Man sits on edge of bed and wonders how prescription drug abuse affects the brain

How Prescription Drug Abuse Affects the Brain: Short-Term and Long-Term Impact

Prescription drugs can seem harmless—after all, they come from a doctor, not a street dealer. But when misused, these medications can alter the brain in ways that make it harder to function, feel joy, or even make basic decisions. Opioids, stimulants, and sedatives all affect brain chemistry differently, but they share a common risk: the…

young man meeting with addiction specialist in an office setting discussing the 7 common fentanyl usage signs

7 Common Fentanyl Usage Signs

Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids on the street today—fast-acting, highly addictive, and incredibly potent. According to the Rutgers School of Public Health, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, making even small amounts potentially lethal. Maybe someone seems unusually drowsy, avoids loved ones, or struggles with sudden mood swings. Changes…

man looking out window contemplating benefits of opioid treatment programs

When to Seek Out Opioid Treatment Programs

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 100,306 Americans died from drug overdoses in the 12 months ending April 2021, representing a 28.5% increase from the same period in the prior year. Provisional data indicate 75,673 overdose deaths were from opioids, up from 56,064. These numbers glaringly show that, despite national efforts…

lgbtq addiction treatment

How LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment Can Support the Community

Substance use disorders affect thousands of Americans each year, but certain communities face unique and disproportionate challenges. The LGBTQ+ community specifically faces increased risk factors and barriers to treatment, making them especially vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder. LGBTQ+ individuals need treatment that is sensitive to these factors and is focused on meeting their…