The Fentanyl Epidemic News coverage of the opioid epidemic often mentions that fentanyl has played a large role in rising overdose deaths. Regardless, many people still fail to understand just how dangerous this powerful synthetic opioid can be. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, there were 42,700 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2020, [...]
Your Recovery Journey For most people, a substance use disorder develops slowly. The casual use of drugs or alcohol as a way to relax or have fun with friends starts to turn into a coping mechanism for dealing with everyday stressors. Then, substance abuse begins to take over every aspect of life—leading to damaged relationships, [...]
There are a number of different factors that can increase a person's risk for addiction, but loneliness is one that is often overlooked. People who feel lonely on a regular basis are significantly more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to numb their emotional pain. Understanding Who Is at Risk Loneliness is defined as [...]
In psychology, goal setting is viewed as a vital tool for self-motivation that gives meaning to our actions. And encourages us to work toward achievement. For people in recovery, goal setting promotes change for the better. And it contributes to making smarter decisions about the wellness-focused habits that are essential for ongoing sobriety. Types of [...]
How Does Substance Use Disorder Happen? Addiction doesn't develop overnight. It is a chronic, progressive illness. The signs of a substance use disorder can be easy to miss in the early stages, which is why many people delay seeking treatment. Understanding the five stages of addiction can help you better determine how to help a [...]
What Do People Mean When They Talk About Mindfulness? Mindfulness refers to being fully present in the moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Although the concept is based on Buddhist traditions, clinical psychologists have found that mindfulness practices can offer substantial benefits to people with substance use disorders. While [...]
Mental Health in America According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the United States struggles with mental illness each year. Mental health issues increase a person's risk of developing a substance use disorder, with 3.8% of adults in the U.S. suffering from a mental illness and a co-occurring [...]
The Holidays & Recovery If this will be your first sober holiday season, it's normal to feel a bit nervous. The holidays can be a time of excitement and reconnection—but they can also lead to stress and anxiety that fuel cravings. Here are some tips to help you plan a celebration that supports your recovery [...]
One of the biggest myths about addiction is that people are choosing to live a lifestyle that is constrained by the burden of substance abuse. This couldn't be further from the truth. Addiction is not a choice. People Don't Choose Addiction No one chooses to feel powerless over their own destiny. Addiction is a chronic [...]
Anxiety disorders are quite common, but those who turn to medication to relieve their symptoms are often unaware of the potential risk of addiction to popular anti-anxiety prescription drugs such as Ativan. In fact, many people seeking treatment for Ativan addiction began their substance use disorder with a legitimate prescription for the drug. About Ativan [...]
