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. There are ethical concerns about its long-term effects on recovery. Responsible use requires self-management, family support, and community resources to reduce stigma … 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. Still, 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
Resentment during sobriety is a common emotional challenge, often stemming from past anger, trauma, or unmet expectations. It can hinder recovery if not addressed. Treatment includes self-management strategies like mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and family support through open communication and healthy boundaries. Community resources such as support groups, therapy, and peer mentorship offer additional guidance and … Read more
Nicotine is highly addictive due to its ability to release dopamine in the brain, reinforcing repeated use rapidly. This leads to physical dependence, making quitting challenging due to cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine cessation therapies, like patches, gum, and lozenges, provide controlled doses of nicotine to ease withdrawal and cravings. These therapies help reduce dependence … Read more