Veterans are a population of Americans at risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) due to their substantial susceptibility to having chronic pain and psychological issues. More than 50% of all veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration experience chronic pain, compared to 30% of all Americans reporting chronic pain. The difference between veterans and […]
Author Archives: Alta Loma
25
Apr
Apr
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes how journaling positively impacts one’s health. Journaling helps people in a variety of ways, including keeping a food and activity diary for those individuals dealing with diabetes or other physical diseases dependent upon diet and exercise. Furthermore, keeping a diary allows one to pinpoint reasons for […]
Mental Health, Recovery
How Can Finding a Career and Financial Success Cause Stress in Early Recovery?
24
Apr
Apr
Employment is a goal for everyone in society. We want to contribute, to earn a living, and to be successful. However, during early recovery, finding employment, maintaining a career, and achieving financial success may become a difficult and frustrating journey. Unfortunately, these feelings of angst and adversity may lead to a relapse or return to […]
Addiction, Treatment
Opioid Use Hospitalization Rates Higher for People With Common Musculoskeletal Diseases
24
Apr
Apr
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is ravaging the United States at epidemic levels. Increases in mortality rates related to this disease are also occurring. There is inadequate data on the rate of OUD-related hospitalizations of people dealing with musculoskeletal diseases. New research examines these hospitalizations and explores the relationship between OUD and musculoskeletal conditions. The Study […]
Addiction, Mental Health
Deviating Trends: Declines in Binge Drinking Are Occurring While Rates of Depression Are Increasing
23
Apr
Apr
A study out of Columbia University found that between the years 1991 and 2018, binge drinking behaviors declined among American adolescents. Conversely, depression rates severely increased for this population since the year 2012. Therefore, binge drinking and depression among adolescents are no longer associated trends. The research used data pulled from surveys between 1991 and […]
23
Apr
Apr
When someone is dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD), they engage in activities and exhibit actions that they would not do if sober. They may hurt the people they most care about, engage in manipulation tactics, lie and deceive, and break the law. Once an individual enters recovery from a SUD and maintains sobriety […]
22
Apr
Apr
Insomnia is the inability to sleep. Sleep is extremely important to overall health and well-being, so not having enough sleep may lead to many problems. When recovering from substance use disorders, having sleep difficulties is common in early recovery, and may even contribute to relapse. Furthermore, insufficient sleep is linked to hallucinations and psychosis. The […]
22
Apr
Apr
A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) indicates that social relationships are pathways to addiction, as well as pathways to recovery. The research found that problem behaviors such as substance use are mainly due to peer relationships or social isolation. Positive peer relationships may help protect against substance use. The […]
21
Apr
Apr
The first step in entering treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) is detoxing. Detoxification is a process that the body goes through when stopping the use of a substance. Medically assisted detox may be necessary for certain substances that cause extreme withdrawal symptoms. Although it is only the first step in recovery, detox is […]
Addiction, Recovery
Legalization May Lead to Declines in Use: Research Finds Marijuana Use Decreased in the Wake of Legalization
21
Apr
Apr
An analysis of federal-based survey data shows that before the United States legalized marijuana, more Americans were struggling with frequent, problematic use. The research found that there is an apparent decline in daily marijuana use among those who may have a cannabis use disorder. The Study The study focused on data from the annual […]