The opioid epidemic has reached critical proportions, affecting populations across virtually all demographics in the United States. The year 2016 alone saw over 63,000 opiod overdose deaths, an increase of 21.5 percent over 2015. With an estimated 72,000 deaths in 2017, this trend is only worsening, putting more lives ... Read More
The Debate About Abstinence-Only Recovery Programs
Historically, treatment for addiction has taken a very firm stance: no more substance use, ever. This mindset operates under the assumption that addiction begets addiction and that any addictive substance is a risk for those with a history of abuse. But is this the right approach today in a world dominated by effective ... Read More
What Causes Meth Mouth? (and Other Identifying Drug Symptoms)
For those who begin experimenting with drugs in a social setting, it's easy to assume that getting high and partying with friends is all fun and games. After all, the effects are short term, and in the initial days of use, it is fully possible to balance a normal life with occasional recreational dabbling without ... Read More
Breaking the Family Cycle of Addiction
We already know that growing up with addicted family members is difficult. But, does it increase the odds of an individual developing a substance use disorder (SUD) in the future? According to a US News and World Report article published in November 2018, it does. The article cites a study suggesting that family drug ... Read More
Chronic Pain: The Start of Many Addictions
Beginning in the late 1990s, drug manufacturers assured health care professionals that people would not get addicted to pain relievers containing opioid analgesics. Consequently, doctors started prescribing opioid painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin and hydrocodone. The American Society of Addiction Medicine reports ... Read More
Curing a Hangover With an IV Drip
Almost everyone who drinks from time to time has been there: after a night out, you wake up with those telltale signs of a little too much fun. Your tongue is heavy, your head is spinning and in pain and a rush of nausea that threatens to send you to the bathroom on a moment's notice. In short — all of the symptoms of ... Read More
Practicing Better Communication in Recovery
Communication is the foundation for success in any household. Yet, people struggling with substance abuse often feel they cannot talk to their loved ones. In some cases, they even turn to drugs or alcohol because they can't express their feelings and thoughts. On the other hand, many loved ones don’t know how to ... Read More
The Most Common Medical Complications Alongside Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease affecting your psychological and physical self. An alcohol, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine or prescription pill addiction detrimentally impacts all physiological systems and may even exact permanent damage to your health. Specifically, certain brain areas and neurotransmitters ... Read More
