Drug & Alcohol Abuse & Rehab Articles
Understanding the Nature of Disease and Addictions
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines disease, from the French root “des,” without, and “ease,” as a condition of the living animal or plant body or one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms. … Continue reading
Implementing Nutrition into Alcohol and Drug Treatment
There are many variables that factor into the ability of someone to overcome their addictions. Because of the fragility of an addict’s bodily systems, therapists and counselors are learning more about focused and customized nutrition plans as a more holistic … Continue reading
Five Strategies of Drug Education Programs
Drug education programs have come a long way since the “Just Say No” campaign of the 80’s. As a society we understand a lot more about mental health, substance abuse, and addiction. We have learned that none of these are … Continue reading
The Insanity of Addiction: Understanding Substance Abuse & Dopamine
You have probably heard the quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” Addiction is an excellent example of that. You abuse a substance hoping to recreate an earlier high, make yourself happier, … Continue reading
Three Keys to Working a Strong Recovery Program and Maintaining Sobriety
While specific treatment and recovery programs will vary from person to person, their success all hinge on the same basics principles. Three keys to working a strong recovery program are: 1. Being fully committed to your treatment and recovery is … Continue reading
Overcoming Hopelessness and Helplessness in Chemical Dependency
Feelings of hopeless and helplessness often go hand in hand with chemical dependency. Oftentimes, those feelings are what will lead someone to begin abusing drugs or alcohol in the first place. People who are trying to escape themselves, their current … Continue reading
Identifying, Understanding, and Treating Polysubstance Addiction
Polysubstance dependence is officially defined as abusing three or more substances for a period of 12 months or more. Clinically speaking, there is not one predominant substance being abused. Therefore, someone may not meet the diagnostic criteria for addiction to … Continue reading
Spirituality in Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Ever since Bill W founded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1935, spirituality has been a foundation of many alcohol and drug treatment programs. Alcohol and drug treatment programs that incorporate spiritual development – whether it’s a simple belief in a higher … Continue reading
Alcohol and Drug Treatment in the Intense World of Athletics
One would think that second only to doctors, athletes would understand the importance of maintaining a healthy body. Whether at the high school, college, or professional levels, however, there is tremendous pressure and competition to be the best, seemingly super … Continue reading
What Happens When Your Loved One Refuses To Go To Treatment?
In many ways, you cannot control what happens next when your loved one refuses to go to drug or alcohol abuse treatment. The truth is admitting you have a problem and wanting help are essential components to complete an addiction … Continue reading
Addressing Pain Management and Chemical Dependency Treatment
Whether you have a history of addiction or not, there is always the potential to develop a chemical dependency when taking certain types of prescription medication. In terms of pain management, opioids are often prescribed to treat acute pain, for … Continue reading
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Chemical Dependency
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that occurs when someone witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. In the midst of a traumatic or dangerous situation, our body responds in a variety of ways that we do not … Continue reading
Meth Wars: Combating Addiction with Knowledge and Technology
During this current decade, methamphetamine addiction steadily rose, until recently, with the latest National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) data reporting that between 2006 and 2008 the number of meth users had decreased by half and use among teenagers has … Continue reading
Enabling a Loved One’s Addiction
Addiction is not just about the addict. Those around them also play an important part in how a person’s addiction develops, and can inadvertently encourage addictive behavior by enabling the person with a substance abuse issue. Ushering a loved one … Continue reading
Overcoming Denial
It is very easy to minimize the severity of a substance abuse issue, and until an addict overcomes denial, the addiction persists and frequently deepens. Overcoming denial, however, is often easier said than done. Fortunately, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) … Continue reading
