As a standalone substance, benzodiazepines pose many adverse health effects. Taking a benzodiazepine boosts dopamine levels in the brain, which induces a pleasant state of relaxation. Although this highly addictive prescription medication is meant for short-term treatment, many people take it for months and even years. Originally designed to treat anxiety, pills like Xanax and…
Science has made incredible breakthroughs in studying the impacts of alcohol and drugs and, ultimately, ways in which effective treatment—including medications—can potentially assist tens of thousands in overcoming substance abuse. However, one question continues to plague experts and the public in general: why do people do drugs? Gaining a new perspective on drug use causes…
As the nation faces a healthcare pandemic and struggles to gain footing on a mounting addiction epidemic, heightened stress and anxiety levels have become the new norm. Still, there are plenty of misconceptions and myths surrounding dual diagnosis for mental health and substance misuse. That’s why now is a critical time to better understand PTSD…
Adderall is a prescription medication doctors use to treat patients with a common condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug can help with mild or extreme symptoms of ADHD by increasing attention and focus and controlling behavioral problems. However, over the last decade, Adderall abuse has increased. More concerningly, when paired with…
Nationally recognized columnist, Karie Fugett, published a gripping narrative about her late husband, Cleve Fugett, a Marine war hero who, in 2010, tragically lost his life to a prescription opioid overdose. During his second deployment in Iraq, Cleve’s Humvee was hit by an IED, leaving the military vet with an amputated leg, PTSD, and a…
Drug incarceration statistics are revealing prevalent issues that may actually be negatively impacting ongoing drug use and addiction recovery. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to move toward decriminalization. On November 3, Oregon voters forced significant reforms providing a new tactic to address the disease of addiction head-on, ultimately attempting to upend America’s decades-long…
In 2020, streaming media and production company, Netflix, captured the realities of one person’s struggle with substance abuse in the workplace. Sonja Farak gained nationwide attention for a case that rattled a small, quaint community. The true crime docu-series, How to Fix a Drug Scandal, focuses on a lab chemist struggling with mental health while…
When facing addiction, fear is often embedded in the essence of everyday life. Before recovery, people often live with many different fears that accompany substance abuse. For example, an individual may be afraid of someone finding out about ongoing substance abuse or addictive behaviors. The fear of getting arrested, labeled, or even losing a job…
Communication around the disease of addiction is cumbersome and, at times, confusing. Labels and phrases are often used interchangeably, regardless of the differences in meaning. However, each label—whether referring to substance use vs. substance use disorder or prescription misuse vs. prescription addiction—has a proper definition that provides clarity with respect to the spectrum of alcohol…
The journey to recovery is different for each individual. The decision to find assistance or treatment for drug and alcohol abuse takes courage and commitment, and it isn’t always smooth sailing. Some aspects of recovery are painful or intimidating, and others can be downright scary. One of the terrifying aspects of overcoming the disease of…