For those with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the first step toward recovery is detox. During this process, the addictive substance is cleared from your body, preparing you to live a life of sobriety. While detox creates the foundation for recovery, it often brings discomfort and, in some cases, complications. ... 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.
Featured in Learning Center
Gambling and Suicide: The Hidden Story
The Toll of Online Dating: Surprising New Survey Data
How Long Does Drug Detox Take?
What Are the Party and Club Drugs — and Why?
Substance use is an ongoing issue in the United States, and around half of all people age 12 or older have used an illicit drug at some point in their lives. Club drugs such as LSD, ecstasy, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly used substances. Men are more likely than women to use these substances, but no ... Read More
Forgiving Yourself – Why it’s the Key to Long-Term Recovery
Read more on the Value of Forgiving Others Forgiveness can seem like an overwhelming undertaking for many people. The same can be true for those in addiction recovery. Substance use doesn't just affect the individual's physical and mental health, but it ripples throughout their life – severing important relationships, ... Read More
What to Expect During Medical Detox
Medical detox is often a critical first stage in recovery from substance abuse and addiction, yet many people do not know what to expect during this process. This article will provide an overview of how medical detox works, what it entails, and key elements to expect. The Purpose of Medical Detox For those struggling ... Read More
Learning to Forgive: The Benefits for Addiction Recovery
For those in recovery from substance abuse, forgiveness is often a powerful tool for healing, learning, and personal growth. Embracing forgiveness lets people unburden themselves of resentment, guilt or shame, so they can step into a healthier and more fulfilling life. Whether this involves forgiving oneself or ... Read More
Why Quitting Alcohol Is So Hard
An estimated 62 percent of American adults report drinking alcohol at least sometimes. Of those who drink, 69 percent have had a drink within the last week. 19 percent think they drink more than they should. 10.2 percent of Americans aged 12 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), meaning they struggle to stop or ... Read More
Drug Profile: What Are Inhalants?
Common household items have a long history of being used by people for a purpose other than what they were intended for. Things like spray paint, glue, contact cement, nail polish, and paint thinner are inhaled through the nose or mouth for the quick and inexpensive "high" they give. Even medicinal gases and compounds, ... Read More
Is it an Addiction or a Compulsive Behavior?
Addiction occurs when a person becomes physically or psychologically reliant on a rewarding behavior or substance. Substance use disorder, a common kind of addiction, affects 48.5 million Americans over the age of 12. The dopamine released by addictive behavior or substances gives the brain a faulty sense of ... Read More
