Everyone knows that human beings are not perfect. Why, then, should we find it so difficult to comprehend that imperfections do not mean that we are a failure? For the average person who is not in recovery, learning how to live with imperfections may be something that isn’t all that much of a problem. But for those [...]
According to the most recent end-of-year World Drug Report by the United Nations, the United States is one of the countries most affected by substance use in the developed world. Last year, the United States had one of the highest rates of marijuana use, matched by Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The same holds true [...]
A behavioral addiction is one that does not involve dependence on a chemical substance. Traditionally, experts have categorized addictions as chemical or behavioral and really only considered the former to be a true addiction. This means that according to the professionals in psychology, psychiatry, and other disciplines, you can only really be addicted to drugs [...]
By Suzanne Kane In an historic move, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval signed into law a bill that legalizes online gambling in the state, making Nevada the first state in the country to approve interstate online gambling. Nevada’s coup is in beating out New Jersey’s push to set the precedent. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, [...]
If you are one of those individuals addicted to heroin or other opioid, such as OxyContin, the idea that you could continue using with a somewhat lesser evil might be appealing. For many persons seeking to come off heroin or OxyContin addiction, going to methadone may seem like a no-brainer.
Families inherit hundreds of characteristics through the generations, and alcoholism is among the most deadly of those traits and genetic tendencies. Around 10 percent of people in the U.S. are believed to suffer from alcoholism over the course of their lifetime, and thousands will die – even though alcoholism itself is not often listed as [...]
Going to the gas station – or convenience store, or even tobacco store – shouldn’t be an exercise that jeopardizes someone who’s in recovery from one or another type of addiction. But more and more, it seems that it is. That’s because these retail outlets are legally able to display bongs and glass pipes – [...]
If you have a dual diagnosis, you more than likely already know how cruel people can be. Those suffer from substance abuse and a mental health disorder are often looked upon in a disparaging light, subject to hurtful comments and rude behavior. Some of this you may know all too well. That’s the reality, but [...]
Gambling addiction can wipe you out – financially, physically, emotionally, and socially. Once you reach the point of compulsive gambling, sooner or later you’ll find yourself on the down slope of this addictive pastime. Millions of Americans have come to this painful realization, while many more continue to allow gambling to control their lives. Getting [...]
Alcoholism is a scourge that affects all members of the family, not just the alcoholic. The damage is pernicious and inescapable, and has long-term negative consequences for all concerned. An estimated 27.8 million children in the United States are affected by or exposed to a family alcohol problem – and preliminary research suggests that more [...]