States Increasing Alcohol Prices To Support Access To Alcohol Detox And Prevent Abuse
A recent proposal in the Oregon Legislature to raise the price of alcohol over five years to $.10 per bottle of beer and $.17 per glass of wine is the latest effort to address alcohol use disorders (AUD). Other states in the union have considered or are considering similar measures as a way to reduce […]
What Is A Substance Abuse Counselor? How Can They Help Me?
When you attend a drug and alcohol treatment program, whether inpatient or outpatient, there is one person who is often critical to the success of your treatment: your substance abuse counselor. A trained counselor acts as a kind of guide, helping you explore the nature of substance use disorders, the roots of your addiction, and […]
How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction
According to the Pew Research Center, about 46% of American adults have a family member or close friend who has experienced addiction. While the effort to help a loved one get help can feel isolating, there are many people who are going through a similar experience. Fortunately, there are proven approaches that can help. Acknowledging […]
Telehealth Treatment On The Rise For Substance Use Disorders In The U.S.
Many aspects of daily life underwent radical change during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the coronavirus began spreading in 2019, it was in 2020 that many people saw lockdowns in their states. This changed healthcare for a time, increasing the popularity of telehealth medical services, including using virtual services for substance abuse treatment. Telemedicine remains a […]
Is Addiction Hereditary? Understanding The Genetics Of Addiction
In the field of neurobiology and the study of addiction, a decades-long debate formed over whether substance abuse was genetic or environmental. As a result of continued research, we now know that addiction is between 50% and 70% heritable, depending on the substance. Of course, there is still much to learn. Does Addiction Run In […]
The Rise In Substance Addiction Among Nurses
In the last year or two, studies have indicated a rise in substance abuse among nurses, especially emergency room (ER) and specialty nurses. Drug addiction can lead to drug use on the job, which can jeopardize patient care and nurses’ careers. Encouraging treatment helps nurses get the care they need. Prevalence Of Substance Abuse Among […]
Fentanyl Awareness: Dangers And Signs Of Abuse
Fentanyl is an effective drug to treat post-surgery and cancer pain. It is particularly helpful in providing relief during the end stages of the disease. When misused, fentanyl is very dangerous because it is highly addictive and can easily cause a fatal overdose. Opioid drug addiction can be treated at a rehab program. Treatment services […]
Tools For Overcoming Self-Stigma With Addiction
Self-stigma is defined as having a negative idea or attitude about yourself. There are many reasons self-stigma occurs, including health conditions such as mental illness or drug addiction. The effects of self-stigma can include low self-worth, embarrassment, and poor self-esteem. It may also interfere with someone’s capability to seek an appropriate level of treatment. There […]
New Research Reveals Possibilities In Brain-Stimulated Addiction Treatment
Researchers have discovered a brain network that is linked to several mental health disorders that often occur together, such as addiction, bipolar disorder, and depression. Although specific regions of the brain had previously been identified as being associated with specific mental health disorders, this is the first time that scientists have identified that they “plug […]
Whippet Abuse: Dangers Of Teens Using Whippets
Whippet abuse is most commonly found in teenagers and young adults with a small percentage of use occurring between the ages of 21 and 34. A high from a whippet can begin seconds after use but only lasts a few minutes. The effects on the brain and the person’s mental health can last much longer. […]