Drug Abuse

The relationship of substance use disorders and mental health is important to understand in every person who needs treatment. But, can addiction itself be considered a mental health disorder? Today, let’s talk about how these two disorders come together and how a problem with substance use is different from other mental health concerns. Is Addiction… Read On »

In the past year, we’ve seen much more attention put on virtual health services to keep patients and medical staff safer. Treatment for substance use is part of those essential services. With the post-Covid era coming thanks to vaccines, you may be wondering if Telehealth addiction recovery options are here to stay. Today, let’s talk… Read On »

The connection between mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) is similar to a home improvement show, except the home is you. On the TV show, you have a designer and a contractor. Imagine the outcome if the designer never saw the house needing renovation or if the contractor started doing work without a design… Read On »

Opioid users face a different risk than people drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana. It comes from the threat of becoming addicted much faster. Evidence tells us even using opioids to treat their pain for less than a week can get someone hooked. Today, let’s look at some signs that your opioid use in the past… Read On »

Dr. John Dyben, DHSc, MCAP, CMHP – Chief Clinical Officer The cannabis plant has myriad chemical compounds (literally hundreds), and various cannabis strains tend to have these compounds in different amounts.  Perhaps the most well-known chemical in cannabis is Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, most commonly referred to as THC.  This is the primary psychogenic compound that causes the… Read On »

  Opioid Addiction in 5 Days: Process and Recovery The term “opioid addiction” or “opioid use disorder” refers to when individuals are unable to stop the use of the opioid after the prescribed amount of time by a medical professional. In most cases, opioids are prescribed to treat high levels of pain that occur after… Read On »

In 2018, over 48,000 people committed suicide, making it a leading cause of death with incidences more than doubling the number of homicides, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people age 10 to 34, and the fourth leading cause of… Read On »

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year. IOAD aims to raise awareness of drug overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death.  The United States accounts for over 25% of the estimated number of drug-related deaths worldwide, including overdose deaths. From 1999–2018, almost 450,000 people died… Read On »

By Dr. John Dyben, DHSc, MCAP, CMHP – Chief Clinical Officer  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and addiction may have a cozier relationship than many realize, at least according to much of the scientific literature. Recent studies have presented estimates that the prevalence of ADHD in adults with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) might be around… Read On »

In the age of the opioid epidemic which focuses heavily on depressant drugs (which slow the systems of the brain and body) it can be easy to forget about stimulant drugs and stimulant drug addiction, which is still an ongoing crisis around the world. What Are Stimulant Drugs Stimulant drugs are any kind of drug… Read On »