Does family genetics play a role in addictive behaviors and drug problems? FACT: The single most reliable indicator of risk for future alcohol and drug problems is FAMILY HISTORY (genetics). “Alcohol dependence and dependence on other drugs frequently co-occur, and strong evidence suggests that both disorders are, at least in part, influenced by genetic factors. … Read More
Marijuana: Should it be legal or not? Legalizing marijuana is a hot topic in the media these days. Those in favor of legalization claim they have many valid reasons. These include: people deserve freedom to use marijuana, keeping marijuana illegal is expensive (due to paying for people to be imprisoned for use, paying for anti-drug … Read More
J. A. Ewing devised an exceptionally simple questionnaire in the 1980’s to test for alcohol addiction. The results of this simple, easy test are profoundly accurate. It consists of four straightforward questions one may ask if they are questioning an alcohol addiction: Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking? Have you … Read More
Drug Rehab Success Story Shanin Rapp was born to a 14-year-old, drug-addicted mother who put her up for adoption. She was sexually and emotionally abused in her adoptive home, and had already started “sipping” alcohol by the age of 12. On her first time really drinking, she drank a fifth of vodka in less than … Read More
What is inpatient treatment? Inpatient, or residential, drug treatment requires that the person receiving treatment for addictions or substance abuse, resides in a facility for a designated length of time. Inpatient treatment may be either short or long term depending on the needs and situation of the individual. Both frameworks involve similar therapies. Inpatient treatment … Read More
Shocking Alcohol Abuse Statistics It is common knowledge that alcoholism and alcohol abuse are problems that affect us in the United States. However, some recent studies, which quantify and measure alcohol abuse related statistics, are somewhat shocking. The website learn-about-alcoholism.com posted some surprising statistics related to alcohol abuse. They indicate that: Alcohol is the #1 … Read More
Symptoms of Depression Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary depending on the individual. However, the more symptoms are exhibited, the stronger the symptoms are, and if the symptoms … Read More
What is cocaine? Although you may have heard it called coke, dust, toot, line, nose candy, snow, sneeze, powder, girl, white pony, flake, C, the lady, Cain, neuro-Cain, rock, or crack, it’s all cocaine: a powerfully addictive pain blocker extracted from the leaves of Erythroxylon coca, a plant that comes from the Andean highlands in … Read More
What is drug abuse? Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs, or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. The abuse of legitimate drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) can happen when people use the drugs in a manner or in quantities other than directed, or for purposes that are not legitimate. (health.nytimes.com) According to drugabuse.gov, … Read More
What is mental health? Recently, many have recognized that mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. Most people don’t suffer from mental illness; however, it is apparent that some individuals are mentally healthier than others. Defining mental health seems a little more difficult than defining mental illness because there is no manual … Read More
