A growing body of evidence tells us that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community are at increased risk for substance abuse and addiction. There’s good news, however. Research also indicates that early interventions can be an invaluable preventative measure. Here’s a closer look at the phenomenon, along with how parents…
So you’ve passed the first obstacle in helping a loved one with a substance abuse problem: recognizing the signs of addition. However, this is only one small part of overcoming drug addiction. Also essential is convincing your family member or friend to agree to rehab. Here’s a closer look at what you can do to…
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) comprises a group of conditions that develop when babies withdraw from drugs — usually narcotics — that they’re exposed to in the womb prior to birth, according to the March of Dimes. Now, research published in JAMA indicates that a connection exists between socioeconomic factors and the prevalence of NAS in newborns….
Substance abuse in the workplace is a growing problem. Understanding the breadth and depth of the problem can help address it. Here’s a closer look at statistics everyone should know about workplace addiction, along with why substance abuse treatment can be an invaluable solution. Workplace Addiction 101 As the epidemic of addiction continues to heighten…
Avoiding negative environments is a major part of facilitating the recovery process and preventing relapse. For many recovering addicts, however, the home environment and all of its stressors can add up to the opposite of a safe space. Enter sober living homes. Aimed at helping addicts transition back into the community — often after participating…
How a Care Model for HIV Patients May Help Those with Opioid Use Disorders The “Cascade of Care” model was developed in 2017 to manage treatment of people with HIV and AIDS. Now, scientists believe that the same approach can be built upon in order to provide an improved framework of care for people with…
If you are struggling with substance abuse issues, you may have trouble keeping up with all the terms and what they mean. Two frequently used words which may require clarification are dependence and addiction. Here’s a closer look at the concepts behind each, along with what they mean for treatment and recovery. Defining Dependence Dependence…
We recently covered Missouri’s problem with opioid-related overdose deaths, as well as the degree to which St. Louis, in particular, is impacted. While drug addiction is an equal opportunity affliction that can strike anyone, new data from Missouri’s Department of Mental Health (DMH) highlights one demographic where illicit drug use is not only rampant but…
With suicide rates rising across the country, understanding the factors that contribute to it is an essential part of reversing the trend. One such factor, according to the CDC? Substance misuse. Here’s a closer look at the data, along with why substance abuse treatment is a pivotal part of suicide prevention. Suicide and Substance Abuse…
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducted research investigating the link between sexual orientation, substance abuse, and mental health as part of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for the first time in 2015. The findings? “Sexual minorities were more likely than their sexual majority counterparts to have…