Substance addiction, or a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic disease of the brain. It occurs as drugs make lasting changes in a user’s body and brain, altering its functioning. Drug addicts do not choose to become addicted. Rather, they become physically and mentally dependent on the drugs to live. When we reprimand someone […]

The opioid overdose epidemic has been affecting our country for years. However, there is a growing racial disparity in the rates of opioid-related deaths. A new study from the National Institutes of Health reveals that the rate of opioid overdose deaths among Black people increased a notable 38 percent from 2018 to 2019. Rates among […]

If you are a 90s kid, you may know Orlando Brown from Disney’s famed series, “That’s So Raven,” or film, “Max Keeble’s Big Move.” Or, perhaps you know Brown from his more recent music endeavors as a Christian rap artist. Unfortunately, however, more people today recognize Orlando Brown from his troublesome debuts on the news—featuring […]

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard, and many people around the globe are still suffering from its effects. The loss of loved ones, businesses, jobs, school, and human connection has led many people to experience feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. New research supports this sentiment. According to the Center of Disease Control […]

Recent news headlines reveal a harrowing reality: Drug overdoses are reaching record rates, and synthetic opioids are to blame. We’re seeing it from coast to coast, nationwide, without any discrimination of who or which neighborhoods are affected. Fentanyl is popping up everywhere, and causing fatal overdoses among teens and adults alike. Below are some of […]

Choosing to get sober is a big decision that can stem from many reasons. Some people get sober after experiencing a “rock bottom,” while others choose to stop using drugs or drinking alcohol simply to get on a healthier path. Many times, it is loved ones that encourage others to enter treatment and establish a […]

In 2018, more than 53 million people in the United States used an illicit drug. In other words, about 1 in 5 individuals used drugs that year. If you have a loved one who is using drugs, you are not alone. Drug use is all around us – but this fact, of course, does not […]

The recent 2020 election has sparked a rise in conversations about the legalization and decriminalization of drugs. In the last decade, marijuana has been legalized across several states. Now, the Biden-Harris administration is seeking to decriminalize marijuana across the entire U.S. And, as of November 3rd, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize all illegal […]

The ongoing stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on lives globally. We’ve experienced loss, illness, isolation, economic turmoil, mental and emotional distress. For those battling a substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder, the last twelve months have been particularly disruptive. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and […]

Famed musician, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), had a ground-breaking year in 2020. In fact, sources claim it was “the year that saved his life.” The star released his best-yet album, Tickets to My Downfall, won an MTV VMA, topped numerous album charts, and began a relationship with renowned actor Megan Fox. At the end of […]