CAN CHOCOLATE GET YOU HIGH?
For as long as people have been using drugs, there are those who will try absolutely anything at the merest suggestion that it might get you high. From smoking banana peels to snorting nutmeg, there is no shortage of crazy ideas. The latest fad is inhaling powdered chocolate, but could that actually get you high? […]
THE WAR ON DRUGS
In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared a war on drugs. He proclaimed, “America’s public enemy number one in the United States is drug abuse. In order to fight and defeat this enemy, it is necessary to wage a new, all-out offensive.” Nixon attempted to fight drug abuse from both supply and demand angles. The Drug Enforcement Agency […]
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS
On September 9th, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recognized International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day. First recognized in 1999, the day is meant to be a reminder that there is no safe level of drinking while pregnant and to raise awareness about the conditions that can result from alcohol use […]
CUDDLING AWAY NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME
When you think about treatment for substance abuse problems and withdrawal, you probably imagine detox, a stint in a rehab facility, and plenty of therapy and counseling. There are plenty of alternative methods out there, too, like meditation and yoga. But here’s one you might not have heard before – cuddling. This treatment isn’t for […]
LEAVING WORK TO ENTER REHAB
Many high-functioning alcoholics don’t seek help until they hit rock bottom or come face to face with legal issues or financial constraints. When this happens with HFAs, the loss of family, intervention or jail time. Taking an extended leave of absence or How you’re perceived at your place of employment can hinder treatment. Here are […]
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS OF ADDICTED TEENS
In 2013, there were over 2.8 million new users of illicit drugs, or about 7,800 new people every day. Over half (54.1 percent) of these were under 18 years of age. If you’ve discovered that your teenager has a substance abuse problem, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. It’s tempting to try to blame yourself, wondering what […]
CLEANLINESS AND ADDICTION RECOVERY
In the early stages of recovery, particularly if you’re fresh out of residential therapy, your home can be a minefield of triggers. At first, returning to your own house might sound like an answered prayer, but the truth is that if you’ve gotten accustomed to a very structured day in a sober environment, it can […]
PAYING BILLS WHILE IN REHAB
Of all the things that can keep a person from seeking treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, finances are probably near the top. It can be an expensive endeavor, especially if you’re going to enter a residential treatment facility, but there’s also the consideration of all the debts and responsibilities you’re leaving behind. If you’re […]
MONEY AND RECOVERY
We all know that financial troubles can be one of the most stressful parts of life. When you’ve just completed drug or alcohol rehab and are ready to return to everyday life, you might find yourself struggling under the burden of paying for treatment or trying to recoup money lost while you were using. Many […]
SIGNS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE ELDERLY
When you think about monitoring a loved one for signs of drug or alcohol abuse, you probably have a teenager or young adult in mind. They’re a high-risk group, and as a parent you feel responsible for the health and safety of your child, so it makes sense that it would always be on your […]