Opioid use disorder is the official American Psychiatric Association term for all diagnosable cases of addiction to an opioid drug or medication, as well as all diagnosable cases of a non-addicted, destructive pattern of opioid drug or medication abuse. In any given year, some of the people who legitimately hold a prescription for an opioid…
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Addiction specialists and researchers know that exercise can potentially improve the outcomes of people recovering from an addiction to a substance of abuse. However, past results have indicated that the recovery-related benefits of exercise tend to appear only in people who participate in physical activity on a regular basis. In a study presented in April…
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Methamphetamine and stimulant ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall have a number of chemical similarities, and people affected by serious problems stemming from the use of any of these substances may qualify for diagnosis of a condition called stimulant use disorder. However, according to the results of a study scheduled for publication in May…
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The word “ritual” is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as: A formal ceremony or series of acts that is always performed in the same way. An act or series of acts done in a particular situation and in the same way each time. Many people relate the term to religious practice and most in recovery have…
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Life can be tough. Dysfunctional families, health issues, work problems and relationship difficulties can all impact how you live your life. As a reaction to stress or trauma, psychological disorders can develop, as can a reliance on substances which provide only temporary relief. It’s vital to seek the right treatment and support. It’s also important…
DetailsBinge drinking is a dangerous pattern of short-term, excessive alcohol intake linked with a broad range of individual and public health risks. In the U.S., alcohol consumers of all ages are known to engage in this pattern to one degree or another. In a study published in March 2014 in The American Journal of Drug…
DetailsHaving surgery carries many risks, but one that not all patients consider is the possibility of becoming addicted to post-surgery medications. After surgery, you are likely to be prescribed medication to help you manage the pain that results from the procedure. Prescription painkillers are highly addictive and abuse of these medications has been on the…
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Addiction specialists and mental health professionals know that people affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an unusual tendency to develop problems related to alcohol consumption. Potential explanations for the link between PTSD and these problems include the use of alcohol as a form of self-medication, the presence of personality traits that make drinking more…
DetailsThe work is punishing, the pressure extreme, and a replacement is always waiting in the wings. Is it any wonder athletes and substance abuse seem to go hand in hand? Drugs and alcohol are often used as a way to ignore pain, increase focus, boost energy, reduce stress, pump up before a game and unwind…
DetailsDoctors and public health officials know that alcohol affects women and men in different ways. Specifically, women who drink have higher risks for certain serious health problems than their male counterparts; in addition, women who drink have unique health concerns not found in men. In a study review published in March 2014 in the Journal…
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