As parents, it’s hard to believe that our children may be struggling with their mental health. However, it’s an important reality that we cannot ignore. Research shows that 3 out of 4 mental health conditions begin by age 24, and at least half of mental illnesses begin by age 14. Teenagers are commonly – and […]

Often, when we think about adolescence and young adulthood, we think about “easier” times. For parents, it’s easy to assume that our teenagers are carefree, living life, and have no worries in the world. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Mental health disorders are becoming increasingly common in teens—and COVID-19 has contributed to rising […]

The ongoing stress, fear, anxiety, and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on us globally. Since March 2020, we have been forced to cope with periods of isolation and disconnection, alongside grief of what we’ve lost, and worry about what lies ahead. It is easy, as adults, to think only about our […]

Research shows that approximately half of teenagers will use drugs by the end of 12th grade. Even more, about two-thirds of teens, will drink alcohol. Because these numbers are so high, it’s easy to believe that teen substance use is normal. It’s easy to shrug off our teen’s rebellion as “just a phase.” However, is […]

Substance addiction is a relapsing disease, much like asthma, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Research tells us that about half of people in recovery will relapse at one time or another. (This is similar to the rates of relapse for other chronic illnesses, like hypertension and asthma.) Despite how common relapse is, though, we often […]

For decades, we have watched drug overdose deaths climb to record numbers in the United States. Since 1999, when doctors started prescribing more opioid drugs, the number of fatal drug overdoses has quadrupled. In 2019, the latest research we have available, there were nearly 71,000 deaths caused by an overdose. However, early data suggests that […]

Drug addiction is a pervading and persistent disorder that causes lasting changes in the brain. While it is a treatable condition, it is not always easy to break free of the addiction cycle. This is because, when drugs are used over a period of time, the brain and body become dependent on them to function. […]

Are you scared to go to rehab, and get help for your addiction? You are not alone. Of the 21 million people out there with a substance use disorder, an estimated 90 percent do not pursue a rehab program. Much of the time, it is because they are scared – scared of what others might […]

Withdrawal is a term used to describe the symptoms your body experiences after quitting drugs and alcohol suddenly. The symptoms of withdrawal can be both psychological and physical, affecting a person’s quality of life. The severity of withdrawal symptoms, however, can vary, depending on a user’s level of dependence and the types of drugs being […]

Rehab and detox are two types of treatment that play an important role in a person’s recovery from addiction. Find out whether detox or rehab—or both—should be a part of your treatment plan. Substance use disorders (SUDs) happen after regular or repeated substance abuse. As drugs are used over a period of time, a person’s […]