DOES SUBSTANCE ABUSE MAKE YOU MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO GUN VIOLENCE?
Drugs don’t mix well with other drugs, and they don’t mix well with guns either. Drugs put you in a state of mind where you are more willing to make risky decisions, especially if that drug is alcohol. Drugs possess the ability to give you excessive, false confidence to muster up the courage to do […]
WHY ALCOHOL IS THE MOST DANGEROUS DRUG
Alcohol is the most socially acceptable drug on the market, as well as the most easily accessible. Even with this knowledge, the public generally still has a tendency to believe alcohol is not at all dangerous and is a valid form of relaxation. However, science proves these theories wrong and instead shows that alcohol is […]
WHY YOU SHOULD SPEAK OUT ABOUT YOUR RECOVERY
It’s always easier to share news and speak out when something good is happening versus when you’re going through a hard time. You might even be afraid to speak up about your recovery at first, but you may find that you’ve met with an overwhelming wave of kind words and support from those who you’ve […]
PINPOINTING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SLIP-UPS AND RELAPSES
Oftentimes, individuals in recovery face situations that challenge their sobriety. In some instances this means using once, then never again. In others, it means regressing into addictive patterns and needing to undergo full treatment all over again. Although relapse is a common aspect of the recovery process, a one time mistake doesn’t equal falling back […]
GRIEF AND THE PATH TO ADDICTION
Grief can be an overwhelming feeling that can last anywhere from days to several years. It’s a response to the death of a loved one, end of a relationship, or any other situation in your life that you cherish. Because grief is such an intense emotion, it can trigger frustration, anger, depression, and anxiety. Everyone […]
WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN HEAL DURING RECOVERY
Substance abuse affects not only the individuals using but also families and friends. It can be especially difficult for a child to watch their mother or father battle an addiction. The nonstop ups and downs at home can leave children feeling hopeless and confused. When family challenges take place, there isn’t an exact way to […]
THE SUMMER SKYROCKET OF TEEN ALCOHOL ABUSE
A season known for barbecues, pool days, flip flops and family vacations, summer is a popular time for activities with friends and family. But with all the parties and picnics also comes the unlimited supply of alcoholic beverages – often tempting children and teens. Each summer, over 11,000 kids try alcohol for the first time […]
ANXIETY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Substance use disorders and mental health are often two peas in a pod. At times it is difficult to separate one from another. More often than not, each condition gradually worsens the other. Over 50% of individuals suffering from a substance abuse disorder have what is considered a dual diagnosis. The term dual diagnosis is […]
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS
Throughout the United States, every 6 out of 10 people who struggle with substance use disorder also experience a different type of mental health issue at the same time. This is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder, and listed below are facts you may not know about them: Co-occurring disorders come in many forms […]
CAN CHILDHOOD TRAUMA TRIGGER SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER?
Studies have found that children who have experienced traumatic events undergo grappling physical changes involving the brain (mainly size and shape). This disrupts a child’s normal growth pattern at a time when they’re simultaneously being forced to adapt to mature situations prematurely. With that said, it’s no surprise that childhood trauma survivors have increased vulnerability […]
