From weed and grass to ganja and Mary Jane, many monikers have been used to describe marijuana. It is an omnipresent drug in the United States and globally, making it one of the most commonly utilized substances today. In recent years, marijuana has been legalized in many states, including Washington. Many points to this as…
In the United States, tens of millions currently suffer from substance use disorders. Sadly, few will get the help they need. In some cases, individuals battling substance use may recognize that they have a problem but not seek treatment because they are stuck in a cycle of convincing themselves that each time they use will…
The impacts of drug and alcohol addiction are far-reaching, affecting not only the person suffering from addiction but their friends, family, and even society as a whole. People suffering from addiction are more likely to encounter legal problems than the general public because they are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Finding yourself involved…
The opioid epidemic has swept through our nation at an alarming rate. Opioids are drugs that impact the nervous system by blocking pain and creating feelings of euphoria. There are many drugs involved in the opioid epidemic, but because it is inexpensive to purchase and very easy to find, heroin is the most commonly abused…
Summertime: the days are long, skies are blue, and fun is in the air. Summer is a time of socialization full of parties, barbecues, concerts, vacations, and hanging out at the lake, pool, or ocean. For most people, alcohol is a central part of summertime activities. For those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse,…
A partial hospitalization program (PHP), sometimes referred to as a “day program,” is a mental health and addiction treatment option that falls in between residential and outpatient programs. A PHP provides the structure and intensive approach of an inpatient program but affords patients the ability to return home or a sober living environment for nights…
Mental illness encompasses a broad range of health conditions that affect a person’s emotions, mood, thinking, and behavior to the degree that it negatively impacts their daily functioning. It can be acute, coming on quickly and lasting for a short time, or chronic, where symptoms are long-lasting and persistent. There is clear evidence to support…
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed the last Monday in May to honor and mourn American military personnel who have died in the line of duty. Memorial Day is widely considered the unofficial start of summer and is often celebrated with picnics, barbecues, and parties involving alcohol and possibly other substances. These social events…
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This effort aims to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Throughout the month, organizations work together to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental illness and their families. This initiative…
One of the main things people rely on as they begin their recovery journey is the support of others. Face-to-face contact can be vital in helping you stay on track and not fall back into addictive behaviors. The onset of the novel coronavirus that began in earnest in the U.S. in March 2020 has understandably…