Arresting those with opioid use disorder (OUD) is not the answer to battling the opioid epidemic enveloping our nation. The American Psychological Association (APA) strongly suggests focusing on evidence-based treatments to pull the country out of the grips of this opioid crisis. The Numbers Point to a Significant Need for Change Our nation is in […]
Addiction, Recovery
Methamphetamine Use Coupled With Opioid-Use Disorder Negatively Affects Treatment
15
Apr
Apr
A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found associations between methamphetamine use and dropping out of treatment for opioid-use disorder (OUD). Methamphetamines are a class of drugs that are highly addictive stimulants which affect the central nervous system. The study found that the use of methamphetamines doubled the risk for patients to […]
Addiction, Treatment
Legal and Lethal: How Alcohol and Tobacco Are Among the Highest Threats to Worldwide Health?
14
Apr
Apr
Alcohol and tobacco, although legal and highly consumed in the United States, causes more harm to individuals around the world than illegal drugs. Loss of Life Due to Alcohol and Tobacco The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2015 that there are 85 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost to alcohol use, and over […]
Addiction, Recovery
Other Painkillers Contributed to Opioid Crisis: The Decline of Prescribing Non-Opioid Painkillers Overlapped with an Increase of Prescribing Opioids
13
Apr
Apr
A study done by the Boston University School of Public Health showed that the decline in prescribing non-opioid painkillers (NSAIDs) in the early 2000s overlapped with an increase in the prescribing of opioids. After studies discovered the side effects that NSAIDs had on the cardiovascular system, opioid prescriptions increased to bridge the gap for people […]
12
Apr
Apr
The United States is within the grips of an opioid crisis, and treatment professionals actively seek alternative treatment options for chronic pain. The need for alternatives is imperative since almost 100 million Americans live with chronic pain. Since the late 1990s, the initial treatment option for most of these patients was opioids, such as hydrocodone, […]
11
Apr
Apr
Studies indicate that smoking tobacco can have negative effects on one’s mental health. A new study shows that people who smoke tobacco may have a higher risk of developing schizophrenia and depression. Furthermore, the link between mental health issues and substance use disorders (SUDs) is strongly documented through research and the two are intimately connected. […]
10
Apr
Apr
Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” include medications such as Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax. They are a class of sedatives that are statistically the most abused, yet are commonly prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety. Teetotalers, or people who never drink alcohol, and moderate drinkers, are less likely to take “benzos” than problem drinkers. When taken […]
09
Apr
Apr
Behavioral change is possible. There are five stages of change, much like there are five stages of grief. Changing unhealthy behaviors help people lead healthier lives, and therefore live longer. The Five Stages of Change The stages of change include: Precontemplation stage, in which the individual is in denial, and refusing to acknowledge the […]
Addiction, Treatment
The Future of Babies Exposed to Opioids: Are There Enough Resources to Support This Growing Problem?
08
Apr
Apr
The opioid epidemic is claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, impacting communities, and changing the face of our nation. In the United States, roughly one baby every 15 minutes, or more than 30,000 babies a year, are born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. What Is NAS? Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is characterized by: […]
07
Apr
Apr
Research shows that creative writing positively impacts our physical well-being, and therefore, may help psychologically heal and improve the chances of obtaining long-lasting recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). People who engage in reading and writing tend to maintain sobriety for longer periods. Studies show that consistently journaling improves emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. […]
