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Behavioral health treatment can provide relief, support and help for those who are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction. Alcohol and other substances have been a social and spiritual element in almost every culture around the world for thousands of years. Over time it has evolved from being used in important specialized ceremonies to being used for recreational purposes. People use substances to achieve a certain mental and physical state of being.

The opioid epidemic has become an alarming public health issue since the mid 90’s with the introduction of a popular pain medication into the market. The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma developed the drug OxyContin. OxyContin is a strong opioid drug used to treat severe and chronic pain symptoms. Since the alarming rise in opioid addiction, overdose and death, a recent lawsuit was filed against the company Purdue Pharma, pointing fingers at its influence and involvement in the public health crisis. There has been mounting evidence that shows Purdue Pharma and OxyContin has played a significant role in the opioid addiction crisis in the U.S.

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause a whole host of side effects. Alcohol has the ability to alter brain functions. In turn, it can affect various aspects of both physiological, behavioral and cognitive functions. Anything from memory impairment, liver damage and gastrointestinal conditions can be affected by alcohol abuse and addiction. Can excessive drinking cause hair loss?

An addiction to drugs and alcohol is a disease that affects every aspect of a person’s persona and behavior. Substance addiction does not discriminate. Though there are a multitude of varying factors that can affect a person’s development of an addiction, no one is immune. Anyone from any background, ethnicity or age can develop an addiction. Are there ways to identify if someone may have an addiction to substances? What are the signs that someone is on drugs?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is one of the most common forms of substance abuse in the United States. Alcohol is legal and easily accessible. Making the chances of developing an alcohol addiction much more likely compared to other illegal substances. Through research and evidence-based treatments, Vivitrol has been seen to make a significant impact on treating and curbing alcohol cravings.

The use of alcohol and heroin has become a very popular drug combination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have an alcohol use disorder are twice as likely to also develop an addiction to heroin. This form of polysubstance abuse occurs when a person is addicted to alcohol and begins to use heroin to increase its sedative effects.

For the first time in many years, the American Psychological Association (APA) has issued strong recommendations for helping young people navigate the use of social media due to its impact on teen health and wellness. With the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the impact of teen mental health has never been more concerning. The rise in the influence of social media along with the effects of the pandemic, have created a catalyst for serious mental health conditions in young people.

Exercising and physical activity can be a great way to help with physical and mental wellness. It can be especially beneficial for those who are in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. This unique form of “medicine” is great for healing the body and mind. Physical activity is defined as body movements that require any form of energetic expenditure. Running, walking, tennis, yoga and swimming are all forms of physical activity.

What are benzodiazepines? Why are they addictive? Benzodiazepines or benzos are central nervous system depressant drugs that slow down the messaging activity between the brain and the body. These types of medications are often prescribed to help people who have issues with anxiety, panic disorders, sleep disorders and seizures. It is also used to treat psychiatric symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Researchers have found that more people are turning to self-medicating for ADHD treatments. Self-medication is a symptom typically associated with a substance (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). ADHD self-medication has become increasingly common, especially among teens and young adults.