Addicted young people

About teenagers and college students additions

Addiction Telemedicine Barriers

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Telemedicine has expanded access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, but barriers remain, including technology gaps, regulatory hurdles, and stigma. Pharmacies add challenges such as reluctance to dispense medications, limited buprenorphine stocking, and insurance restrictions. Solutions like pharmacist training, stronger provider–pharmacy collaboration, and patient support networks can ease these barriers. Government efforts—through regulatory reforms, funding, … Read more

Increasing Female Drug Overdoses

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Overdose deaths among women have risen sharply, driven by factors like opioid use, mental health struggles, trauma, and stigma. In response, governments have expanded naloxone access, funded gender-focused treatment, and promoted trauma-informed care. Women can reduce risk through self-management strategies such as safe medication use and relapse prevention. Families support recovery by fostering open communication … Read more

Spotting Addiction in Family

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Addiction can be a tricky thing to spot, especially when it’s happening to someone you care about. It’s easy to miss the early warning signs, thinking they’re having a rough patch or going through a stressful time. The reality is, catching addiction early makes a big difference in how quickly that person can get support … Read more

Alcohol and Medications: Risks

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Mixing medications and alcohol is often overlooked until a problem arises, but the consequences can be severe. While having a drink while taking certain medications might seem harmless, the interactions can be unpredictable, sometimes leading to severe side effects or dangerous reactions. Even everyday combinations, like common over-the-counter drugs and alcohol, can catch people off … Read more

How to Help a Friend in Addiction

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Battling addiction is a tough road, and having support from friends can make a meaningful difference for someone going through it. Sometimes, figuring out what really helps (and what doesn’t) can be confusing. If you’re looking for ways to truly show up for a friend facing addiction, guidance from experts and people who’ve been there … Read more

Why Addicts Feel Guilty

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Addiction and guilt are closely connected for many people struggling with substance use. Even while making progress in recovery, feelings of guilt can linger, weighing on self-esteem, motivation, and emotional well-being. This guilt often stems from past mistakes, broken relationships, or perceived failures, making recovery even more challenging. In this article, I’ll explain why guilt … Read more

Preventing Addiction in Kids

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Preventing addiction in kids is something I care deeply about, both as a parent and as someone who’s seen the impact of substance misuse on families. It’s not just about saying “no”—it’s about understanding how addiction starts, what influences kids’ choices, and how daily interactions shape their coping skills. In this article, I’ll share guidance, … Read more

5 Steps to Help an Addicted Friend

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Supporting a friend through addiction can feel overwhelming. You want to help but may worry about saying something wrong or damaging the friendship. I’ve been there and learned that the way you approach matters as much as your intent. You can make a real difference with compassion and a few practical steps. Here are five … Read more

The Harm in Labeling Addicts

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Labels influence how people see themselves and how others respond to them. In the context of addiction, words like “addict” carry weight far beyond their literal meaning—they can define a person in the eyes of others and, more importantly, in their own mind. I’ve witnessed firsthand how these labels can stick, creating barriers and self-fulfilling … Read more

Turning Down PEDs: My Story

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Avoiding performance-enhancing drugs reflects my values and long-term goals. I’ve seen athletes gain fast but face hidden costs—health risks, dependency, and pressure to maintain results. I’ll share why I train drug-free, provide practical tips for others, and explain how discipline and integrity lead to lasting, rewarding results. Staying natural isn’t just about avoiding substances—it’s about … Read more