Read more about current alcohol and drug addiction news and resources from Gateway.
Alcohol is the most commonly used intoxicant, with studies showing that 70 percent of people have had one or more drinks in the past year, and 55 percent of people report drinking in the past month. Despite the many well-known health consequences associated with alcohol consumption, many people put themselves in greater danger by mixing alcohol…
Addiction — the compulsive need to use and abuse drugs — is a severe and life-threatening condition. It strips you of money, relationships, career and health. Sometimes, addiction starts as a way to relax or have fun with friends. Other times, it results from the misuse of prescription medications given after a painful medical procedure. Regardless…
When you find out that your child is using pot, this news can be heartbreaking and confusing. Whether you caught your son smoking pot, found paraphernalia in your daughter’s room or they came home clearly high — you may be wondering what to do or if you should do anything at all. No matter your…
Becoming a doctor or nurse are two of the most rewarding careers as you get the opportunity to help others every single day. Sadly, long hours, intense stress and the weight of making life-or-death choices can take its toll. Many turn to alcohol or drugs to take the edge off. Yet, this can start a…
If you are a parent and are worried because your child has been acting differently than usual, you may be wondering how to interpret their changes in mood or a new group of friends. Depending on the circumstances and your observations, you might even believe it’s time to look for stash spots for drugs around…
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two cannabinoid-containing medications for the treatment of medical illness, marijuana itself has yet to be approved by the agency for this purpose. Nevertheless, many claims are made about CBD oil, marijuana itself and related products for managing a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Medical…
Drugs and music events have a long and interrelated history. Music festivals are often outdoor events where participants are free from the responsibilities of everyday life. In such situations, drug use can be a temptation and drugs are often sold. In fact, since festivals such as Woodstock in the 1960s, drugs have been openly used at…
If you’re like many people who saw comments related to a 2015 study published all over Facebook, you’re probably familiar with the four “types of drunks.” In this study, evidence was found to support the emergence of different personality types in individuals under the influence. From the study, one group was described as the “Ernest…
Hallucinogens include psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants, all three of which are drugs that can alter one’s sense of reality and sensory experiences. Over time, hallucinogen users can develop a psychological reliance on these substances. Psychedelics such as LSD can alter time and can create a spiritual type of experience where reality looks very different. Abusing…
Addiction is a disease that impacts every area of your life. If you’re ready to get help, you’ll need to understand that not all addictions are the same. Some people seem to have more of a physical dependence, where you experience the symptoms of your addiction in your body. Others seem more affected mentally, as…