Connecting Methamphetamine Use and Stroke Risk in Young People
As the drug problem in America continues to evolve, many believe beneath the ever-present opioid crisis is another drug epidemic just as dangerous. Another common element of prescription drug abuse has been amphetamine medications like Adderall. Meanwhile, the use of illicit methamphetamine has also seen a new wave in recent years. According to a review . . . . Continue Reading
Understanding Triggers: How Environmental Cues Challenge Recovery
How Triggers Influence Relapse Today we understand that addiction is far more than just poor choices that lead to physical consequences, such as dependence and withdrawal. Evidence shows that the true nature of substance use disorder is complex, and psychology plays a major role. Furthermore, it isn’t just about what leads people to addiction. It . . . . Continue Reading
Should We Label Addiction as Physical or Psychological?
When people talk about the true nature of addiction, there is often a debate between whether addiction it purely a psychological ailment, or a physical abnormality. Stigma informs the idea that addiction is a moral failing, or a weakness of character. However, decades of research in various fields of study inform the designation that addiction . . . . Continue Reading
Celebrity Recovery Story: Jada Pinkett Smith Over 20 Years Sober
Jada Pinkett Smith is, by all means, a celebrity powerhouse, with a long list of incredible accomplishments she has managed to pull off over a long career. One particular victory for the amazing icon is especially impressive, even though it is probably not the most publicized: Jada Pinkett Smith is over 20 years sober! Getting . . . . Continue Reading
My Response to “5 Reasons Why I Might Never Date a Normie Again”
Recently, an article was posted on the popular addiction website The Fix in regards to the addict and normie relationship. The author discussed why she would never date a normie again. The article goes to list five reasons why, but it came down to feeling misunderstood in her relationship. She said that people who have . . . . Continue Reading
Why Women Stay: Understanding Battered Woman Syndrome
The term “battered woman syndrome” applies to any woman who has lived through at least two cycles of abuse from a partner. Often, people are left wondering: why did they stay? However, the reasons are complex and vary from woman to woman. Women in abusive relationships often stay because they are afraid to leave. In . . . . Continue Reading
Huge Decline in Underage Binge Drinking Across America
A new report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Abuse (SAMHSA) reveals that underage drinking rates among young people are declining. Considering we are in the middle of an opioid epidemic, any good news is a breath of fresh air. When the 2010-2012 estimates were compared to the 2012-2014 estimates, 18 . . . . Continue Reading
Internet Addiction: Can a Person Be Addicted to Watching YouTube?
A recent study wanted to determine whether or not compulsive YouTube viewing qualifies as an addiction. Admittedly, I am part of the problem. YouTube has played a major role in my life since it first made waves on the internet over a decade ago. Not a week goes back that I do not sift through . . . . Continue Reading
Hepatitis C Cases Increase By Nearly 300% Since 2010
Hepatitis C cases are up nearly 300% since 2010, according to recent reports by the CDC. Despite better testing and treatment methods, hepatitis C cases continue to rise rapidly. Experts suggest this is due to the rise in intravenous drug use. This Friday, May 19, is National Hepatitis Testing Day in the United States. This . . . . Continue Reading
Alcohol Consumption Falls Among High School Drinkers
In the midst of an opioid epidemic, there is some surprising news happening in high schools throughout the country. Drinking rates are on the decline amongst teens. A recent survey from the CDC found that the incidence of drinking dropped significantly between 1991 and 2015. The self-reported numbers indicated that half of high schoolers in . . . . Continue Reading