what a person means when they say they had a "good trip"? As it turns out, this may not be as abstract a concept as it seems. In digital communities where recreational drug use is common, there are rules, guidelines and defined ways to make sure you have a "good trip" when you use a psychedelic ... Read More
How Political Partisanship May Be Hurting Your Mental Health
It's no secret that the United States is undergoing a period of particularly high political partisanship, but what are the broader implications of this period on society? Is it healthy to be as combative about seemingly every topic that arises as we are today? What roles are social media and the age of real-time ... Read More
Step 12 of AA: Sharing Your Spiritual Awakening With Others
What Is the 12-Step Program? Originally described in a book called Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism (1939), the 12-step program consists of a set of precepts guiding substance abusers towards achieving a sober life. Some of these precepts include admitting ... Read More
Drug Profile: Codeine Syrup
Codeine syrup is a narcotic that doctors prescribe to treat mild pain and respiratory complaints. It acts as a cough suppressant, so it has been featured in various prescription cough syrup brands for decades. Because this drug has been a prominent ingredient in cough syrups like Promethazine for so long and is a ... Read More
Is Your Child Depressed? Find Out with This Blood Test
Depression is a serious issue in the United States. In 2015, over 18 million adults experienced at least one depressive episode, and around 5% of children are similarly affected. Living with depression can be devastating, with symptoms that include a disinterest in hobbies and pleasurable activities, a lack of ... Read More
Co-occurring Addiction and Mental Illness: The Complex Question of Which to Treat First
Mental illness and addiction are often linked, meaning a person who may have a substance abuse problem could also suffer from depression or anxiety. When mental health and substance abuse are evident, it’s called dual diagnosis. Such patients will need an integrated approach to treatment. It’s not possible to manage ... Read More