Tag: substance abuse & addiction

Here are some of the reasons why it is so difficult for those who suffer mental health and/or severe substance use disorder to access appropriate treatment. 

Some experts have identified cryptocurrency, and the processes involved in obtaining it, as an emerging behavioral addiction.

Data suggests that alumni programs & ongoing services are tied to reductions in substance use & ongoing psychiatric symptoms as well as higher completion rates for rehab.

Hyper-vigilant finger-pointing creates a culture that makes it hard for people to recover from addiction and reenter society without the permanent stigma of addiction hanging over their heads.

More investment in rehabilitation and less reliance on incarceration and other punitive measures improves outcomes for those suffering from addiction

College is a time when young people begin to use or abuse substances. Collegiate recovery programs offer students in recovery organized, specialized support.

The addictive nature of opioids and the increasing number of overdoses and fatalities in America has been intensively researched and publicized, but there has...

Research clearly shows that the most effective treatment for dual-diagnosis is psychotherapy combined with medication-assisted therapy for addiction. In some cases, mental & addiction symptoms may respond to the same medications (eg, bupropion shows promise in treating depression & reducing methamphetamine cravings).

In this opinion piece, the author explores links between the pressure to succeed and other life stressors and the epidemic of opioid addiction in the United States.

Some people choose to work through their problems with alcohol abuse by themselves. This is not recommended because self-treatment is more likely to end in relapse. Working with a professional can greatly improve a negative situation at home and help your family prepare a long-term plan to prevent relapse later.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the psychological effects and the “high” associated with ingesting marijuana. Cannabidiol (CBD) doesn't have psychoactive properties but has shown promising medical applications of its own. There are multiple benefits associated with using each of these compounds

No one factor is the 'cause' of addiction. There are multiple culprits, all complex and complicated. They are biological, psychological, & social in nature. The 'cure' for addiction must be equivalent in complexity & holistic to tackle all three dimensions. Anything less will result in poor outcomes & more suffering.