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With the rise in alcohol abuse due to the pandemic, alcohol-induced blackouts or black out drinking has also increased. In fact, drinking until the point of blacking out has become increasingly popular. This alarming trend has become especially widespread among college students and young adults. 

Eating disorders and addiction often go hand in hand. In fact, eating disorders are commonly seen as conditions that present alongside a substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Only with concurrent treatment of both disorders, does a person have a higher chance of lifelong recovery.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) therapy is showing promising results as an effective treatment for alcohol and substance addiction. In the behavioral health system, traditional treatment methods for drug and alcohol addiction include medication-assisted treatments (MAT) and psychiatric therapies.

When it comes to substance use disorders, almost 1 million adults ages 65 and older suffer from an addiction to alcohol or prescription medications, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). According to data from the Health and Human Services Department, in 2020 more than 800,000 seniors suffered from drug addiction and 2.7 million seniors suffer from alcohol addiction.

During the State of the Union Address, fentanyl was a top priority on President Biden’s agenda. The overwhelming fentanyl crisis seemed to be a hot topic of discussion that both sides of the polarized government could be seen agreeing upon during the president’s address to the nation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology may make substance addiction treatment easier, more accessible and more effective. Do you need help keeping track of your medications? There is an app for that. Do you need assistance finding a local recovery support group? There is an app for that. With the advancements in AI and machine learning, digital programs are now being created to revolutionize the behavioral health care system.

Oxycodone is a popular semi-synthetic opioid medication normally prescribed to individuals experiencing chronic or severe pain. Oxycodone comes from the poppy plant, where the compound thebaine is synthesized and is used to produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. This ultimately suppresses and relieves any feelings of pain.

Heavy alcohol abuse can often lead to severe withdrawal. One of the most severe forms of alcohol withdrawal is called alcohol withdrawal delirium, also known as delirium tremens (DTS). In 1813, DTS was officially recognized as a disorder attributed to excessive alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disease caused by excessive consumption of alcohol despite the repeated negative consequences as a result of drinking. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and slows down brain activity, which also slows down physical bodily functions.

Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in many states, some people are turning to edibles as their preferred form of ingesting THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical compound within the cannabis plant that produces a psychoactive effect in the brain. Giving users the pleasurable sensation of feeling “high.” Edibles are food or drink products that are infused with THC.

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.