Jenny Metz 
A deflection program redirects individuals with substance use disorders from the justice system to treatment, treating addiction as a health issue. While beneficial, challenges include limited access, funding issues, and ethical concerns. Success depends on commitment to recovery and family support, which enhance long-term outcomes. Breaking the Cycle: How Addiction Deflection Programs Offer a Path … Read more
Burnout relapse can lead to addiction if individuals turn to substances for relief. Prevention requires self-management through stress reduction, family support for emotional stability, and community resources like mental health services and sober activities. Together, these strategies help manage burnout and reduce addiction risk. Burnout Relapse in Addiction Therapy: Recognizing, Preventing, and Overcoming It Burnout … Read more
Teen cough medicine abuse, especially with DXM or codeine, poses serious risks. Prevention requires parents educating teens and securing meds, government regulation and awareness, family support for healthy coping, and community education. Combined efforts create safer environments for teens. Teen Cough Medicine Abuse: Understanding the Risks and Prevention Teenagers are increasingly misusing over-the-counter (OTC) and … Read more
Addiction treatment during natural disasters faces challenges like disrupted care and increased relapse risk. State preparedness ensures continuity through emergency policies, telehealth, and mobile services. Individuals can manage recovery by securing medications and staying connected to support networks, while families provide stability and assistance. Community resources, including shelters and harm reduction services, play a vital … Read more
Resilience in addiction therapy helps individuals overcome cravings, relapse, and emotional struggles. Self-management, family support, and community resources provide stability, coping skills, and essential recovery tools, fostering lasting sobriety and growth. Building Resilience in Addiction Therapy: A Key to Long-Term Recovery Resilience in addiction therapy is the ability to cope with and overcome challenges related … Read more
Marijuana is being explored as a treatment for opioid addiction, potentially reducing cravings and pain without the addictive properties of opioids. However, it can cause cognitive impairment and the risk of marijuana dependence. Ethical concerns about its long-term effects on recovery exist. Responsible use requires self-management, family support, and community resources to reduce stigma and … Read more
Nicotine pouches are smokeless products that deliver nicotine through the mouth’s lining, stimulating dopamine release to manage dependency. While they reduce smoking risks, they may cause side effects like mouth irritation and headaches. Ethical concerns revolve around their role in harm reduction versus addiction. Self-management strategies include gradual nicotine reduction and craving control, while family … Read more
Stigma surrounding medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in recovery programs can hinder progress by fostering judgment and misconceptions. This stigma arises from a lack of understanding about MAT’s role in addiction recovery. Alleviating it involves self-management strategies that promote MAT acceptance, family support to create a non-judgmental environment, and community resources that educate and advocate for MAT … Read more
Varenicline (Chantix) is a prescription medication that helps individuals quit smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It works by affecting nicotine receptors in the brain, making smoking less rewarding. While effective, varenicline can cause side effects like nausea, vivid dreams, and mood changes. Its advantages include higher success rates in quitting smoking, but potential … Read more
Opioids and opiates are both substances that bind to opioid receptors in the brain, but while opiates are naturally derived from the opium poppy (e.g., morphine), opioids also include synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Both carry a high potential for addiction, as they trigger the release of dopamine, leading to physical dependence. Managing addiction requires effective … Read more