Blog - Category: Something Else

Most of the addiction crisis in the nation today has to do with prescription drugs such as painkillers.  For instance, more than 21.0 million people over the age of 12 need substance use treatment, according to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).  With the easy availability of prescription drugs comes a health crisis of unprecedented proportions today.  Amid this issue is the problem of hospice drug diversion. Today’s opioid epidemic has prompted a variety of prevention techniques that could save lives. Across the […]

Diet and exercise in addiction recovery play essential roles. When a person is recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, they must adopt healthy habits to help them on this path. Chances are that while individuals are abusing drugs or alcohol they neglect eating healthy foods and never exercise at all. Most likely the only exercise they receive is going to meet someone to obtain drugs or to use drugs. A healthy diet is always at the bottom of their lists. Seek Help if You are […]

In today’s society, many family members avoid talking about the death of a loved one. But what if it is an overdose death of a beloved family member? Do we avoid talking about it altogether and pretend it never happened? Or do we pretend the death was not from a drug overdose, but another physical problem? Until someone has lived through it, they don’t know the difficulties of surviving an overdose death in your family. Ask for Help for Drug or Alcohol Addiction Don’t be […]

Imagine what it feels like to be pregnant and addicted, knowing your drug use is harming your baby, but you can’t stop.  Unfortunately, this tragedy deepens as these women are less likely to receive prenatal care or addiction treatment. Each day, the woman has to face the fact that her baby could be taken from her at birth, and she may end up serving time for her drug use. Sorrow and guilt replace the joy of bringing a new life into the world.  But, help […]

If you have a loved one or a friend who is struggling with addiction, your first instinct is to do all you can to help them.  The tricky part is not to cross the thin line between helping and enabling. Of course, it’s not wrong to offer assistance when you can, but you don’t want to contribute to the problem rather than solving it. So, how do you know when you are helping or enabling an addict?   Let’s take a look at some of the […]

Why are transition planning and aftercare crucial to a recovering addict’s success?  After rehab, a newly recovering person needs a solid plan to help them transition into life as a sober person. During treatment, the person had 24/7 support from the counselors and staff of the rehab facility. Plus, they were secure in a controlled environment without the stress and triggers that are around every corner on the outside.  Stepping away from that safety zone can cause a person to feel overwhelmed and unsure of […]

In some instances, returning home after completing an addiction treatment program is not the best choice. If you are leaving an addiction treatment facility after completing your program, you must focus on remaining sober and drug-free. And you have to decide what is the best way for you to do this. You may need to weigh the benefits of sober living homes against your odds of remaining sober if you return to your home as it was before attending rehab. Seek Help for Drug and […]

If we are going to increase awareness and understanding about substance abuse, the first thing to do is let go of our outdated misconceptions about addiction.  These misconceptions also cause many addicts to avoid getting the treatment they need. Today, according to NIAAA, only about 2.5 million of 22.7 million addicts get professional help for their addictions. Be Aware of the Traits of Drug Addiction Many drug users believe they have their habit under control.  They are in denial about the extent of the problem and […]

When we think of performance-enhancing drugs, cocaine is not usually the first drug that comes to mind.  But, some athletes use cocaine for just that purpose. The drug is well-known for its ability to increase energy levels, so it’s not surprising that athletes and cocaine use would become an issue. Several top-notch athletes have been suspended for using cocaine. You might recognize some of them: Lawrence Taylor (NFL football) Darryl Strawberry (major league baseball) Martina Hingis (tennis player) Dwight Gooden (major league baseball) Although athletes […]

Most of the time, only one person in a family needs addiction treatment.  But, it’s not uncommon for couples to be struggling with addiction problems simultaneously.  They often enable each other and fuel the substance abuse with dysfunctional dynamics in the relationship.  If both partners want to undergo treatment at the same time, it will be difficult, but it’s not impossible for couples in recovery together to succeed. How to Find the Right Program for Couples If you and your loved one are ready to […]