Although these figures are shocking, it’s also alarming to know that the statistics regarding teens and fentanyl abuse are predicted to rise. Key Points According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths among teens have nearly tripled in recent years. Fentanyl was involved in more than 84% of teen overdose deaths, while opioids of any type were present in 91%. About 25% of adolescent overdose deaths involved some type of counterfeit pill. Out of the 2,200 teen overdoses in a 2 ½ year span, 96% were adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19.   The use of fentanyl is becoming increasingly p ..read more

Every day, in every corner of our world, deadly drugs take thousands of lives.  Most of the drugs are familiar because they have been around for decades such as legal and illegal opioids, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and more.  You can probably name several of the drugs without having to think about it too hard.  However, there are at least five dangerous drugs you may not have heard about.   Many of the five deadly drugs have irreversible, life-altering effects, so whether you experiment with drugs or not, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these ..read more

Party drugs, also known as recreational drugs, are an accepted form of socializing among youth today.  Much like alcohol, party drugs are commonplace in many social settings.  As such, people who use the substances tend to downplay or ignore the risks involved.  Anyone who accepts these drugs as safe is likely to suffer severe consequences.   The groups of people most likely to use party drugs are generally between ages 15 to 24.  These individuals should familiarize themselves with potential side effects and risk factors before using the drugs.  If you or so ..read more

In all 50 states of the U.S., fentanyl use and overdoses are on the rise, as evidenced by the shocking statistics.  The most concerning part is that many of the people who ingest fentanyl do so unknowingly.  What fuels this dramatic increase in fentanyl use?  In many cases, it’s due to unintentional fentanyl use by people who are unaware of what they’re getting. How Does Unintentional Fentanyl Use Happen? As a synthetic opioid, the medical use of fentanyl provides pain relief for people after surgery.  It is also used to manage pain during cancer treatment.  When used ..read more

First responders put their lives on the line every day to save the lives of others.  Although it is a noble profession, these dedicated individuals don’t get the recognition they’ve earned.  In spite of their bravery, selflessness, and courage, first responders are often left alone to deal with the trauma of their jobs.  As a result, the rate of first responder’s substance use is high. Who are first responders?  They are the EMTs, police, paramedics, and firefighters who rush to our aid in an emergency.  Pushing their fear aside, they are the first on the scene when so ..read more

After rehab, many people wrestle with fears about recovery.  Some handle their fears effectively, while others don’t. Starting a sober lifestyle is like walking into the unknown, which is a fear all humans possess.  You’ve heard a lot of motivational advice about how to succeed at sobriety.  But, putting the info to use and having faith that it will work can be overwhelming.     If you are in early recovery and are worried about your ability to maintain sobriety and reintegrate into society, we can help.  We’ve highlighted the five most common fears abou ..read more

New and more dangerous designer drugs seem to appear out of nowhere but they can make their presence known soon enough.  After just a short time on the streets, an illicit designer drug can cause many addictions and deaths. For instance, the designer drug, Flakka, surged in popularity despite the potential for deadly side effects. Anyone who uses designer drugs needs to know the risks of using Flakka to avoid permanent neurological harm and organ damage.  Here are some things you need to know, especially if you use designer drugs for recreational purposes. What Is Flakka? Flakka is a ..read more

Millions of people have legal access to deadly, addictive drugs in America every single day.  And the number of deaths caused by these substances continues to rise. So, what are the most deadly legal drugs in the U.S. and why are they causing so many deaths?   Here are some things you need to know. When it comes to statistics on substance use and overdose deaths, the focus is usually on illegal substances such as heroin, cocaine, meth, and illicit fentanyl.  But, you may be shocked to learn that legal drugs such as alcohol, prescription painkillers, and tobacco cause more deaths ..read more

Holiday sobriety is challenging for someone in recovery.  The season brings reminders and temptations that can be uncomfortable and hard to resist.  But, with love and support from family and friends, people in recovery can enjoy the festivities without relapsing.  If you want to provide holiday sobriety support for a loved one or friend this year, here are some things you can do. Open Communication Is Crucial to Holiday Sobriety Open communication is a great way to show your loved one you offer support.  Asking simple questions like “What do you need?” or “How are you feel ..read more

When Americans celebrate, they usually include alcohol in the festivities. The tradition of holiday alcohol use is centuries old with no hint of stopping anytime in the near future.  But, why do people drink more when getting together with others? The reasons differ from person to person, but typically, it’s all about having more fun.   Let’s look at the factors that play a role in this behavior, especially during the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.  Understanding the myths and facts about holiday alcohol use may be helpful for you or a loved one during the festive seaso ..read more