LGBT community members are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction. In fact, while the rate of drug and alcohol abuse for the general population is nine percent, it skyrockets to as high as 30 percent in the LGBT population. Given this data, it’s clear that this is a serious problem meriting significant attention. The…
U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted the troubling degree to which St. Louis has been impacted by opioids, including heroin, asserting: “As Missouri struggles with the epidemic of opioid abuse, no place in the state has been hit harder than St. Louis.” This begs the question, why is St. Louis suffering so badly? Here’s…
Demi Lovato’s recent drug overdose — after years of sobriety — shone the light on an important subject. Relapse is very much part of the reality for addicts and the people who love them. Here’s a closer look at drug addiction and relapse, along with why treatment is a critical part of the recovery equation….
Adults who identify as a “sexual minority” are more than twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to use illicit drugs over the course of a year, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Even worse? Substance abuse doesn’t exist in a vacuum. LGBTQ addicts are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, as…
Drug addiction is linked with a number of impacts, ranging from problems at work and changes in appearance to physical health woes and financial challenges. One particularly dangerous consequence associated with recreational and prescription use and substance abuse is drug-induced psychosis. Here’s a closer look at the issue. Understanding Psychosis According to the National Alliance…
Sixty percent of American children are exposed to violence, crime, or abuse in their homes, schools, and communities, according to statistics shared by the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse. Unfortunately, the impact of childhood trauma can continue to play out well into adulthood—often in the form of substance abuse issues. Here’s a closer…
Codependency can be a direct impediment to recovery from substance abuse problems. In order to stop these behaviors, we must first understand them. Here’s a closer look at codependency, along with why family therapy is a vital part of substance abuse treatment. What is Codependency? “Codependency is characterized by a person belonging to a…
Life isn’t pass or fail. Rather, it’s a series of chances to learn from the past in order to embrace a brighter future. For many addicts, however, letting go of past mistakes and moving on is easier said than done. Unfortunately, this can be an impediment to living well after recovery. Luckily, there are some…
Mixing drugs and alcohol is always a recipe for disaster, but one combination, in particular, is especially dangerous: benzos and alcohol. Here’s a closer look at these two substances, along with why using them together can lead to life-threatening results. Dangerous Effects… People often drink alcohol as a way to socialize, relax, and/or celebrate; however,…
The most recent data is in from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and it’s not good news for Missouri residents. Not only have synthetic opioid overdose deaths undergone a significant increase in recent years, but the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in Missouri exceed the national average. Here’s a closer look at the…