About alcoholism disease and treatments
West Virginia has stayed in the headlines for a tough reason: it currently has the highest overdose death rate in the United States. The opioid crisis has hit every corner of the country, but the impact in West Virginia is especially intense, touching families and communities in deep and lasting ways. I want to break … Read more
Sorting out the differences between Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and inpatient addiction care can seriously shape someone’s recovery adventure. Each approach comes with its own upsides and challenges, depending a lot on a person’s lifestyle, addiction history, and what kind of support works best. I’m going to dig into what you need to know about … Read more
Building a better relationship with someone who is struggling with addiction is rarely simple, but it can be one of the most meaningful factors in supporting long-term change and emotional well-being for everyone involved. Addiction—whether related to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other behaviors—often disrupts trust, communication, and emotional safety within relationships. Without guidance, even well-intentioned … Read more
Gaps in opioid addiction treatment continue to leave far too many people without access to care that could change—or even save—their lives. Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing medical condition that requires timely, individualized, and ongoing support, yet many people encounter obstacles at nearly every step of the treatment process. These barriers can include … Read more
Building healthy habits is a vital part of recovering from any addiction, but what often receives far less attention are the toxic habits that can quietly return and increase the risk of relapse. These patterns don’t always look dangerous at first—they often appear as small compromises, emotional shortcuts, or shifts in routine that slowly weaken … Read more
Alcohol has a reputation for letting people relax and unwind, but what’s really going on behind the scenes in your brain is more complicated than just feeling loose. When you drink, alcohol isn’t just changing your mood on the surface. It’s working deep inside your brain. Over time, this rewiring impacts not just how you … Read more
If you’ve ever experienced relapse or supported someone through it, you know how confusing and frustrating it can feel. It’s super common in recovery from substance use, mental health issues, or even habits like smoking or overeating. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about relapse, which only adds pressure and shame. Learning what relapse actually means, … Read more
Substance use disorders touch millions of lives across the United States. With 48 million people living with a diagnosable substance use disorder (SUD), it’s an issue that’s woven deeply into the fabric of many communities. Understanding the reasons behind these numbers and what helps or hinders recovery sheds light on both the problem and the … Read more
If you’ve ever read that a daily glass of wine is good for your heart, you’re definitely not alone. There’s a lot of buzz and even some old family traditions that paint light or moderate drinking as harmless, sometimes even healthy! But after checking out the latest research, the story turns out to be more … Read more
Cannabis use has gained attention as legalization expands and social attitudes shift. Often viewed as a low-risk or “natural” substance, it is commonly perceived as safer than other drugs. However, growing evidence shows that regular or heavy use can carry meaningful health risks. Research increasingly links cannabis use to cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, as … Read more