Environmental factors, such as availability of alcohol or illicit drugs, are not the only contributors to addiction. An individual who struggles with addiction may have a genetic predisposition. In studies, compulsive behavior and lack of control, as well as chronic relapses, were analyzed in regard to the genetic relationships among individuals. Genetic predisposition is one of the most intensely studied of drug abuse statistics and facts.Studies have identified genetics as one of the causes of drug addiction. Genes impact dyscontrol, reward seeking, stress and resiliency, and treatment respo ..read more

Mushrooms are perhaps the most famous fungus we consume on a daily basis. Many varieties are great for cooking and full of vitamins and nutrients. However, not all mushrooms are meant for fine cuisine. Magic mushrooms have many names, but they all have the same effect, and using them may require hallucinogenic drug treatment. What Are Magic Mushrooms? Other names of psychedelic mushrooms include: Magic mushrooms Shrooms Trippy mushrooms Psilocybin They look like normal mushrooms but contain powerful psychoactive and hallucinogenic chemicals that disturb a person’s typical thoughts and behav ..read more

Millions of people across the United States struggle with an addiction to crystal meth. Also known as speed, crank, or ice, meth is an incredibly addictive stimulant that affects your nervous system and can seriously damage your mind and body. Unfortunately, meth users rarely realize the full effect the drug has on their bodies and lives until it’s too late. We go over exactly what meth does to the body, why it’s so addictive, and why quitting meth requires professional supervision and treatment. The Short-Term Effects of Meth Meth affects your nervous system by triggering the release of larg ..read more

“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” Step 3 of Alcoholics Anonymous’ twelve-Step program is based on a simple principle: Change your attitude toward life, and you can change your life. The Purpose of Step 3 The purpose of Step 3 of AA is to eliminate the false beliefs behind substance abuse; namely, that we can control how much we drink and how we behave when under the influence of alcohol. In eliminating these beliefs, we change the way we think about drinking. In this step, we must face the reality of alcohol addiction and seek help ..read more

Effects of Nicotine Addiction Adrenaline Overworks the Circulatory System Brain Chemistry Changes Blood Sugar Regulation Is Disrupted The Brain Reacts to Changes in Blood Flow and Hormones The Gastrointestinal System Is Disturbed Nicotine Addiction Develops Rapidly Physical Withdrawal Makes Quitting Difficult Nicotine is one of the most commonly used addictive substances in the United States, with more than 25% of citizens over the age of 12 being affected.1 Understanding the physical responses to nicotine can help you choose the right tobacco addiction treatment option to break free of thi ..read more

As of 2017, roughly 3.3% of Americans aged 12 or older reported having used crack cocaine at some point in their lifetime. Unfortunately, this statistic isn’t very shocking when you consider the relative ease with which a person can get crack cocaine in the U.S. A 2010 survey of American students revealed that as many as 45% of high school seniors, 32% of high school freshmen, and 23% of eighth-graders felt crack was easy to obtain.¹ Numbers like these make it clear that crack cocaine use continues to be a dangerous national epidemic. Crack is a form of cocaine that is typically smoked, not sn ..read more

The release of substance abuse statistics in 2020 revealed that it was the deadliest year in U.S. history; nearly a million people died of overdoses in the United States.1  We reveal what experts say caused the increase and suggest steps for action to prevent these numbers in the future. Drug Overdoses Took a Turn for the Worse in 2020 According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths increased between 2019 and 2020.2 2020’s statistics regarding drug overdoses was both an increase of 30% compared to previous years a ..read more

A strange new smell in your teen’s room or car or on their clothes might not seem all that important at first, but if you’ve noticed something’s off about their behavior, these smells could indicate something is wrong. Suspecting your child may be using drugs is a challenging fear to face, but by learning about it early on, you have the best chance to intervene in a healthy way and get them the help they need. What Do Drugs Smell Like? Most drugs have a distinct smell that can help you figure out what they are. If you’re worried about strange chemical smells or unusual odors you’ve discovered ..read more

Thirty-six US states have approved comprehensive medical marijuana programs. Some states only allow the use of hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) with less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)(1). Meanwhile, the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) is creating a regulatory approach framework on CBD products. Cannabis products may come in various forms, like vapes, ingestible, tinctures, and topicals. Some of these products have uses in aromatherapy and have been found to be helpful in specific conditions and symptoms. Unfortunately, even medical marijuana use can lead to drug abuse or dependence ..read more

Discovering that a loved one is struggling with addiction can be a shock for many people. There are conflicting emotions of disbelief, worry, and a desire to help—and that’s where a lot of people get stuck. There are so many substance abuse treatment programs, rehabs, and recovery services out there that finding the right one can be an overwhelming process. Rehab Programs Most individuals who enter addiction treatment facilities will start with either a detox or a residential program. Detox allows your loved one’s body to get rid of all traces of the drug and get through the withdrawal sympto ..read more