Drug Rehabilitation vs. Incarceration
In 2007, the societal cost of drug abuse was estimated at $193 billion, with $113 billion attributed to drug-related crime and criminal justice expenses. In contrast, the National Drug Intelligence Center estimated that treating drug abuse costs less than $15 billion—just 13.2 percent of the costs associated with drug-related crime. Not only is treatment more […]
Preventing Relapse Following Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
For clinicians and medical staff treating individuals with substance use disorders, the term relapse can carry a different meaning than it does for the general public or even those in the 12-step community. Medically, relapse refers to a return to behavior where a person could once again be diagnosed with an active substance use disorder.Relapses […]
Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol Rehabilitation
Alcoholism is a significant national issue that often gets overshadowed by other substance abuse problems, partly because alcohol consumption itself is not illegal. Nonetheless, the consequences of excessive drinking—such as liver disease, cancer, and death—are severe and impact millions of people across the country. According to the National Institutes of Health’s Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism […]
Managing a Grown Child Struggling with Addiction
Addiction impacts not only the person struggling with it but also their friends and family. If not careful, loved ones might unintentionally enable the addictive behavior, which can hinder recovery and allow the problem to persist. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that because addiction is often misunderstood, even well-meaning actions […]
How Long Do Drugs Remain in Your System?
Drug testing has become increasingly common in recent years, with tests being conducted in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and workplaces. At-home drug tests are also available at local pharmacies for those who need them. Since there are no federal laws restricting this practice, employers use drug testing to ensure a safe work environment and monitor […]
World Suicide Prevention Day: The Importance of Asking About Suicide
Reflecting on Our Role as a Society Recent global events have prompted many of us to reconsider who we want to be as individuals, communities, and society as a whole. In times like these, we are reminded to slow down and be present for both ourselves and others, taking time to notice what truly matters. […]
The Most Frequently Abused Medications in the United States
The term “drug addiction” is often linked to substances like heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine. Many people envision drug addicts as destitute individuals with gaunt features and unkempt appearances. However, this stereotype doesn’t accurately represent the majority of drug addicts. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications are […]
The Impact of Alcohol on Your Liver
According to data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 86% of adults over 18 have reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lives, with 56% having consumed it in the past month. Each year, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes, making alcohol the third leading cause of […]
The Impact of Self-Forgiveness and Forgiving Others in Recovery
“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” – Paul BoeseForgiveness is challenging. For those who have a loved one battling drug or alcohol addiction, it may feel like the relationship is unbalanced. You find yourself repeatedly forgiving mistakes caused by their addiction, with no resolution in sight.For the person struggling […]
How to Manage Work While Undergoing Rehab
If you or a loved one are considering addiction treatment, congratulations on taking the crucial first step of acknowledging the problem. The next step is making a choice: to either overcome your addiction or continue with it.It’s understandable to have concerns about entering treatment. It will be challenging, time-consuming, and may require time away from […]