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 […]
20
Apr
Apr
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognizes the relationship between stress and substance misuse and subsequent substance use disorders (SUDs). Although everyone experiences stress in one way or another, it is a strong trigger for relapse for those in recovery for SUDs, even after long periods of abstaining from drugs or alcohol. What is […]
Addiction, Treatment
While Women Without Children Drink More, Drinking Behaviors Are Increasing Across All Groups
20
Apr
Apr
Between the years of 2006 to 2010, heavy alcohol use led to almost 90,000 deaths and a combined 2.5 million years of potential life lost among American people. According to a study from Columbia University, increases in binge drinking continue to rise, regardless of parental status. Binge drinking is when someone has more than five […]
19
Apr
Apr
For those experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs) to drugs or alcohol, exposing oneself to situations and triggers that may remind them of previous substance use might prompt drug cravings, which could disrupt one’s efforts to continue abstaining from that substance. Part of the reason for this situation may be attributed to attentional bias, which is […]
19
Apr
Apr
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine published research from Boston Children’s Hospital that proves the importance of accessing people’s alcohol-related tweets and online searches to track alcohol use and trends. Collecting data on public health is an expensive and slow process when utilizing large survey-based studies. Alcohol use is particularly challenging to precisely track at […]
Addiction, Treatment
What is the Impact When Young Adults Experiencing Opioid Overdose Do Not Receive Effective Follow-Up Treatment?
18
Apr
Apr
There is a significant window of opportunity regarding treatment for adolescents and teenagers who experience non-fatal opioid overdoses. Often, most of these young adults have yet to receive an opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnosis, therefore making it difficult for this population to receive treatment following their overdose experiences. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded […]
17
Apr
Apr
Chronic disease and illness cost the United States more than $635 billion per year due to medical costs, disability programs, and loss of productivity in the workforce. One out of every five American adults reports living with chronic pain, which is equal to 50 million people. Research from the University of Georgia found that preventing […]
Addiction, Recovery
Dealing Effectively with the Opioid Crisis: How Can the Focus Shift From Punishment to Treatment?
16
Apr
Apr
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 […]
