For decades, we have watched drug overdose deaths climb to record numbers in the United States. Since 1999, when doctors started prescribing more opioid drugs, the number of fatal drug overdoses has quadrupled. In 2019, the latest research we have available, there were nearly 71,000 deaths caused by an overdose. However, early data suggests that […]
Author: Mark Casali
What You Should Know About Drug Detox
Drug addiction is a pervading and persistent disorder that causes lasting changes in the brain. While it is a treatable condition, it is not always easy to break free of the addiction cycle. This is because, when drugs are used over a period of time, the brain and body become dependent on them to function. […]
Why Am I Scared to Go to Rehab?
Are you scared to go to rehab, and get help for your addiction? You are not alone. Of the 21 million people out there with a substance use disorder, an estimated 90 percent do not pursue a rehab program. Much of the time, it is because they are scared – scared of what others might […]
What are the Dangers of Withdrawal from Drugs and Alcohol?
Withdrawal is a term used to describe the symptoms your body experiences after quitting drugs and alcohol suddenly. The symptoms of withdrawal can be both psychological and physical, affecting a person’s quality of life. The severity of withdrawal symptoms, however, can vary, depending on a user’s level of dependence and the types of drugs being […]
Drug Rehab vs. Detox: What is the Difference?
Rehab and detox are two types of treatment that play an important role in a person’s recovery from addiction. Find out whether detox or rehab—or both—should be a part of your treatment plan. Substance use disorders (SUDs) happen after regular or repeated substance abuse. As drugs are used over a period of time, a person’s […]
5 Addiction Treatment Services to Consider
There are many different types of addiction treatment services out there, including counseling, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Learn about your options here. In the year 2020, more than 40 million Americans were battling a substance use disorder (SUD). A substance use disorder is the clinical diagnosis for substance addiction. It indicates that a user’s […]
Acute Withdrawal vs. Protracted Withdrawal: What is the Difference?
Acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal are common phases of the addiction cycle. Learn what each form of withdrawal is, what to expect, and how to overcome difficult symptoms. One of the most common signs of a substance use disorder (SUD) is the presence of withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal syndrome occurs when a user stops taking drugs […]
A Guide to Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex illness that affects a person’s mind, body, and behaviors – Informally, it is known as a drug addiction. When a person abuses addictive substances for a period of time, their brain and body become reliant on the substances to function. This is due to physical changes that […]
Michael K. Williams: The Star’s Struggles with Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Michael K. Williams was a renowned American actor and producer, best known for his portrayal of Omar – a vigilante and stick-up man who robbed drug dealers – on HBO’s “The Wire.” However, Michael K. Williams was more than just Omar Little. In addition to his extensive filmography, Williams was also recognized as an identity […]
Maintaining Sobriety in Quarantine: 8 Tips for Success
Recovery from substance addiction is not easy, and the COVID-19 pandemic is making it even more difficult. As many of us continue to self-isolate, we are in turn at odds with increasing levels of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. (All of the above are common relapse triggers.) Perhaps this sounds familiar. Stuck in quarantine, you may […]