Marijuana is quickly becoming legalized across the United States, and polls suggest that more than 60% of the U.S. is in favor of continued legalization. This means that it is more readily available for both medical and recreational use, despite the fact that marijuana creates measurable changes in the brain, some of which are
More than 23.5 million Americans are addicted to substances such as alcohol, opiates, cannabis, and benzodiazepines. Many of these substances are harmless in the short-term, or with moderate use, but over time, build up to toxic levels which strongly affect the brain and its ability to function. Drug-induced psychosis is a common side-effect of
OxyContin is a brand name of Oxycodone, a semisynthetic opioid, and the most frequently prescribed painkiller in the United States. The drug, which is synthesized from an opioid alkaloid, offers fewer side effects than morphine and is commonly used to control moderate to severe pain from illness, injuries and surgeries. It’s also one of
More than 24 million Americans suffer from some form of substance use disorder, and as a result, nearly 25% of children are exposed to substance abusers and addicts at least once during their childhood. These children then go on to become more prone to developing addictions themselves, either as a means of coping, lashing out at
Methamphetamine is a stimulant that works on the central nervous system, used recreationally because it creates a sense of euphoria, well-being, and empowerment. Many also use meth because it suppresses the appetite, speeds up the metabolism, and greatly increases the libido. While harmful, more than 1.4 million people, or about 0.4% of the United States
Heroin is one of the most popular street drugs in the United States, with an estimated 900,000 people using or addicted to it in the United States. The drug, also known as diamorphine, is a product of the opium poppy and similar in nature to other opiates such as morphine and fentanyl. While used
Yes, in many cases you can go to rehab instead of jail. However paying for going to rehab versus jail is something you must be prepared for. If you have medical insurance from an employer it may cover 90 days of inpatient treatment. 90 days of inpatient treatment is typically what is required for
Substance abuse has become an epidemic in the United States, to the point where over 24.5 million people struggle with some form of addiction. While addicts suffer from an illness, the people in their lives including family and children suffer as well. Studies show that nearly 25% of American children are exposed to substance
With over 24 million people addicted to drugs or alcohol in the United States, a surprisingly large number of families are home to addicts. Having an addict in the family, no matter their role, has a significant impact on the health, structure, and hierarchy of that family. Close-knit families often suffer the worst, especially
An intervention works to persuade someone with a drug or alcohol problem to seek help. Successful interventions are structured, solutions oriented, and well-planned, with the goal of showing love and caring to a person with substance use problems and using that as motivation to get them into rehab. Unfortunately, most families and loved ones
