Children may not always understand the principles of substance use disorder (SUD), but they will realize when a parent is absent from their lives. Toddlers and young children may not be equipped to handle conversations involving addiction, even when substance abuse is presented as a disease equatable to a bad cold or other physical illness. […]
Category Archives: Addiction
20
Sep
Sep
The CDC reports that by 12th grade, approximately 60% of students have tried alcohol and that young people aged between 10 and 20 consume about one-tenth of alcohol sales in the country. Additionally, about half of high school students reported using marijuana, and one-fifth of high school seniors have used prescription medication without a prescription. […]
20
Sep
Sep
Substance abuse in adolescents can hinder physical and social development, increase the risk of mental health disorders, and lead to dangerous or reckless behaviors such as engaging in unprotected sexual activity, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Studies report that “the earlier teens start using substances, the greater their chances of continuing to […]
18
Sep
Sep
In the United States, more than 63 million adults lived with a substance use disorder or mental illness in the last year alone. A closer look at these staggering numbers shows that 20 million people were dealing with a substance use disorder, while 43 million struggled with their mental health. Out of the 328 million […]
17
Sep
Sep
A friend or family member can enjoy regular alcoholic beverages without developing an alcohol addiction; however, if that person begins to display abnormal behavior and engage in more frequent drinking, they may be showing signs of early addiction. Know the signs of addiction and appropriate strategies to approach this person with your concerns. Signs of […]
16
Sep
Sep
Enrollment in a rehabilitation program is the most effective early treatment strategy for individuals struggling with a substance or alcohol use disorder, but these programs can be expensive. American Addiction Centers reports that less than 2% of the 17 million Americans diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2014 received treatment and only 1% […]
12
Sep
Sep
Social restrictions implemented to fight the spread of COVID-19 are successfully lowering rates of disease across the nation, but individuals in recovery from substance addictions may find forced isolation to be as dangerous as the pandemic. Mental health facilities and recovery centers are adjusting treatment strategies, offering virtual consultations and new appointment hours to help […]
11
Sep
Sep
“Peer pressure” is most commonly associated with misbehaving high school students, but the phenomenon can occur at any age. As you continue on your journey in recovery, you may find friends, coworkers, and other acquaintances urging you to engage in group activities that involve substances despite your efforts to maintain sobriety. When the pressure to […]
10
Sep
Sep
Studies of children and adults reveal a correlation between poor body image and substance abuse. Willingness to change one’s physical appearance to achieve an unhealthy and unrealistic body type can lead individuals to replace food, social time, or sleep with alcohol and other substances. Negative self-image can also cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health […]
Addiction, Motivation
When Friends Aren’t Supportive of Your Recovery, It’s Time to End the Relationship
09
Sep
Sep
When you confront your substance addiction and begin your journey to recovery, most friends and family members will be extremely supportive. The people in your life who truly care about your wellbeing will be excited to see you pursue a life path that will bring you emotional and spiritual fulfillment. Some people, however, might pose […]
