In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared an opioid epidemic in the United States. However, opioid abuse was occurring prior to that announcement, and has increased in popularity ever since. Currently, 2.1 million people are addicted to opioids including prescription painkillers. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), … Continued
A Colorado county recently sued the nation’s pharmaceutical companies and distributors, blaming them for the states’ growing drug crisis. Huerfano County filed the suit claiming the companies are responsible for the ongoing Colorado opioid epidemic. Located in the southern part of the state, the county’s lawsuit is the first of its kind filed by local … Continued
In early recovery, your body is adjusting without drugs and alcohol. Of all the changes your body experiences in recovery, insomnia is one of the most common. Whether its due to cravings, withdrawals or anxiety, insomnia causes lack of sleep. Being tired is a key trigger for relapse, so it is important to get a … Continued
It might seem extreme to some, but many countries have been considering decriminalizing drug use. The reason being is that people who receive treatment opposed to punishment are less likely to re-offend, commit a crime, and cost public more money. In Norway, the Parliament just passed a plan to decriminalize drugs. Yes, that means all … Continued
Addiction is a serious chronic disease, and just like any other chronic disease, a lengthy treatment plan is required to successfully transition a person into recovery. Addiction cannot be cured with a magic pill or with an expensive resort-style 30-day program on the beach. Addiction requires a carefully planned individualized program, starting with detox and … Continued
The National opioid epidemic is taking the country by storm, causing record numbers of addiction, people seeking help, and people dying as a result of their opioid addiction. This is becoming news to some and people are wondering what is being done to stop the crisis and how bad it has already gotten. Much of … Continued
In addiction recovery, many people feel filled with remorse and shame from what they did in active addiction. It can be so easy to dwell on the past and feel unworthy of love or forgiveness. These feelings can be very dangerous and many times lead to relapse. Learning present moment awareness meditation can help this … Continued
As you can imagine, the brain is severely altered after years of substance abuse. Many illicit drugs, including alcohol, affect the parts of the brain that are responsible for reward and pleasure. Dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA receptors are all synthetically manipulated while using drugs, which eventually causes long-term damage that can take a lot … Continued
Due to the national opioid crisis, health professionals are looking for new ways to treat pain in order to leave opioids as a last resort. Since the 1990s, opioids have been used as a first line of defense against all types of pain. This has manifested into the massive nationwide opioid addiction crisis. Doctors once … Continued
Around the country, lawsuits and criminal charges are becoming more and more common for drug manufacturers and doctors relating to the opioid crisis. As the nation becomes more aware of the deadly epidemic that has been growing since the 90’s, people want answers and are looking for people to blame. Drug makers are being investigated … Continued
