The fentanyl crisis in America continues to escalate, with a significant rise in deaths attributed to this highly potent synthetic opioid. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, have witnessed an alarming surge, resulting in a nearly 7.5-fold1 increase in drug overdose deaths from 2015 to 2021. The data unequivocally indicates that drug-related overdose deaths have substantially increased...
The Pros and Cons of Drinking After Alcohol Treatment Alcoholism is a chronic brain disease. This means that, in one way or another, it exerts its effects for a lifetime. But what does this mean for the everyday actions of people affected by alcoholism? Can an alcoholic ever drink again? And if so, in what...
Obstacles to Getting Help for Drug and Alcohol Problems Well over half of all American preteens, teens and adults drink or use illicit drugs. Most of these people do not have a diagnosable substance problem. However, tens of millions of them do. If you have problems with drugs or alcohol, you need treatment to maximize...
The Connection Between Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior Substance use comes with a wide variety of potential consequences. Some of these consequences — including addiction and overdose — are quite well-known. However, others may be less familiar. One such problem is an increased chance of taking part in risky sexual behavior. This is the...
Gauging the Effectiveness of Drug and Alcohol Treatment If you are affected by serious drug or alcohol problems, the universal recommendation is entry into a substance rehab program. There are programs available for recovery from all forms of substance use. In addition, you can find programs suitable for all levels of addiction severity. But exactly...
There are many stories of famous alcoholics and historical figures who drank to excess. It certainly appears the ‘average Joe’ (like you and me) can become obsessed with the stories of famous alcoholics. But what makes a celebrity drinker so interesting? Whether it is relating to stories of celebrity recovery or being surprised that someone...
Codependency is quite common in relationships where substance abuse is occurring. Typically, the addict is cared for by their partner. This leads to enabling and codependency. The partner then takes on the role of a caretaker. Such a situation is common for people who have been raised with an addicted parent, which brings in the...
In modern times the traditions of Sober St Patrick’s day are celebrated on March 17, typically by drinking a lot of alcohol. For someone who is suffering from alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder, this can be a triggering time. There may be memories of times that you drank green beer, but green beer is...
This may lead you to wonder, will I become an alcoholic if my parents are? Although a family history of alcoholism is one of the known reasons for people to develop alcoholism themselves, it does not mean it is a guarantee. Over the course of this article, we will answer the question, ‘Is alcoholism hereditary?’...
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that’s made from the coca plant. Also known as coke, rock, snow, crack, or blow, it quickly increases the user’s energy, attention, and alertness. However, the high is short-lived and it is followed immediately by depression, edginess, and cravings. People who use cocaine often find it hard to eat...
