Read more about current alcohol and drug addiction news and resources from Gateway.
It’s harder to battle one’s hidden demons during crisis or stress. As more people get vaccinated, individuals have a general sense of hope that they may soon see the pandemic’s end. Yet, time in quarantine and lockdown has deeply impacted the most vulnerable people in society — particularly those battling substance addiction. COVID-19 quarantines have…
When it comes to committing to treatment for drugs or alcohol, the first obstacle you have to overcome is yourself. If your life is in shambles, your closest relationships are begging you to consider help or you feel like everything you cherish is slipping through your fingers, addiction treatment offers you a way out. It’s…
Substance addiction can transform the person you know and trust into a stranger who will do almost anything to get high. Theft is a heartbreaking but all too common side effect of substance misuse, stemming from a need to get money to buy more drugs. If you’ve discovered someone you care for is stealing to…
In conversations about the dangers of addiction, two confusing terms are sometimes thrown around — “hard drugs” and “soft drugs.” These arbitrary categories have no clear criteria or definition, and they also have no scientific basis. Most people will say that hard drugs should be avoided like the plague. Some mistakenly think that soft drugs…
Chronic pain impacts over a quarter of Americans. While many people manage their discomfort with over-the-counter pills, some chronic pain is treated by doctors with short-term prescriptions for painkillers. Narcotic medications, like OxyContin or Vicodin, are opioids and thus highly addictive. Even when they’re prescribed, you are at risk of dependence or even becoming addicted to…
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a vital diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association. This text is considered the gold standard on mental health and influences how disorders are investigated, diagnosed and treated — including addiction. DSM-5 is the fifth edition, which was updated in 2013 with input from…
With the football season at an end, sports fans are looking forward to one of the biggest, most exciting events in the sports year — March Madness. The NCAA Division I collegiate men’s basketball tournament has been played since 1939 and is now a yearly tradition. Fans transform into avid enthusiasts, donning jerseys and bragging…
Can you develop a wine addiction? The answer is yes. While excessive drinking is more often associated with beer or liquor, wine is still a type of alcohol. A five-ounce glass of wine contains the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce glass of beer or 1.5 ounces of liquor. When evaluating your alcohol consumption,…
If you or someone you know has been drinking more during the global pandemic, you’re not alone. The COVID-19 crisis has created challenges for many people, which has caused some to turn to alcohol as a way of coping. Increased Alcohol Consumption During the Pandemic There are several indicators that alcohol consumption has been on…
Reaching out to a treatment center is the first step in recovery. Yet, many Americans do not reach out for help because they haven’t fully realized how severe their addiction is. A 2016 study published revealed that approximately 19.9 million American adults needed substance use treatment over the previous year. Of this group, only 10.8% received help…
September is National Recovery MonthTo celebrate this month, we are giving free, confidential addiction assessments. They only take a few minutes, so call or click below to find out if you, or someone you love needs help now.
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