Not all people with addiction problems are suicidal, but substance abuse is a well-known risk factor for suicide.The risk increases if the addicted person also suffers from depression, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, or another type of mood disorder. (more…)
In the early stages of recovery, you’re learning new ways to cope with everyday situations.Developing healthy habits is a big task, especially during the holiday season. If this will be your first sober Thanksgiving, stay on the path to recovery with these 8 helpful tips. (more…)
Watching a friend or family member struggle with substance abuse is heartbreaking.Planning an intervention to express your concern and stress the need for treatment is a great idea, but interventions aren’t always effective. When your loved one refuses to admit the severity of his or her addiction, you need to adapt your strategy. (more…)
Part of any successful treatment plan for alcohol or drug addiction involves managing the risk of relapse.Although no two substance abusers are exactly alike, there are some common relapse triggers that you should be aware of during the early stages of sobriety. (more…)
Family members and friends of people who have lived with a substance abuse issue often wonder, “Why can’t they just stop?” It’s common for someone addicted to drugs or alcohol to think or say to their loved ones, “I can quit anytime I want to.”The reality is that stopping all at once, or going “cold turkey” isn’t the best decision. (more…)
Alcohol has a depressive effect on your nervous system, slowing down brain function and the way your nerves send messages back and forth throughout the body.When you consume large amounts of alcohol for an extended time period, the body starts to adapt to this depressive state by working harder to keep your nerves properly communicating with each other. (more…)
Parents of very young children (ages 0-4) may think that they do not need to talk to their kids about substance use and abuse.But you would be surprised to find out all the ways your child has already been exposed.
The opioid epidemic makes daily news appearances in ways intended to startle and scare. It can be difficult or impossible to protect children from age inappropriate content (more…)
“Five surprising household items kids use to get high!” “Drugs found in local elementary school!” Sometimes it seems as if every day brings a new headline about children’s substance use. Naturally, as a parent, you wonder what you can say or do to keep your kid(s) safe, healthy, and legal.