The pictures tell a gruesome tale: Gangrenous limbs, scaly skin, abscesses and painful lesions. It’s the work of a dangerous new drug called krokodil. It’s pronounced just like the green swamp dwellers found in Florida, but its bite can be even more deadly. Also known as “the flesh-eating drug,” it’s arrived on our shores from […]
At the first sign of pain, are you running for the medicine cabinet and some medicinal relief? You’re not alone. In our culture, we’ve become increasingly unwilling to tolerate even minor pain. While we aren’t willing to live with any sort of physical discomfort, we’ve become increasingly comfortable with taking medication – even strong prescription […]
The idea that marijuana serves as a “gateway drug,” leading to the use and eventual abuse of harder substances, has been around for decades. Now a new study shows that marijuana use leads to a higher likelihood of tobacco use. It is still more common for drug abuse to progress from tobacco to pot, but […]
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has officially approved the final diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). This update features a number of important changes and some notable exclusions. The update, due to be released in spring 2013, is the first new version in 20 years. […]
It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the latest trends in addiction, what new warning signs parents and teachers should be on the lookout for, and the latest everyday item teens are using to get high and endanger their health. Sometimes it is best to get back to basics. Our general understanding of […]
One state’s department of health office has raised eyebrows with a brochure aimed at helping heroin users “stay safe.” No one questions the motives behind the pamphlet produced by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene. The 16-page “Take Charge, Take Care: 10 Tips for Safer Use” brochure was created “to help […]
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 […]
When someone has a drug or alcohol problem, it is common for family members and loved ones to want the individual to seek help before he agrees that a problem exists. This situation can often strain relationships. Remember, when someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he is not thinking clearly. As a […]
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 […]