• Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office

    Addictive vs. Obsessive: What’s the Difference?

    879 words|4.4 min read|

    Obsession and addiction are two terms that are often used interchangeably; however, they are distinct in both technical meaning and practical implications. While there is [...]

  • Woman holding present to give to a loved one celebrating sobriety

    Meaningful Sobriety Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas to Celebrate Recovery and Milestones

    927 words|4.6 min read|

    Finding the right gift for someone in recovery can be a wonderful way to show your support and celebrate their milestones. Whether it’s for a [...]

  • pills spilled out of a bottle on a table next to a glass of alcohol

    The Dangers of Mixing Methylphenidate and Alcohol 

    866 words|4.3 min read|

    Methylphenidate and alcohol are two substances that are commonly used for very different reasons. Methylphenidate is a prescription stimulant typically prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity [...]

  • Meeting of young people in group therapy supporting each other

    Understanding the 4 Cs of Addiction: Key to Recognizing and Addressing Substance Use 

    791 words|4 min read|

    The 4 Cs of addiction—craving, loss of control, compulsion and continued use—are essential concepts for recognizing the signs of substance use disorder. These four characteristics [...]

  • Young person struggling with addiction looking for help

    Understanding the Risks of Zaza: The Gas Station Heroin and Its Impact on Addiction

    728 words|3.6 min read|

    In recent years, the emergence of Zaza, also known as "gas station heroin," has raised alarms across the nation. This dangerous substance, often sold at [...]

  • candid photo of funny and drunk men in formal wear binge drinking tequila on the weekend

    Why Is Binge Drinking Dangerous?

    683 words|3.4 min read|

    Binge drinking is a widespread issue that often carries severe health and safety consequences. Defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short [...]

  • man getting heart rate checked after abusing xylazine

    Rise of Xylazine Abuse in Pennsylvania  

    597 words|3 min read|

    Xylazine Detox and Withdrawal Management in Pennsylvania  The rise of xylazine, often referred to as "tranq," has become a growing concern throughout Pennsylvania. Initially approved as [...]

  • Profile view of a young homeless caucasian male - in his late 20s or early 30s - sitting in a dark, damp subway tunnel, his knees drawn up and his hands covering his face in desperation and despair. He is hungry, lonely and desperate. The man has short cropped hair and an unkempt beard. There is a look of sadness, loneliness and desperation in his eyes. He is sitting on a piece of old cardboard Horizontal image with room for copy space.

    Men’s Mental Health Stigma: How It Contributes to Addiction 

    996 words|5 min read|

    Men’s mental health is an important yet often overlooked topic. While society has made strides in recognizing the importance of mental health, the stigma surrounding [...]

  • Depressed sad middle aged woman sitting on sofa at home.

    Women and Trauma: How It Fuels Substance Use and the Importance of Gender-Specific Treatment 

    990 words|5 min read|

    Women who struggle with substance use disorders often face unique challenges that are deeply intertwined with their experiences of trauma. Research consistently shows that trauma [...]

  • Aerial shot of large Victorian houses in Friendship, a neighborhood in the East End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a sunny morning in Fall.

    A Look At The Cultural Trends That Influence Substance Abuse

    878 words|4.4 min read|

    Many factors influence substance use, culture being one of them. Culture can influence people’s behaviors, societal norms, and community activities. As all of these can [...]

  • View of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at night.

    What Does The Opioid Crisis in Western PA Look Like?

    848 words|4.2 min read|

    The opioid crisis has become one of the most devastating public health emergencies in the United States, and Pittsburgh, along with the broader region of [...]

  • Gentlemen suffering from problem gambling placing a wager on his mobile app

    Is Sports Betting Dangerous?

    790 words|4 min read|

    Most people have a favorite sport – soccer, football, baseball, or basketball (among others). Many choose to participate in watching sports as entertainment or an [...]

  • New River Gorge, West Virginia, USA autumn landscape at the Endless Wall.

    Cultural Factors in Addiction: A West Virginia Case Study 

    633 words|3.2 min read|

    In West Virginia, unique cultural and socioeconomic elements play a significant role in the prevalence of substance abuse. Understanding the cultural factors that contribute to [...]

  • Multiethnic group of adult friends singing to microphone and enjoying karaoke during home party

    The Dangers of Drinking Among College Students in West Virginia 

    594 words|3 min read|

    College life often brings newfound freedom, social opportunities and academic challenges. However, for many students in West Virginia, it also introduces risks associated with alcohol [...]

  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) capsules with kratom powder and green leaves on wooden table background.

    What is Kratom and Is it Legal?

    818 words|4.1 min read|

    Men and women alike seek out herbal substances regularly to help with all kinds of symptoms – ashwagandha to alleviate stress, green tea to help [...]

  • Group of five friends laughing out loud outdoor, sharing good and positive mood

    Can Social Drinking Be a Problem?

    823 words|4.1 min read|

    Barbeques, bridal showers, staff parties, and graduation celebrations are normal occurrences and places to drink or two.  American society is one in which social drinking [...]