It’s understandable that conversations about prescription drugs turn quickly into discussions about highly addictive opioid pain relievers like OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin and other drugs whose usage numbers have skyrocketed in the past decade. When this occurs, though, we’re overlooking another very dangerous trend ... Read More
Holiday Cheers: How to Avoid Binge Drinking This Holiday Season
The holidays are a time to be jolly, to let loose and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation with friends, family and loved ones. As a time of year dominated by parties, family gatherings and special moments, there's plenty of fun to be had during the snowy season. Unfortunately, in many social circles, spreading a little ... Read More
Using Virtual Reality to Beat Addiction
Breaking free from drugs and alcohol can be a challenge, but new technology may be able to help ease the process. Virtual reality, often referred to simply as VR, could be one important new tool in the fight against addiction and substance abuse. How VR Works VR involves slipping on a headset to immerse yourself in a ... Read More
Drug Epidemics: A Global Overview
There's no doubt about it - the United States has a serious drug problem as a whole, and the ongoing opioid epidemic has only added to our already grim statistics related to addiction issues. The thing is that substance abuse knows no boundaries. Despite the lack of media coverage regarding addiction beyond our ... Read More
The Opioid Crisis: An American Issue?
Opioid addiction has impacted world societies since the discovery of morphine in the 19th century. Originally intended as a medicinal solution for a variety of ailments, morphine addiction spread rapidly among doctors who had easy access to the drug. Another opioid developed in the 19th century was heroin, which did ... Read More
Remembering Celebrity Losses to Addiction & Mental Health Issues in 2018
If you feel like 2018 has been a difficult year in terms of celebrity deaths, you're right. While many well-known actors, singers and personalities have passed as a result of natural causes, drug abuse, depression and anxiety have also played a role in these losses. There have been a number of high-profile celebrity ... Read More
Outdated Ideas in Addiction Treatment… and a Positive Path Forward
Humans have a relationship with addictive substances at least as old as recorded history. Alcohol consumption is well documented in ancient cultures. Chinese texts refer often to the opium poppy, and it's a known fact that the "wisest" members of societies in India, Southeast Asia, and the early Americas used ... Read More
Gaming Addiction: A New Frontier in Addictive Disorders
In the past decade, the quality, depth, and selection of video games have increased so much that we're beginning to see the effects of "gaming addiction" on people of all ages in nearly every corner of the earth. Many people may brush off the mere existence of an addiction to video games. After all, gaming isn't ... Read More
