Drug Abuse

We use the term “recovery” regularly. It’s even in our name. But, not everyone may understand what recovery means and what it involves. Today, we’ll help you understand how we define recovery from addiction and share some insight on the journey of addiction recovery from the Origins perspective. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services… Read On »

If you have ever mixed drinking with prescription medication use, you have likely experienced some unpleasant side effects. But, this kind of combination actually can be dangerous for a number of reasons. Before you suffer any serious health consequences from this combination, let’s look at the risks associated with alcohol and prescription or over-the-counter drug… Read On »

Knowing how to help someone with addiction doesn’t come easily. There’s no one path to recovery. But, you can find ways to begin a conversation about the harm caused by doing drugs or drinking. Today, let’s discuss a helpful approach to the subject—along with some important things to avoid. Talking to someone with an addiction… Read On »

When the pandemic began in early 2020, its potential impact on substance use disorders was already on the minds of many people. Now halfway through 2021, the trends emerging in SUDs is giving us a clearer picture of how the Covid era is creating a greater need for treatment. Today, let’s look at some current… Read On »

If someone asked you to name the first few diseases you can think of, you’d probably mention the most familiar ones. Heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s may be on your shortlist. If given a second chance to add more types, would addiction even come to mind? If not, it’s a good starting point for a… Read On »

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 »