Addiction

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2024 The Drug Enforcement Administration supports the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) during their annual National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW®) which has been held since 2010. NDAFW brings scientific experts and teens together to discuss the scientific facts about drugs, as well as their potential health effects on teen bodies and brains.  The week-long observance will be held March 18-24, 2024. Substance Use and the Teen Brain “As adolescents mature, they undergo complex developmental changes, especially in their brains. The widespread changes in the organization and functioning of the brain—which continue into a person’s mid-20s—bring about the cognitive, emotional, and social skills necessary for adolescents to survive and thrive. The nature of these rapid changes may also increase the adolescent brain’s vulnerability to alcohol exposure” (U.S. Department …

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Understanding how to help an alcoholic spouse requires patience, understanding, and a proactive approach. Encourage your spouse to seek professional help through therapy or support groups. Offer emotional support without enabling their behavior, and consider joining a support group to learn coping strategies. Setting boundaries is crucial for your well-being and can motivate them towards recovery. Addressing addiction within a family, especially when it involves a spouse, requires careful navigation through emotional and psychological complexities. Providing support while encouraging professional help from a doctor offering alcohol addiction treatment in Los Angeles is a delicate balance that demands understanding and patience. This article explores how to help an alcoholic spouse. Understanding Alcoholism Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a medical condition characterized by an inability to manage or cease alcohol consumption despite its adverse effects on one’s health, relationships, and responsibilities. It’s a chronic disease that can affect anyone, …

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Addiction is a brain disorder in which a person continues misusing drugs despite encountering harmful consequences. There are at least five signs of drug addiction in adults that make it clear someone has a problem with prescription or illicit drugs. The most common signs include mood or personality, behavior, appearance, relationship, and physical health changes.  If you or someone you know is displaying signs of drug addiction, it may be time to reach out for help and explore the benefits of addiction treatment. Drug addiction is a nationwide problem, with 48.7 Americans over twelve having a substance use disorder (SAMSHA). Some adults have an addiction to prescription or illicit opioids, and others are addicted to alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and numerous other products. Addiction negatively impacts someone’s personal, professional, academic, and social life. In this article, we explore five common signs of drug addiction in adults so you can know …

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Anti-craving medications play a pivotal role in addiction recovery by mitigating withdrawal symptoms and reducing the urge to use substances. This support is crucial for maintaining sobriety and enhancing the effectiveness of therapy and counseling. Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex challenge, often characterized by intense cravings and a high risk of relapse.  Anti-craving medication offers a beacon of hope, acting as a valuable tool in the arsenal against addiction. These medications can significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the path to recovery smoother and more manageable. In this article, you will discover the benefits of anti-craving medication for drug and alcohol addiction. What is Anti-Craving Medication? Anti-craving medication refers to pharmaceutical drugs specifically designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with drug and alcohol addiction.  These medications work by targeting the brain’s reward system, which is significantly affected by substance use. By altering the brain chemistry, …

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