Understanding the Dangers of Isolation in Recovery
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” SAMHSA’s guiding principles for recovery emphasize the importance social interaction plays in the recovery process. It’s estimated that the relapse […]
The Risk of Heroin and Synthetic Forms
Heroin is an illegal opioid drug that is highly addictive and widely abused. The drug is made from morphine, which is extracted from specific varieties of the poppy plant. Because heroin is fast acting and delivers an intense sense of euphoria, users can become quickly addicted. Under the Controlled Substances Act, heroin is classified as […]
Homelessness and Substance Use Disorder
On a single night in 2018, approximately 552,830 people were identified as homeless in the United States, according to the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Report on Hunger and Homelessness. A large percentage of these individuals also struggled with drug or alcohol use. The U.S Conference of Mayors asked 25 mayors to name the main reason […]
Understanding the Risks of Alcohol and Drug Use During Pregnancy
There is no amount or type of alcohol, including beer and wine, that is safe to consume at any time during pregnancy. Drinking during pregnancy can damage the developing fetus, increase the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), and possibly cause a miscarriage or stillbirth. What are FASDs? FASDs refer to a group of […]
Understanding the Risks of Vaping
It’s well known that cigarette smoking causes breathing problems and lung cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, smoking is also linked to “about one-fifth of all deaths from heart disease in the United States”, which translates to almost 130,000 people per year! In late 2006, vaping was introduced in the U.S., marketed as a healthy […]
