Drug Abuse Archives

November 2, 2020 • 6 minute read

Breaking the Camel’s Back: Understanding the Relationship Between THC…

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 effect of “getting high.” For many years now, scientists have been studying a link between THC and psychosis. Numerous studies have found that high-frequency THC

Drug Abuse Mental Health Treatment News

October 12, 2020 • 4 minute read

Five Days to Opioid Addiction: The Process and Recovery

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 surgery. It is easy to assume that addiction occurs over a period of time, especially in the case of alcohol and drugs. However, in the case

Drug Abuse

September 11, 2020 • 3 minute read

Substance Use Disorders and Suicide

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 death ages 35-54. Substance use, especially alcohol, has been linked to a considerable number of suicide attempts and suicides. In 2013, the Substance Abuse and

Alcohol Abuse Drug Abuse Mental Health

August 31, 2020 • 3 minute read

Overdose Awareness Day: What You Need To Know

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 from an overdose involving an opioid, including prescription and illicit opioids. The CDC estimates that over 70,000 died from fatal drug-overdoses in 2019. Today, the

Drug Abuse Treatment News

August 20, 2020 • 4 minute read

Quandary in a Conundrum: Addiction and ADHD

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 20% as opposed to 2.5% in adults without SUD. The actual incidence is difficult to estimate, given the fact that some symptoms of addiction can

Drug Abuse Mental Health Treatment News

June 15, 2020 • 4 minute read

Stimulant Drugs: An Intensive Guide

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 substance that stimulates the body and the brain. Stimulants speed the functions of the body and the brain up, creating an “excited” system which

Drug Abuse

May 15, 2020 • 3 minute read

The Mind-Body Connection and Multidisciplinary Care

The idea that mental health and physical health are intricately related is not new. Some of the oldest medical practices, such as Ayurvedic Medicine and acupuncture, use the mind-body connection as a foundation for healing. Today, advanced disciplines such as psychoneuroimmunology and health psychology understand that many factors – including psychological and behavioral factors – contribute to physical health and illness. A Quick Example When you’re sick with the flu, you’re probably not feeling happy and cheerful. That’s a simple way

Alcohol Abuse Drug Abuse Family Recovery

September 4, 2019 • 4 minute read

Seniors, Addiction, and Alcoholism

No matter what stage of life you are in, addiction can take hold. For many seniors, significant life changes such as the loss of a loved one, illness, or chronic pain can send a person spiraling into unhealthy behaviors and substance use. Learn more about addiction and seniors below. Why Older Adults Turn to Self-Medicating Embracing the reality of mortality is something we do numerous times throughout our lives. For those who are in their golden years, the approach

Alcohol Abuse Drug Abuse

May 3, 2019 • 2 minute read

Can Abstinence Include Marijuana?

Here, we will discuss and unpack the myth of “marijuana maintenance” by answering the question: Can Abstinence Include Marijuana? First, it’s important to understand the framework behind this common and controversial inquiry. Abstinence can be defined as the process of avoiding or not engaging in addictive substances and/or behaviors. Abstaining from the use of illicit substances is a critical part of the recovery process and often the first of many steps towards a healthier, more mentally and physically beneficial

Drug Abuse

April 1, 2019 • 2 minute read

Opioids Are A Leading Cause Of Death

You are more likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose than a car accident, as a human being living in America in 2019. Look at that sentence again. You are more likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose than a car crash. For the first time in history, a different accidental cause of death has surpassed car crashes. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2018, an estimated 40,000 people lost their lives to car crashes,” which was

Drug Abuse

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