The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exacerbated challenges for millions of people with substance use disorder (SUD). Two new studies released in September 2020 revealed the extent to which Americans have begun to turn to psychoactive substances in an attempt to alleviate the severe stress brought on by the pandemic. A cross-sectional study of…
Data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance shows that nationally, LGB youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth. A new prevention plan by the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition says, “Utah consistently ranks in the top ten in the United States for suicide deaths. LGBTQ+ adults and youth experience…
“Society has long recognized the physical demands of first responders; however, what is less formally acknowledged are the negative psychological outcomes,” wrote Bowers, Beidel, and Marks in Mental Health Intervention and Treatment of First Responders and Emergency Workers (2019). “Most notable among these negative mental health consequences is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The hallmark of…
Every day, almost 200 Americans die of a drug overdose, often involving opioids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “more than 30 percent of overdoses involving opioids also involve benzodiazepines, a type of prescription sedative commonly prescribed for anxiety or to help with insomnia.” Benzodiazepines (also called “benzos”) include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam…
“Healthcare workers on the frontlines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic are being called heroes, and we can all see why”, wrote Matthew Lewis, et al. on Statnews in May. “They have been asked to treat huge numbers of very sick people in a shifting landscape without sufficient personal protective equipment or coordination. Some have seen…
Alcohol use disorder is an extremely harmful problem in the United States. In fact, according to new studies, approximately one in eight Americans have an alcohol use disorder. In addition, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that approximately 14.4 percent of adults over the age of 18 are struggling with this problem.…
What Does It Mean To Abuse Alcohol? What constitutes alcohol abuse? Some people may not be sure whether they are abusing alcohol or not. A common phrase in the recovery world is “People who aren’t addicted don’t sit around and wonder if they have a drinking problem.” What we know is that both binge drinking on…
With its launch in 1994, SMART therapy found its way into the therapy world. With its positive focus and evidence-based structure, the program has brought much success for people who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. This international program is often used as an alternative to the 12 step program as it does have…
Once you decide to quit drinking, you may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms within ten days of starting your path on the alcohol detox timeline. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild irritations to severe medical complications. How long your withdrawal symptoms last depends on how long you’ve been drinking, how much you drink, and whether you…
Family and addiction therapy is effective in helping both adults and adolescents heal from addiction in the home. Family therapy can act as a support network if you or a loved one are recovering from substance abuse. A family participation therapy program combines evidence-based therapies and holistic treatment that addresses all issues that arise from…
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