Most people have heard about the opioid epidemic, but many still do not understand it. The opioid epidemic refers specifically to the increasingly growing number of overdoses, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by opioids, both prescription and illegal. Primarily due to opioids, drug overdose is now the leading cause of preventable death across the nation. Opioid…
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that causes significant changes in the brain and behavior. It is estimated that approximately five million Americans are regular cocaine users. What starts as recreational use or experimentation often quickly develops into a potentially life-threatening addiction with devastating consequences in all areas of life. Because of its high cost,…
When researching treatment programs for substance use disorders, you will encounter multiple levels of care. An intake specialist can help you determine what level of care is best suited to your treatment needs. One popular option is an intensive outpatient program or IOP. When considering an IOP, one should consider the benefits and the potential…
The beginning of a new year is a symbolic time when people make grand promises to change, start anew, or achieve major goals. Whether you are looking for an alcohol treatment program in Spokane, WA, or elsewhere in Washington state, New Year’s is an excellent time to reflect on your life and make plans for…
Addiction causes significant damage to personal relationships, and the closer you are to an addicted individual, the greater the damage. When addiction has gone on for long periods of time, addiction overshadows most interactions with your loved one. This situation can create a rollercoaster of emotions. Now that your loved one has chosen to attend…
This September marks the 32nd annual National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month. This year’s theme, “Recovery Is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminds the general public that substance use and mental health disorders have impacts that reach far beyond the individual level. It further reminds people in recovery and those who support…
Sadly, a significant portion of the millions of Americans affected by addiction never seek the professional help readily available. Rehab treatment programs offer individuals and their families the opportunity to recover and heal from substance use disorders and the conditions that often contribute to them. Addiction is a complex disease, and it can sometimes take…
Of the millions of Americans who struggle with substance use disorders, estimates indicate that only one in ten seek treatment, even though it is widely available. There are countless reasons why people choose not to seek professional addiction treatment, but among the top are the time required for inpatient treatment and the restrictions it places…
Witnessing a loved one suffer from an alcohol use disorder is painful and difficult. Trying to figure out how to help can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, anger, fear, guilt, and worry, all of which take a toll on your well-being. Alcohol use disorders affect millions of people throughout the world. In the United…
Methamphetamine is a derivative of amphetamine, which is a potent central nervous system stimulator. Amphetamines are prescribed to treat medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, and clinical obesity, and when used properly, are highly effective. Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, crystal meth, crystal, and crank, is commonly illegally produced in meth labs and sold as…