Drug Addiction

Addiction ruins lives. It impacts the lives of those who struggle with addiction as well as the lives of loved ones. Addiction is a complex brain disease and alters brain chemistry and the way that it functions. Relationships are often torn apart and loved ones feel helpless, hopeless, and alone through the emotional distress caused […]

When a person suffers from addiction or a substance use disorder, he or she is at risk of developing serious mental and physical health problems. If the person tries to quit alone, they can experience intense withdrawal symptoms, depending on the type of drug used, duration of use, and the severity of addiction. Some withdrawals

Addiction does not discriminate and can happen to anyone. Pregnant women are no exception. Unfortunately, it can be extremely difficult for a pregnant woman to seek treatment due to fear and the stigma of drug use during pregnancy. Instead of providing social support and treatment for addiction, many pregnant women who are battling a substance

“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.” Emotional abuse chips away at a person’s self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Constant threats, rejection, and name-calling are

In August 2018, over 100 people in New Haven, Connecticut overdosed on synthetic cannabinoids in a park near Yale University. Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2, spice, or fake weed, actually do not contain marijuana. They are man-made chemicals that can be either sprayed on dried plants and smoked or sold as liquids to be

Alcohol affects your body physically, physiologically, and mentally. Excessive drinking leads to a dependence on alcohol and puts you at high-risk for many serious health problems. Alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, lung infections, and even cancer. Alcohol alters normal brain function. The brain controls how we move, talk, walk, and think.

Binge drinking is popular among college students and can be fatal, even without the person losing consciousness. Those at risk of alcohol poisoning are people who struggle with alcoholism, college students, and those who take medication. Some signs of alcohol poisoning are slowed breathing, seizures, confusion, vomiting, and low body temperature. An alcohol overdose can

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 63,600 lives were lost to drug overdose in 2016, the most lethal year yet of the drug overdose epidemic. Over 100 people die of overdose in the United States every day. This national crisis has

A person does not have to drink every day to develop problems with alcohol. Alcoholism is not defined by how often you drink but is more about the reasons you drink. A person who does not stop drinking, even when they face negative consequences, can have problems with alcohol. When a person drinks beyond his

A gateway drug is a substance that leads to the use of a more potent one. Marijuana has been labeled a gateway drug because people who use it often move on to use harder drugs that release a more intense feeling of euphoria. Alcohol and nicotine are also gateway drugs. Many adolescents start with alcohol