Addiction is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. Every year, hundreds of people die from drug overdoses, accidents and health issues resulting from long-term substance abuse. Sadly, many of these deaths stem from preventable, treatable causes. If you have a drug or drinking problem, don’t lose...
When you first get sober, you may worry about what it will be like to avoid drinking in the future. What's more, if your life has revolved around alcohol or drug use for years, you may wonder what to do now to have a good time. After all, in...
September is Pain Awareness Month: an observance meant to educate people about different types of pain, the deeper problems that these sensations can indicate, and the effective treatments available today. One lesser-known issue that can affect many areas of the body is neuropathic pain. People of all ages are...
Countless tragic overdoses are on the news all the time. Something that isn't discussed as often but should be is that people are recovering from substance use disorders and living fulfilling lives. According to a recent study, 22.35 million Americans are currently living in recovery. Substance use disorders and mental...
The kidneys play a key function in filtering waste products from your blood. When kidneys lose their ability to filter, this waste can build up in your system, disrupting your blood’s chemical makeup. Kidney failure, sometimes referred to as renal failure or acute kidney injury, can develop quickly—sometimes over...
Most people associate substance use disorders with only one specific drug, such as opioids or alcohol. However, polysubstance use, also known as multi-drug dependence, is a concern as well. When this occurs, it can significantly increase the risk of accidental overdose, and may require specific treatment approaches to address...
Alcohol, drugs and various medications can overwhelm your body if you take too much. When this happens, it results in an overdose. Overdoses are dangerous because they can cause brain damage or death. With International Overdose Awareness Day approaching on Aug. 31, here’s how to recognize the warning signs...
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that creates an energetic euphoria. When people take cocaine, they may feel more alert, talkative and sensitive to stimuli like sound and light. The drug creates these effects by flooding the brain with a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is a natural chemical messenger that...
