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. […]
06
Apr
Apr
Estimates used to be that suicide accounted for almost one-third of all opioid-related overdose deaths. However, new research found that suicide accounted for only 4% of opioid-related deaths. The study utilized 17 years of data, between 2000 and 2017, to figure out the prevalence of unintentional, suicidal, or unspecified deaths related to opioid use. The […]
Mental Health, Recovery
The Necessity of a Cultural Shift: How Can Psychological Interventions Prevent Opioid Misuse?
05
Apr
Apr
Although psychological-based interventions and treatments prove extremely helpful for preventing opioid misuse, as evidenced by numerous studies and extensive research, widespread implementation of these treatments requires a large cultural shift towards a biopsychosocial model of treatment. The biopsychosocial model is a way to understand health and illness through biological, psychological, and social aspects. This multifaceted […]
