In 2018, the United States reported an estimated 70,000 deaths from illicit and prescription drug overdoses. It took medical science decades to understand some basic facts about addiction, and there is more they still have to learn. They do know that addiction is a disease, and that conclusion is based on chemistry — brain chemistry to…
The saying that there is an app for everything holds true for those in recovery, too. Today, technology is making living your best life even easier. People turn to their smartphones and watches for communication, weight loss, learning, and now, recovery support. If you are someone in recovery from a substance use disorder, what apps…
More and more addiction treatment programs are transitioning to online services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, this may seem like a miscalculation. How can you receive treatment through a web portal? But every college and university in the country went online, and although some could not make it work for them,…
Aftercare programs refer to the resources and services people access following formal treatment. Most of the time, inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment lasts a couple of months or even longer. But the recovery journey doesn’t end when someone leaves rehab. In some ways, that is simply the beginning. In fact, the months and years immediately…
What’s life after drug abuse like? And are addiction aftercare programs really needed? If you or someone you care about has overcome their substance use disorder and isn’t trying hard enough to remain sober after formal treatment, this may be a question that you’re wondering about. It’s important to remember that detox and everything that…
Sober living homes are a great way for people to transition from inpatient rehab to home life. However, history, lifestyle, and gender dynamics can make some sober living homes difficult for women. Luckily, today there are sober living programs just for women. These homes provide safe, nurturing spaces for women to recover from drugs and…
Many people have preconceptions about 12-step programs. You may be nervous to try an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for any number of reasons. There are a few misconceptions that keep people away from AA meetings, but the reality is that the program has saved millions of lives. The main reason that people do not attend is…
Alcohol is the quintessential legal drug. You buy it at the grocery store and the place where you pump your gas. However, this substance also has a dark side and routinely destroys the lives of many of its users. In fact, you may have recently suffered the symptoms of alcohol poisoning yourself. Here are some…
If you have a loved one who is facing a serious addiction, you may have wondered how to stage an intervention. The material developed below will help you understand what an intervention is supposed to accomplish. It will also lay out some helpful tips for launching your own intervention on behalf of someone you love.…
Do you or a loved one find it difficult to control how often you consume alcohol? Do you habitually drink beyond your limits to the point of extreme intoxication? If you have asked yourself, “Am I an alcoholic?” it may be time to take a serious look at your situation before your habit results in…