With nearly one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 classified with substance abuse or dependence, addiction takes an emotional, psychological and social toll on the country.1 The economic costs of substance abuse and addiction are estimated to exceed a half trillion dollars annually in the U.S. due to health care expenditures, lost productivity…
Recovery from any addiction is a difficult battle. Fortunately, there is always hope for a better life, even after the most difficult substance use disorders. Treatment and continued commitment after rehab can play a big role in a successful recovery. All residential (inpatient) treatment programs should include some discharge planning. Everyone has unique goals after…
Recovery from addiction is a life-long process. Many people only seek treatment after substance use or a compulsive behavior has led to serious repercussions. Addiction impacts a person’s mind, body, relationships, goals, and spirituality. It only makes sense that successful treatment for addiction must address all of these areas.1 Key Contributors to a Healthy, Happy…
The American Medical Association now recognizes alcoholism (alcohol use disorder) and substance addiction (substance use disorder) as “diseases,” which forces health insurance companies to acknowledge the need to cover treatment for these conditions. Drug and alcohol treatment can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be out of reach. Many people question how to afford…
Reaching out for help and getting the right kind of treatment are the first steps on the road to recovery. But for most people recovering from substance abuse, life after treatment is when the real challenges begin. Simply abstaining from a substance is not enough. Creating a new, substance-free life takes daily, and often hourly,…
Mental health and substance use conditions often occur at the same time. If a person has two or more diagnoses at the same time, that person may be described as having a “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring disorders.” It is surprisingly common for a person to suffer with both mental illness and a substance use disorder…
Drug abuse and addiction are international concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) shares, “It is estimated that 255 million people used illicit drugs, such as cannabis, amphetamines, opioids, and cocaine, in 2015 which translates into an annual prevalence of illicit drug use of 5.3%.”1 Anyone, anywhere, can struggle with drug abuse. Luckily no matter who…
Today’s teens have never lived in a world without the internet. They are often more tech-savvy than adults and they embrace new trends and technologies. The Internet is a great way to stay connected and informed, but if you’re the parent of a teen, you know it can also cause a lot of problems too….
Incest is a serious issue that we rarely talk about. Incest survivors are often plagued by shame, embarrassment and misplaced guilt. When a child or young adult is sexually abused by a trusted family member, it can cause lasting damage, depression and even PTSD. These problems can be difficult to deal with, and many survivors…
Treating an addiction to drugs or alcohol involves an approach that examines the addict on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. A school of thought has recently emerged that marries the psychology of addiction rehabilitation with a thousand-year-old philosophy. For people who struggle to make standard methods of aftercare apply to their lives, the addition…
