The Family Must Recover Before the Addict Can
Families play a significant role in the circle of addiction. That, unfortunately, means that while families are critical to end destructive behavior and support long-term recovery, they may also be partially to blame for the addiction the first place. We now know that addiction manifests from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Of […]
When Does Substance Abuse Become Addiction?
When evaluating the statistics on substance use, whether it be alcohol, drugs or any other illicit or legal substance that has addictive properties, it can be shocking to see how many people use on a regular basis. And while substance use is certainly a precursor to substance abuse, not everybody who uses, ends up abusing. […]
Childhood Issues – Causes and Consequences of Addiction
Family and addiction are often difficult topics to discuss. Addiction doesn’t just hurt those abusing, it can seriously affect everyone around them, especially their children. One of the long-term effects of growing up in a home where addiction and substance abuse are present is trauma- specifically, familial trauma. This trauma affects everyone differently and to varying […]
5 Reasons Outpatient Drug Treatment Fails
Outpatient drug treatment has a proven track record of success but does not provide the controlled environment of inpatient drug treatment. The flexibility of outpatient treatment is an amazing benefit but also presents a potential hurdle. Here are five common reasons why outpatient drug treatment programs fail: #1. Clients Return to Their Old Haunts During […]
10 Songs about Addiction That Will Make You Feel Empowered
We all crave inspiration in the form of music at one point or another. For a recovering addict, the need for music to empower and strengthen the spirit can strike at any time. However you source your music, it is always a smart idea to keep an addiction playlist at the ready for those moments […]
Getting Help to Pay for Addiction Treatment
If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, you’re not alone. Over 23 million American adults have a substance use disorder that requires treatment. Unfortunately, only about 11 percent of these individuals end up getting the treatment they need.1 One factor that might prevent people from seeking treatment is the cost of rehab, but […]
The Evolution of Addiction and Treatment Through the Ages
The consumption of alcohol, opioids, cannabis and cocaine have roots in ancient history. The Bible references Noah’s drinking habits and intoxication, and the use of opium in Syria in the 7th century B.C. is well-documented in ancient medical texts. Ancient Incas living in the Andes three thousand years before Christ chewed coca leaves to counter […]
How Societal Pressures Impact Addiction in Women
Several factors are involved when women develop addictions. Physical makeup and psychological reasons related to societal pressures both play a part in substance use and abuse in women. Physically, women are more markedly affected by drugs and alcohol compared to men, so when they use substances for relief from stress, they can become more easily […]
Amendment to Increase Availability of Anti-Addiction Drug
Heroin use has increased across the U.S. to epidemic levels in many cities. Some of the largest increases have occurred in demographic groups with historically low rates of heroin use, including women, the privately insured and those with higher incomes. As the use of heroin increases, there have also been dramatic rises in heroin-related overdose […]
The Benefits of Music Therapy
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recovery is a holistic endeavor that encompasses your physical and mental health, self-care, faith, creativity, spirituality and social networks. No single treatment plan is right for every individual, and any high-quality treatment plan will offer an array of support and services that ensure a holistic […]