Posts Tagged ‘Substance Abuse’

For many struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it can be hard to imagine getting back to leading a productive, fulfilling life. Ted Kennedy proved it can be done. The news was recently flooded with coverage of Senator Ted Kennedy’s death after a long battle with brain cancer. They talked about his famous family […]

A drug may fade from the headlines, but it never really goes out of style. Is heroin, which became a hot drug in the ‘90s, still popular among substance abusers? It wasn’t the first drug to inspire fashion (the ‘60s psychedelics certainly influenced the multi-colored styles of that era), but the “heroin chic” look of […]

Interfering in the life of a friend or family member can be risky, but if an addiction is threatening their health you can’t afford to keep quiet. Intervening in the life of an adult – whether they’re a family member or close friend – is tricky business. You’re afraid of overstepping, of butting in, of […]

What is detox, why is it important in the treatment process and how does it help improve your chances of long-term recovery from addiction? The numbers don’t lie. Those who go through medical detox are more than 20 percent more likely to successfully complete treatment than those who don’t, according to statistics published by the […]

Blue eyes or a talent for sports can be genetically transmitted, but a predisposition for depression, drug abuse or alcoholism can also be passed through the genes. Genetics aren’t inherently good or bad. We are a complex mix of those who went before us, including many good and not-so-good traits. You may love that you […]

When considering treatment for a chemical dependency for yourself or a loved one, the first inclination is find a center close to home. But many who enter treatment do so in another state. Why go so far for a service you can get in your own neighborhood? So many people with a chemical dependency or […]

It would be completely wrong to suggest that everyone with a chemical dependency becomes physically abusive. But it wouldn’t be far fetched to say that chemical substances are almost always involved in physical abuse. There’s an old saying: “No one hits their wife sober.” That may not be true in every circumstance, but no one […]

Aretha Franklin had it right when she demanded R-E-S-P-E-C-T in her famous song. We need to keep that same tune in mind when interacting with anyone who is dealing with a substance abuse problem. Televised intervention programs and treatment reality shows can make the process look like a bit of a circus, but in truth, […]

Our society has conditioned us to expect immediate results. Need to find the capital of Burundi? The answer is just a mouse click away. Want a hot fudge sundae in the middle of the night? There’s a store open to cater to that craving. Need a package delivered by tomorrow morning? There are several carriers […]

You may think you’re hiding your addiction well, but chances are those around you already realize something’s wrong. Maybe you’ve considered treatment, but were afraid you couldn’t afford the out-of-pocket costs or that you’d lose your job if you asked to take a 30- or 45-day leave of absence. Your employer may be more eager […]