Dextromethorphan (DXM) is one of the main ingredients in many over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications. It’s legal and easily bought from pharmacies and grocery stores, so typical users are teenagers and young adults. In fact, 1 in 11 teens have admitted to getting high on cough medicine. DXM use is referred to by teens as…
“So, how long should my son stay in treatment?” a worried mother asked me yesterday. For those of us who work in drug and alcohol treatment, this is probably the question we hear the most from anxious husbands, wives, parents, siblings and friends. How long should your loved one stay at alcohol or drug rehab? Despite all…
Clients at drug and alcohol treatment centers often have more than one issue when they come into rehab including problems with depression, anxiety and food. A lesser known and discussed issue is that of sexual addiction. Although sex addiction isn’t listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V (DSM-5) it is still a…
According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health.” From many studies they’ve conducted, as well as other studies from around the world, we now know that poor mental health is linked to increased risk of death from heart disease, stroke…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of deaths from drug overdoses has increased 137%, including a 200% increase in the rate of overdose deaths involving opioids (opioid pain relievers and heroin) since 2000. According to new data published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, nearly half a million Americans…
There have been many claims, for many years, about marijuana being a gateway drug and this has been an accepted “fact” for a long time but it’s been found that some of the research this is based on is faulty. So, a team of researchers at Texas A&M and the University of Florida decided to…
For many, New Year’s Eve is a day filled with friends, family, fun and parties. For people in early sobriety from drug and alcohol abuse, New Year’s is generally the last day of a stressful season filled with uncomfortable situations and the need to be vigilant at all times since temptations are, seemingly, never-ending. The secret…
Using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2002–2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report which provides the most recent self-reported national estimates of driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and alcohol and marijuana combined…
For some the holidays are a time of happiness and family but for others it’s a time of dysfunction and despair. As stress, overindulgence, and celebrations increase, so does drug and alcohol use, which generally spikes during the holiday season. Many people think it’s best to wait until after the holidays to deal with a…
For some, Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family and contentment. However, for those with alcohol or addiction issues, thoughts of Thanksgiving might give rise to anxiety, depression, resentment and overwhelm. Getting together with family and friends can be a trigger for drug and alcohol use, instead of joy. Gratitude is one of the keys…