Medication-Assisted Treatment Improves Outcomes Opioid overdoses cause one death every 20 minutes. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) improves outcomes, even more so when a treatment regimen that consists of a combination of psychosocial therapy MAT. Thus far, it has proven to be the most effective intervention to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). In fact, studies have shown…
MDMA For Treating Alcoholism MDMA for treating alcoholism is now being examined for its effectiveness in combating this disease. In discussing the mechanisms of action of MDMA it is importantto stress that there remains a lack of scientific consensus around it’s pharmacology. MDMA as most people know is the substance known as “ecstasy” in street…
Is Vaping Safe? Vaping is popular among people in various stages of recovery, but is vaping safe? It is often viewed as a safer way to satisfy cravings that would have been satisfied by using any number of substances. But is vaping safe? Since vaping is relatively new, the studies that do exist have somewhat…
We Look at the Consequences of Addiction The consequences of addiction go far beyond things like strained relationships and health risks. In fact, studies show how addiction leads to all sorts of unsavory consequences. The addiction epidemic remains the root of the crisis with no meaningful end in sight. Even in 2010, well before the…
Trump’s Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse This Administration secured $6 billion in new funding over two years to fight opioid abuse.The President’s Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse will: Reduce drug demand through education, awareness, and prevention efforts. Cut off the flow of illicit drugs across our borders and within communities. Save lives by expanding opportunities…
Taking Personal Inventory: A Crucial Part of the 12 Step Program Taking personal inventory as part of the well-know 12-step program is defined as: take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admit it. Sounds simple enough, right? But it goes much deeper than admitting mistakes. It takes the ability to understand that when…
Identifying relapse triggers is the first step towards preventing relapse. Triggers are social, environmental or emotional situations that remind people in recovery of their past drug or alcohol use. These cues bring about urges that may lead to a relapse. While triggers do not force a person to use drugs, they increase the likelihood…
Homelessness and Addiction: How are the two related? There are many stereotypes and stigmas pertaining to those who are homeless. Many people tend assume that they’re all drug addicts or alcoholics. While that’s not the case, there’s a strong correlation and relationship between the two groups. It’s probably not surprising to learn that people…
Signs of Opioid Addiction Opiates, also known as “opioid painkillers,” include prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, fentanyl and morphine. These substances are effective pain relievers when taken as directed by a physician. However, the calming effects that opioid painkillers produce are habit-forming and can lead to future patterns of abuse. As doctors continue to presecribe…
Finding Addiction Treatment Starts with an Assessment We’ve all heard stories about unscrupulous providers of addiction treatment services. In this country, addictio treatment has become a $35 billion industry, opening the floodgates for a host of unscrupulous operators who prey on vulnerable individuals and families. Many seem to follow a pattern: they provide a nice…