Drug and alcohol abuse cost society billions each year. The estimated cost of drug abuse in the United States currently exceeds $740 billion annually and continues to grow. To put such a staggering number into context, that is the equivalent of 435 duplicates of the Space Shuttle Endeavour orbiter, 1200 Air Force One jets, or…
In this post, we’ll explore the complex topic of addiction recovery. First, we’ll touch on what addiction really is—and what it is not—so we can set the stage for sections that follow. Then, we’ll highlight the all-important difference between getting sober and maintaining sobriety. If you’re considering addiction recovery, you won’t want to miss this…
Studies show that PTSD and substance abuse disorder are strongly related, especially in veterans. If you’re a veteran and you think you may have a substance abuse problem, this is the post for you. If you know a veteran and are concerned with their drug or alcohol use, this post can help you too. Today,…
Television is one of the most popular forms of entertainment today. Whether someone is watching basic cable, streaming shows from a streaming service, or watching a DVD, televisions are usually their medium of choice. With the rise of streaming services over the past few decades, many people have gained access to exponentially more television series…
Addiction often causes feelings of isolation, abandonment, and rejection. That’s why, when you have finally reached the beauty of recovery, the desire for relationships in recovery can be overwhelming. After years of loneliness at the hand of addiction, it’s not surprising that a recovering addict would yearn for a partnership. However, you must ask yourself,…
There are different levels of care for addiction treatment, and sometimes trying to choose one can seem overwhelming. Before entering treatment, you should know about the different levels of care and which ones work best. Each level serves a specific purpose. Depending on your situation, IOP may or may not be right initially. First, you…
The very first step in addiction recovery is knowing that professional treatment is necessary. After that, it’s all about choosing the right method of treatment. Follow these steps to choose the best treatment plan for you or a loved one. Begin With a Personal Assessment After an individual is able to establish that addiction is…
Addiction isn’t an illness that only impacts adults. Many teens also struggle with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Finding a safe rehab for teens is an important step in getting young adults on the road to recovery. What Makes a Safe Rehab for Teens? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 24%…
There has long been a debate about the idea of gateway drugs. Essentially, a gateway drug is a drug that, once used, increases the likelihood of the user moving on to different or more dangerous substances. Perhaps the most commonly cited gateway drug is marijuana, but others like prescription painkillers and even alcohol should be…
In the preface of the 2012 update of “The Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment” (multiple authors), issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora Volkow, Institute Director, explains why many of the loved ones of clients at The Hills have trouble understanding how an otherwise intelligent human being could succumb to addiction and…