• Person with Hands in Their Face

    Is Dependence the Same as Addiction?

    712 words|3.6 min read|

    In the field of behavioral health, it is common to hear the term “dependence” used in association with addiction or substance use disorder (SUD). Dependence [...]

  • Depressed Woman At Possible Risk for Suicide

    Why Addiction is a Risk Factor for Suicide

    489 words|2.4 min read|

    If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Suicide is one [...]

  • Close-up of people communicating while sitting in circle and gesturing

    How Outpatient Addiction Treatment Helps

    551 words|2.8 min read|

    Understanding the Benefits of Outpatient Rehab Just because you are struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction does not mean you can leave your life behind [...]

  • Man Who is Grieving

    How Unresolved Grief Can Impact Addiction

    554 words|2.8 min read|

    Grief is a common feeling that many of us share, whether it’s grief over the loss of a loved one, friendship, job, or something else. [...]

  • Avoiding Triggers During Recovery

    371 words|1.9 min read|

    We need to develop a positive regard for our unique self that is realistic and recognizes our own value regardless of how we look, perform, [...]

  • Teen Sitting on Chair

    Can Vaping Lead to Addiction in Teens?

    651 words|3.3 min read|

    The popularity of e-cigarettes has increased in recent years, especially among teens. A study published on JAMA Network found that 27.5% of high school students [...]

  • What is Opioid Addiction?

    779 words|3.9 min read|

    Opioid addiction is characterized by excessive use of opioids that affects a person physically and psychologically. Opioids come in many forms, most commonly prescription opioids [...]

  • Are you addicted to marijuana?

    Are You Addicted to Marijuana?

    538 words|2.7 min read|

    With the normalization of marijuana, there’s been increased discussion about whether or not marijuana is addictive. While most users won’t become addicted, it is still [...]

  • Misconceptions about drug addiction

    How Common Is Prescription Pain Medication Addiction?

    533 words|2.7 min read|

    Substance use disorders are unfortunately not uncommon. However, the United States has seen an alarming rise in prescription pain medication addiction. According to the National [...]

  • What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

    1027 words|5.1 min read|

    Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substance use disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable drinking that impacts a person physically, emotionally, and socially. People may commonly [...]

  • Forgiving People

    How Do You Know If You Have a Drinking Problem

    572 words|2.9 min read|

    Alcohol is a usual denominator in many social situations, and most people are able to drink moderately without it becoming an issue. Unfortunately, this isn’t [...]

  • Pain Management Techniques for Addiction

    Pain Management for Opiate Addicts

    693 words|3.5 min read|

    There’s no doubt that the opioid epidemic has led to an increased public health concern about chronic pain management. For people who have an opioid [...]

  • Recognizing Signs of Opioid Use

    How to Identify Signs of Opioid Abuse

    486 words|2.4 min read|

    Awareness is a powerful tool in the fight against opioid abuse. Frequently, a person who develops a substance use disorder will also experience numerous other [...]

  • Teens and Opioid Use

    Teen Opioid Use: Risk Factors and Prevention

    598 words|3 min read|

    The opioid epidemic is a significant issue throughout the country, with the president even declaring it a public health emergency in 2017. Opioid use affects [...]

  • The Relationship Between Self-Medication and Addiction

    609 words|3 min read|

    What is self-medication? On the surface, self-medication seems harmless. We may think of self-medication as having a glass of wine or a brownie after a [...]

  • Addressing Underlying Trauma and Substance Abuse

    Addressing Underlying Trauma and Substance Abuse

    528 words|2.6 min read|

    Identifying and addressing underlying trauma is an important step in treating substance abuse. Learn more about the connection between addiction and trauma.