Why Are Men At Such A High Risk for Addiction?
We know that individuals of both genders are affected by substance use, but we also know that addiction looks different for men and women. Substance use in men tends to start earlier and involves heavier and/or more frequent use. Reviewing the risk factors that primarily apply to men can help us develop new prevention and treatment strategies, as well as help you identify any potential signs or symptoms of unwanted substance use in your life. What are the numbers on male substance use? Several studies have indicated the differences between male and female use of drugs and alcohol. Some of [...]
How Long-Term Substance Use Impacts the Body & Brain
It is a well-known fact that substance abuse negatively impacts one's physical health. But what is not talked about as often is the severe impact substance use has on our brains and mental health as well. In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the effects of certain chemicals on our physical well-being, it's time we also have a conversation about substances and the negative effects those chemicals have on us as well. The consequences of long-term substance use Substance use has both short-term and long-term effects. The short-term effects include what one feels immediately after using a substance, such [...]
Understanding the Difference Between Experimentation and Addiction
When it comes to substance use, it is vital for users and loved ones alike to understand the various stages. Using a substance does not always lead to an addiction. However, overuse, social pressures, and other factors could lead to one becoming physically and psychologically dependent on a drug or substance. These factors are not always obvious and are often mistaken in teens or young adults as being rebellious and acting out. To better understand the difference between experimentation and addiction, one must learn how to recognize the behaviors that lead to them. Learn the Risk Factors Some people try [...]
How to Find a Substance Abuse Treatment Program to Meet Your Needs
Deciding to enter an addiction treatment program is a huge step in your recovery. But beginning the process includes researching and finding a treatment program. If you've begun this process, you already know how overwhelming it can be with the number of available treatment centers in the US. Hopefully, to help minimize any stress you may feel, we've narrowed down a few things to keep in consideration – such as location, levels of care and accreditation – to help you find an effective program for drug or alcohol addiction. Not only will the best program provide you the best treatment, [...]
Non-Health Related Consequences of Drug & Alcohol Abuse
It cannot be denied that drug and alcohol addiction presents a number of health complications to those battling addiction. This includes liver and heart problems, gastrointestinal complications and changes in appearance related to weight, skin and hair health, to name a few. But what many people often forget is that addiction has a number of negative consequences on less anticipated areas of one's life, including finances, work and social interactions. Not to mention the impact addiction has on your mental health. When you're struggling with substances, your mental health will take just as severe a hit as your physical wellness. [...]
6 Common Causes of Substance Use in Men
Substance use is something many people suffer from in their own lives or in the life of a family member or friend. It can be a difficult subject, especially because the causes of substance use are complex and often different between men and women. For example, statistics show that men typically begin using drugs at a younger age, but women are more prone to relapsing. Additionally, there may be emotional and/or mental health aspects that play a role in substance use. Here are some of the most common causes of drug or alcohol addiction in men and associated signals to [...]
6 Myths About Substance Use to Stop Believing
Substance abuse and addiction are topics that are often taboo, difficult to discuss or just downright misunderstood. Over the years, as research has emerged and new ways of addressing addiction have developed, the reality of this disorder has been brought to light. However, many of the preconceived notions and taboo images still keep a determined grip on the topic. In order to better understand addiction, and provide help to those experiencing its challenges, it's crucial to be able to tell the difference between what is an addiction myth, and what is a fact. The myths and facts of addiction Increasing [...]
What to Expect When Detoxing from Opioids
Choosing to undergo detox from opioids is a huge step in the journey of recovery. Not only does it take a great amount of mental stamina and determination, it takes courage. The detoxing process is a grueling one on the body. Because of the way opioids hijack the reward system in the brain, suddenly depriving the brain of those chemicals causes the body to undergo a form of shock. And while it's completely possible for the brain and body to recover, it is this recovery process that takes time and patience to undergo. Detoxing from opioids When detoxing from opioids, [...]
The Effects of Substance Abuse on Family Members
Millions of people in United States suffer from substance abuse. In 2017, the United States Surgeon General reported that an American adult dies every 19 minutes due to a heroin or opioid overdose, and the economic impact of drug addiction amounts to $442 billion annually. However, the impact extends far beyond the individually suffering with substance abuse. The effects of drug or alcohol addiction also impacts family members, and it can lead to similarly devastating consequences. Get Help Today Isolation There are many emotions family members experience when a loved one has succumbed to addiction. Fear, hate, resentment and anger [...]
Recovering From Substance Abuse and Recovering Your Identity as a Parent
Substance abuse is known to break apart families because of the emotional distress and lack of dependability that an addiction brings into the household. Taking steps towards recovery can help you heal as both an individual and as a parent. Allow the process of recovery to help you regain your life and relationships with the people who matter most. Substance Abuse Puts Children at Risk The children of drug and alcohol addicts face challenges even though they may not be actively engaged in substance abuse themselves. The shift of a parent’s attention from children to a substance such as alcohol [...]
Repairing Relationships Damaged by Substance Abuse
For many, getting treatment for addiction isn’t what scares clients the most — it is the daunting thought of rebuilding one's life. Recovery does not end when you leave the doors of the treatment center; it continues for the majority of your life as you work to navigate and repair any damage done during the time spent struggling with addiction. One such area that will likely need attention post-recovery (and even during recovery) is that of friends, family and/or a significant other. These people, like some of the ones closest to you, likely felt a lot of the ripple effects [...]
Starting the Conversation About Rehab for Addiction
Many often subscribe to the idea that there are certain things you just don’t talk about. A friend’s personal problems might be one of them. Like most, you might assume that if your friend wants help, he or she will ask for it. Unfortunately – statistically – conversations where that friend actually reaches out for help are unlikely to happen. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports as many as 95 percent of those who need specialty treatment for addiction don’t believe they need it. What this means is if you believe a friend is struggling with an [...]