When families are at their breaking point and don’t know what else to do, some may try to hold an intervention for a loved one facing an addiction. Orchestrating an intervention is not an easy decision for anyone involved. It can be confrontational and will often bring out a lot of emotions and situations from the past that many people would rather not revisit. If you’re at the point where a loved one’s behavior has become bad enough to warrant an intervention, doing it on your own may not be the best option. Here’s why you need a professional’s help for a substance-abuse intervention and how ..read more

Heroin use is a growing epidemic in the United States. What was once considered a less common drug of choice and more hardcore in nature has become increasingly popular and more attainable. First responders in many areas now carry special medication to help with heroin overdoses immediately due to its increased use. The dangers of heroin use are as severe as ever and heroin addiction can be one of the toughest forms of addiction to overcome. Here are five things you may not know about heroin addiction… You can’t “just stop” without becoming very sick It is easy for outsiders to look at someone ..read more

It’s difficult to admit that you might have an addiction. Maybe you’re thinking you haven’t hit rock bottom yet, so the problem isn’t bad enough that you need addiction therapy. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2016, 21 million people over age 12 needed treatment for substance abuse, but only 3.8 million received it. Many people don’t think they need addiction treatment. The truth is, if drugs or alcohol impact your life in a negative way, it’s time to think about getting help. Don’t wait any longer. Here are six signs that it’s time for y ..read more

Overcoming an addiction is a serious accomplishment. It takes a lot of work, soul-searching, and dedication in order to live a sober and healthy lifestyle. But many individuals with addiction can’t go that road alone; they need support from loved ones to help them through. In many cases, counseling is a significant part of recovery. A substance-abuse therapist can intervene when an individual is at a low point. They can also work with family members and loved ones to aid in their healing as well. Substance-abuse therapists have real passion for the work they do because it takes a substantial c ..read more

Many people think that once someone completes treatment, they’re cured of their alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Recovering from addiction is a lifelong commitment. In fact, life after treatment might mean more determination from both the individual and their loved ones. Family and friends might wonder how they can help an alcoholic throughout recovery. While it’s important to remember that alcoholics have to help themselves first and foremost, there are some things you can do to show support. Here’s how to help an alcoholic after rehab: Education Since alcohol abuse and ..read more

Substance abuse can come in all shapes and sizes, and not all stereotypes fit each particular addiction situation. Since alcohol is an easy vice to obtain, many people don’t see it as a danger. It can often be hard to see the line between having a few drinks with friends to a reliance on alcohol in order to function in life. Signs of alcohol abuse include binge drinking, withdrawal symptoms, mood changes, physical or health-related changes, guilt associated with drinking, and so on. So how do you know if you’re abusing alcohol? Here we’ll offer various red flags of alcohol abuse and how you ca ..read more

Addictions come in many forms and can involve all sorts of activities and or substances. Marijuana is just one of many drugs of choice that people struggling with addiction turn to. It is common for marijuana use to start as the result of recreational use, experimentation, or the more increasingly popular use for medical treatment. The problem is that some of its uses are illegal, while others are not and have even proven to be highly beneficial in the right medically controlled setting. This creates blurred lines and complications since its use in any form carries the potential of becoming ad ..read more

Even though Imodium is a common over-the-counter medicine, it’s increasingly used for drug abuse. With the current opioid epidemic, users are taking this everyday medication to get high when opioid drugs aren’t available. Loperamide hydrochloride, sold as Imodium, treats diarrhea as an opioid agonist. Unlike other opioids, this medication doesn’t pass the blood-brain barrier to affect opioid receptors. Instead, Imodium stays in the digestion tract and slows contractions while easing diarrhea. Used as prescribed, loperamide doesn’t provide any psychoactive effects. But users have found that tak ..read more

Alcoholism can take a toll on the individual struggling with the disease as well as the people that surround them. It can be particularly difficult when it affects a family member. These are usually the people we love the most and tend to put extra effort toward getting them help. It can sometimes be unclear how to help an alcoholic family member, but fortunately, there are resources available to help your loved one through the process. Have an honest and loving conversation When you recognize the signs of alcohol abuse, it is important not to delay addressing the situation. Alcoholic symptoms ..read more

It may not always be obvious, but the signs of alcohol abuse are there. It can be hard to recognize the subtle hints of addiction in our loved ones, especially children. But research has shown that as many as 78% of high school kids have tried alcohol. Sometimes, this experimentation leads to addiction, which can ruin lives if not treated. As a parent, you need to be aware of the warning signs of alcohol abuse in your child. Despite your conversations and best efforts, your child could still be at risk. How can you be sure? Here are the telltale signs of alcohol abuse in youth… Finding empty b ..read more