Learning the answer to “What is substance abuse?” is often the first step toward getting clean. Often, addicted individuals believe that they are just recreational drug users. At some point, loved ones point out the extent of their use. When drug use has taken over every aspect of the individual’s life, he or she is…
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By definition, a cure is something that’s supposed to restore good health and end a disease permanently. While many diseases have cures, there’s no cure for addiction. An addiction can be managed, but it’s a chronic disease. As such, it takes a lifetime to manage your sobriety. Why It’s Impossible to Find a Cure for…
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Heroin addiction in California is a serious problem, and it’s one that leads to countless unnecessary deaths every year. Taking a closer look at heroin addiction in the state reveals the full scope of this frightening epidemic: 1. Opioid Overdoses Have Increased Yearly in California Between 2006 and 2013, opioid overdoses in California that result…
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In the United States, drug and alcohol abuse is estimated to cost $240 billion every year. From treatment costs to reduced job productivity, heroin abuse in Los Angeles and the rest of the country carries a high economic impact. For families, the cost is even higher. Each family becomes intricately involved in their loved one’s…
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Our genes are responsible for our hair color, health and behavioral characteristics. Passed on by our parents, these genes may also be responsible for addiction. Parents can pass on genetic traits that make their children predisposed to addiction. Nature Versus Nurture: What Role Does Environment Play in an Addiction? While genetics play a role in…
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While group therapy and standardized treatment are crucial parts of recovery, they aren’t always enough. Individualized addiction treatment is designed to give customized help with managing an addiction. Addicted individuals are given extra focus on their problem areas. At the same time, they are given the support necessary for psychological or motivational issues that may…
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Patients dealing with an addiction to alcohol need to detox in order to achieve sobriety, but that process presents many challenges. Thankfully, medical supervision and trained staff can reduce or eliminate health risks and discomfort of alcohol withdrawal. By understanding more about the various stages of alcohol withdrawal, patients will be better prepared for the…
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It can often seem like there’s a fine line between the use or abuse of drugs and alcohol and a full-fledged addiction. Simply using drugs or alcohol won’t necessarily lead to abuse or addiction, but it certainly has the potential to over time. Understanding the signs that alcohol and drug abuse are becoming an addiction…
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Drinking alcohol, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily a sign of substance abuse or addiction. However, too much of even a good thing can be problematic, and casual drinking can eventually lead to alcoholism. It’s important for all adults to understand where casual consumption ends and the need for treatment for alcohol addiction begins. Do…
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Many factors work together to help individuals turn from the depths of addiction to the extraordinary freedom of sobriety. One of the most important of these factors is a substance abuse counselor. These individuals may lead group counseling sessions or work one-one-one with patients in treatment, and their role can’t be overestimated on the road…
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