Category: Addiction

A person lies on the ground with a hand in focus and the face blurred, suggesting unconsciousness or distress. The individual wears a blue shirt.

The Most Common Causes of a Drug Overdose

A drug overdose is a serious medical emergency that can be fatal. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there were 92,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2020. That’s an average of 252 deaths per day, and a significant jump from pre-pandemic overdose levels. Nonfatal overdoses are more difficult to track, but most experts agree that their numbers are also increasing at an alarming rate.    5 Common Causes of Drug

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Understanding the Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Executive Functioning

The term executive functioning is used to refer to a set of mental skills that help people plan, focus on tasks, remember details, and regulate emotions. When these skills are impaired due to an untreated substance use disorder, individuals may have difficulty making decisions, staying organized, and managing their time efficiently. In this article, the treatment team from Waypoint Recovery Center discusses what executive functioning is, how an untreated substance use disorder can affect it,

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A woman sits on a couch with her eyes closed, holding her forehead and hugging a pillow, appearing stressed or upset.

Rumination and Substance Abuse: How Intrusive Thoughts Can Lead to Substance Use Disorders

When you’re facing a difficult situation, taking time for contemplation, planning, and problem-solving is healthy. However, when you can’t shut your mind off and find yourself constantly dwelling on things that are beyond your control, you may find that your mental health starts to suffer.   Understanding How Rumination Can Lead to Substance Abuse Rumination is defined as a pattern of suffering from intrusive, repetitive, and generally negative thoughts that you struggle to control. Rumination

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A syringe with a droplet at the needle tip lies next to piles of white powder and a metal spoon, all on a dark surface.

Understanding the Risks of IV Drug Use

Typically, people with substance use disorders begin by smoking or ingesting a substance. However, as a person develops a tolerance to an abused drug, they may begin seeking a stronger and faster high. This can lead to intravenous injection—more commonly referred to as IV drug use.  In addition to the general health risks associated with substance abuse, IV drug use poses additional dangers. This makes the need for evidence-based addiction treatment even more immediate.   

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A man sits on a bed, pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed, looking stressed. He holds a glass of water in his other hand. The background is softly lit and out of focus.

5 Things Alcoholics in Denial Say

Addiction doesn’t discriminate by age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. People from all different walks of life can struggle with alcohol use disorders.   High-Functioning Alcoholics People who are high-functioning alcoholics, sometimes referred to simply as a functional alcoholic, is someone who abuses alcohol but still manages to project an outside image of normalcy. They may have successful careers, maintain busy social lives, and be active in the community. Because high-functioning alcoholics can still hide

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An older man stands on stairs, comforting a younger seated man with his hand on his shoulder. Both wear plaid shirts; the younger man looks down, appearing upset.

What to Do When Your Adult Child Has a Drinking Problem

When Your Adult Child Has a Drinking Problem When your son or daughter was a newborn, you may have imagined that things would get easier over time. Now that they’re an adult, you realize that a parent’s work is never done. When your adult child has a drinking problem, it’s normal to feel helpless, angry, and worried about what the future may hold. You can’t swoop in to “save the day” like you did when

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A woman in a white shirt and jeans sits holding a large glass of red wine, looking intently at the drink with a serious expression.

Am I a Functional Alcoholic?

What Is a Functional Alcoholic? A functional alcoholic is able to maintain an outward appearance of normalcy despite the negative effects alcohol is having on their mind and body. What a functional alcoholic often fails to realize is that alcohol use disorders are chronic illnesses that won’t get better without treatment. Even if a person is able to hide their struggles today, there’s no guarantee that they will be able to do so tomorrow. Addiction

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How Body Dysmorphia Can Lead to a Substance Use Disorder

We all have moments where we feel somewhat insecure about how we look. For example, it’s normal to pay extra attention to your appearance before a first date or a job interview.   Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Associated Risks Body dysmorphia is more serious than these occasional worries. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive and intrusive thoughts about perceived flaws in your appearance. In some cases, there is a

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A green neon light in the shape of a cannabis leaf is displayed in a window, with reflections of buildings and lights visible on the glass.

5 Myths About Marijuana Usage

Misinformation can place users at risk, so it’s important to understand the potential dangers of marijuana and how to recognize when addiction treatment is necessary.   5 Myths About Marijuana Myth #1: Smoking Pot Is No Big Deal Parents of teens and young adults often believe marijuana is harmless because they smoked pot in the 1960s or 1970s with no lasting effects. However, the THC levels in marijuana have been steadily rising. In 2018, confiscated

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An orange prescription pill bottle labeled Lorazepam tipped over with white round tablets spilling out, next to the bottles white cap, on a gray surface.

5 Key Facts About Ativan Addiction

What Is Ativan? Ativan (lorazepam) is a type of benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but this drug can be addictive when not used as directed. If you think your loved one might be struggling with an Ativan addiction, learning more about this drug’s effects and the potential dangers can help you determine your next steps.   5 Key Facts About Ativan Addiction 1. Ativan Is Only Recommended for Short-Term Use Ativan is

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