Too often, individuals are unable to recognize the signs of alcoholism. Whether it is because alcohol is so common or because the signs are subtle, not recognizing alcoholism in a friend or loved one can be dangerous. The first step to helping an individual recover from alcoholism is identifying there is a problem. What is…
On April 5, 2018 the US surgeon general issued a rare public health advisory recommending that more Americans carry the life-saving drug Naloxone. The last such advisory was issued in 2005 and focused on drinking during pregnancy. Naloxone, also known as Narcan ,can be administered to save the life of someone who is overdosing on…
First launched in 1999, by the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) is an outreach, education, and screening program meant to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of problem drinking. NASD can also connect individuals who are at risk with different treatment options. Held annually, on the first Thursday of April,…
When it comes to defining terms in the addiction treatment world, some definitions are straightforward, while others leave room for interpretation. Many people define addiction differently, but not every definition is concise or even correct. Without a clear understanding of addiction, recovery can be difficult. How can one determine which addiction definition is correct? Defining…
Alcohol has been a common staple in households across the world for centuries. Even today, alcohol is widely available in supermarkets, restaurants, and even movie theaters. The ease of availability can make alcohol seem like a much safer substance than it is. While most people know that this substance is addictive, they may not know…
In a study conducted by Dr. Scott G. Weiner, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts, one in ten Massachusetts patients who were saved from an overdose by the lifesaving drug Narcan went on to die within a year. The study followed what happened to thousands of patients who received the drug Naloxone, also known…
As we all know, making New Year resolutions is a common practice. A new year is seen by many as a new beginning and a chance to improve on the previous year. Those in recovery know all too well that change, a new start, and letting go of old behaviors is important. Sonja Lyumbomirski a…
Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that addiction only happens to the morally weak. When it comes to the question, “Is addiction a disease?” many people believe addiction occurs because of flaws in the user’s personality. This mischaracterization that addiction is a weakness of character contributes to the stigma suffered by those struggling with chemical dependency. Science disagrees…
For the first time in 50 years, the life expectancy in the United States has declined two years in a row. The culprit is the increase of drug overdoses due to the opioid crisis which is plaguing the U S. Drug overdoses killed 63,600 Americans in 2016, an increase of 21% over the previous year.…
With Christmas and New Year’s almost here, it is important for people in recovery to have a plan of action to help maintain sobriety during the holiday season. Holiday stress, expectations, and endless holiday parties and gatherings make this time of year difficult for individuals who are trying to abstain from drugs and alcohol. The…