Losing a Parent to Drug Overdose Data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that there has been a sharp increase in drug overdose deaths among adults aged 55-64, from 4.2% in 1999 to 28.0% in 2017. This massive increase in mortality has caused children to suffer. After losing a parent to drug overdose, many children…
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What Are Barbiturates? Barbiturates are central nervous symptom depressants used as a treatment for sleep-related disorders, anxiety and seizure disorders. These drugs were commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s but were superseded by benzodiazepines, which is a safer option, due to increased cases of overdose and dependency issues. Barbiturates are harmless when taken in…
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If you are in recovery, having a pet may not seem like a priority. However, pets in recovery can be an important source of comfort and support. In fact, pets can help you in several ways: Companionship in Recovery Recovery does not have to be lonely. If you are still working on strengthening human relationships…
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For a long time, many addiction therapists and professionals have spoken about gateway drugs. Gateway drugs are substances that can lead to the use of more addictive and dangerous substances. Alcohol, marijuana and prescription pills are the most common substances defined as gateway drugs. What Is a Gateway Drug? What is a gateway drug, specifically? The…
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While the country focuses on opioid use, amphetamine — commonly known as meth — is being overshadowed even though it’s making a comeback in the United States. According to a recent study, hospitalizations due to amphetamine have risen about 245% from the last decade. This figure is absurdly high when compared to hospitalizations from opioids, which were…
DetailsSave the date for Gateway’s Illuminating Recovery Gala About the Event On September 23rd, 2020, join us for our annual “Illuminating Recovery” dinner at Venue West in West Town, Chicago. The evening commemorates Gateway’s 50+ years in addiction recovery and celebrates the work of the various centers across the nation. Reception begins at 6:00 P.M., followed…
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While alcoholism and addiction are struggles faced by many, some professions are more affected. A Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report shows that blue-collar workers have the highest rates of substance abuse. Some affected industries include construction, mining and manufacturing. Employees in blue-collar professions often struggle with alcohol, cocaine, heroin and prescription pills. These…
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When most of us think about people with addiction problems, few people imagine a white collar professional such as a well-groomed family lawyer or high-brow bank manager. Although it may come as a surprise to you and many others, addiction is widespread among white-collar professionals. These people make good money and tend to have surplus…
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The term “process addiction” refers to activities and behaviors that are addictive for certain individuals. A process addiction develops when the brain is activated to produce pleasant feelings whenever an action is engaged, making an individual more likely to repeat that activity in the future. The pleasurable sensations produced are the same as those produced…
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Watching a friend or loved one struggle with substance abuse and addiction is painful. You may feel helpless and wonder how you can be supportive to the person in a genuinely helpful manner. Sober friends and family are crucial in helping people maintain recovery, so learning to be a sober ally is the best way…
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