The opioid epidemic’s devastating impact has been a challenging issue for communities nationwide, affecting countless lives. With the urgent need for effective treatments, opioid replacement therapy has shown tremendous promise. This approach, part of the broader medication-assisted treatment methodology, seeks to help people break the cycle of addiction by using prescription medications in conjunction with…
Loss is a universal human experience, and the grief that follows is profoundly, sometimes overwhelmingly, painful. Though grieving is a natural part of healing, some people may turn to potentially harmful coping mechanisms to deal with their emotions. One of the most concerning of these is the use of drugs or alcohol. The link between…
The nursing profession involves high stress, long hours and life-or-death decisions. Many nurses report feeling dissatisfied and underappreciated at work, which may compromise their ability to do their jobs well. Easy access to potent prescription drugs can be a dangerous temptation for nurses, putting them at higher risk of substance abuse and potentially compromising the…
Two new substances linked with illicit opioid use have been spreading in North America, increasing drug abuse complications and overdoses. “Frankenstein opioids,” or nitazines, are Schedule I drugs increasingly mixed with fentanyl or heroin. Xylazine, which goes by the street name “tranq,” is a veterinary sedative. Many people unknowingly use these substances and become addicted,…
“Am I self-medicating?” If this question has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Many people use unhealthy behaviors to cope with emotional pain, stress and mental health issues – often without even realizing it. Here’s the reassuring part – help is within reach for people who self-medicate. Various non-judgmental, empathetic treatment options are available…
Having a narcissist in your life can be challenging. While many people have narcissistic traits like self-importance and entitlement, people who meet the official diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder are emotionally draining, manipulative and need constant admiration. Ways to Tell Someone Around You Is a Narcissist Narcissistic people have high self-esteem and crave the…
Doctors frequently prescribe stimulants like Adderall to help their patients with ADHD and narcolepsy stay mentally sharp, alert and energetic. When used as prescribed, Adderall can provide more focus and clarity to people with these specific health disorders. However, for people without ADHD or narcolepsy, using Adderall without a prescription is dangerous and illegal. Read…
The disease of addiction can affect anyone, even highly accomplished professionals. Despite enjoying abundant career success, you may privately struggle with alcohol abuse while carefully maintaining an illusion that you have it all. If you are an ambitious, driven person, your job is likely a foundational part of your identity. Worries that the business you’ve…
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes involving drunk drivers end the lives of approximately 32 Americans per day. Alcohol significantly impairs judgment and coordination – both of which are crucial for safely driving a car. Because of this risk, it’s illegal in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico to drive…
Methamphetamine is a fast-acting, potent synthetic stimulant. Even small doses can cause short-term effects like hyperactivity, decreased appetite, irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. Over time, meth use can lead to many potentially severe health risks and complications, including toxicity. The Dangerous Effects of Methamphetamine Meth is different from many other stimulants because dealers manufacture…