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Lexapro is a category of drugs called a sedative serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is often used to treat co-occurring mental health disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. Approved by the FDA in 2002, Lexapro works by balancing out the levels of serotonin in the brain and the nerves. Antidepressants like Lexapro are the most commonly prescribed substances in the United States with more than 40 million people taking these medications.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic disease that is caused by the inability to control excessive consumption of alcohol despite the consistent negative consequences. Individuals who are suffering from AUD often show both physical and emotional symptoms and are unable to maintain a standard of daily responsibilities in their professional and personal lives. What is a functional alcoholic? A high-functioning alcoholic is a person who has an AUD and is outwardly able to engage in daily life activities, despite drinking too much or too often.

Subutex is a synthetic opioid that is often used in medically managed detox and withdrawal management treatments such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and drug tapering. Also known as buprenorphine, Subutex is one of the first FDA-approved medications that are most typically used to treat opioid use disorder. It comes in the form of a tablet placed under the tongue until it dissolves and is absorbed. In conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes intensive substance abuse therapies and aftercare social services, Subutex helps individuals with addiction comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms, control any intense cravings and ultimately eliminate their dependence on opioids.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is defined as a chronic disease in which a person is unable to control excessive consumption of alcohol, has constant thoughts about alcohol or drinking and continues to drink alcohol despite experiencing negative consequences. In the U.S., an estimated 15 million adults suffer from alcohol addiction, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol addiction can have serious effects on both the mind and body.

Drug and alcohol addiction can be devastating to the person who is suffering from the disease. However, substance addiction not only affects the individual user but also affects the entire family unit. It is a family disease. As a loved one of an individual abusing drugs and alcohol, can you force someone into rehab?

Drug addiction and alcohol abuse has become a growing epidemic and has contributed to an alarming increase in overdose-related deaths. Now more than ever, substance addiction treatment is needed to help individuals relinquish their dependence on harmful and mind-altering drugs. However, because of the nature of the addiction in which it can alter normal brain functions and impair the ability to make rational decisions, those who are addicted to drugs do not always want to get the help they desperately need.

Since the global pandemic, telehealth and telemedicine services have increased within the healthcare industry and especially when it comes to mental health services, behavioral health services and substance use disorders. Could this new approach to providing critical services become a standard when implementing options for substance addiction care?

Is there a medication shortage on Adderall? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first reported an Adderall shortage in September of 2019 where it was expected to last until May 2022. However, today, more than 60% of pharmacies nationwide are struggling to keep both generic and Adderall medications in stock, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association. Patients are coming to their local pharmacies with the intent to fulfill their prescriptions and are not able to.

What are recovery support groups? Peer based support groups known as mutual help organizations that are free, peer led and focus mainly on social support for individuals with substance use disorders within the addiction recovery community. These support groups do not provide any formal type of treatment.

In studies regarding drug abuse, an estimated 90% of individuals who are dependent on cocaine are also dependent on alcohol. In fact, this combination of drugs has become a very popular form of polysubstance use causing alarming effects leading to addiction, overdose and sometimes death.