Anxiety, depression, suicide, and ohter mental health issues are on the rise today. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about one in five adults in…
Twelve-step programs and the concept of God may go hand-in-hand for some but it’s a common misconception that you need to be religious or believe in God to be a…
Intergenerational trauma, also known as multi- or transgenerational trauma, is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) dictionary as “a phenomenon in which the descendants of a person who has…
When it comes to recovery and detox, many people want it to be fast and painless. This is particularly true for the detox phase of recovery. There are some rapid…
Codependency refers to a relationship that is dysfunctional and more or less one-sided. In the most simplistic terms, one person is the giver in the relationship and one person is…
Trauma-informed care has been gaining much attention recently. The need for healthcare professionals to understand trauma and how they can adapt their care procedures to be sensitive to patients’ past…
Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, cannabis, herb, grass, bud, and more, is a psychoactive drug sourced from the cannabis plant. The marijuana plant is native to Central Asia and…
Millions of Americans are living with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD). In fact, according to data from The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), almost 15 million…
Addiction treatment is one of the most common ways someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) gets help to begin their recovery process from alcohol…
If you have a family member or loved one who is addicted to alcohol or drugs, you may want to know how to have an intervention to help them. And…
The human brain is a three-pound mass of grey and white matter that controls all of our activity. From riding a bike and cooking a meal to drawing and solving…
Recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs can be tough. Not only is taking the first step and getting help sometimes very difficult to do but staying sober over time…
Millions of Americans are living with untreated addiction issues. According to data from the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap (CTAG), more than 23 million adults in the United States have…
The holidays are fast approaching and for some that means joy and for others sadness. Expectations surrounding what the holidays are supposed to look like can lead many to feel…
It’s that time of year again! Time for celebrating with family and loved ones, remembering what you’re grateful for, exchanging gifts, overindulging in food, and making resolutions for the year…
The holiday season brings with it nostalgia and a festive spirit for many. However, along with these joyful feelings can come anxiety and stress. For many, the holidays can increase…
The holidays conjure up different feelings and expectations for everyone. For some, it may bring joy, relaxation, and bliss. For others, the feelings may be more like anxiety, stress, and…
The opioid epidemic continues to wreak havoc across our great nation. Every year, thousands of individuals die from opioid overdose—many times accidentally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and…
HIV, AIDs, and addiction have been connected since the first-reported HIV-related illnesses and death 40 years ago. While it remains unclear as to whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired…
COVID-19 has now become a household word. More than a year has gone by since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic on March 20, 2020. Much has happened…
Ketamine, also known by the street names of Special K, K, Horse tranq, Super K, Jet K, Kit Kat, Vitamin K, and more, is a dissociative drug used legally as…
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports there are 7.7 million American adults with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance abuse issues. Additionally, of the 20.3 million adults in…
California Sober is a somewhat newly coined term made well known by the pop singer, Demi Lovato. In her song, California Sober, Lovato talks about her ‘semi-sobriety’ also known as…
Kratom refers to an extract from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree which is native to Southeast Asia. The compounds found in these leaves can have mind-altering or psychotropic…
Each year on November 11 our nation takes a day to honor the service and sacrifice of our brave military members both past and present. This day, the 11th has…
Are you stressed out? Do you feel overwhelmed? Chances are you do. About 60% of American adults report being ‘stressed’, according to a 2020 Gallup poll. What’s even more concerning…
First responders suffer more from mental health issues than the general public. This group of individuals is exposed to more significant trauma on a regular basis. Research shows it’s resulting…
Everyone experiences sad feelings from time to time. From feeling down and lethargic to not wanting to spend time with family and friends, being down in the dumps happens in…
October is LGBTQ History Month. This is a month-long observance of the history of the LGBTQ+ community as well as the related civil rights movements. This important month of observance…
October is National Bullying Prevention Month with October 13 being Stop Bullying Day also known as Unity Day. These national campaigns that aim to spread awareness and prevention first became…
Fentanyl is a synthetic, highly addictive opioid. It is both a legal prescription drug and an illicit drug made in underground labs. Both prescription fentanyl and illicit fentanyl can be…
Domestic violence also referred to as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), is defined by the National Center Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) as the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery,…
Every year, millions of Americans live with mental health disorders. In fact, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), in the United States one in every five adults…
There are different types of therapy used in the treatment of individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD). The best therapies for substance abuse treatment are those that are evidence-based.…
Gratitude and being grateful are terms heard often in recovery. Developing an attitude of gratitude comes easily for some and for others takes some practice and habit-building. However, no matter…
Teenagers and young adults are the future of our nation. Today’s teens and young adults face new and unprecedented challenges as well as stressors. Turning to both legal and illegal…
Brain injuries can occur to anyone at any time. There are multiple causes of brain injuries; from sports accidents and motor vehicle accidents to falls and strokes. No matter what…
World Suicide Prevention Day is held each year on September 10 in an effort to promote awareness about suicide. This international day of awareness has been celebrated each year since…
Recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is possible. Today, there are about 23 million Americans in long-term recovery according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). September…
September is Pain Awareness Month. Pain is defined as physical discomfort or suffering caused by illness or injury. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that about 100 million…
Sadness, loss, pain, and grief—they are parts of life. Everyone experiences these at some point in their lives to one degree or another. Grief can occur for various reasons and…
Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated on August 26 of each year since 1972. This nationally recognized day is set aside to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment in…
The number of senior citizens in the United States is soaring. And so too, is this group’s rate of both alcohol use disorders (AUD) and substance use disorders (SUD). According…
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day and the need for awareness of death from overdose has never been more important. As the number of both overdoses and death from…
Addiction to drugs—both illicit and legal—continues to grow across the United States. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), since 2000 there have been upwards of 700,000…
Addiction doesn’t discriminate. No matter your age, gender, education, family background, or socio-economic status you can become dependent on alcohol or other substances. Jamie Lee Curtis is a perfect illustration…
Fellowship in recovery is vital. The importance of fellowship in sobriety is promoted in addiction treatment centers and support groups for addiction recovery too. Anyone who has been in recovery…
Anyone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) knows that addiction can quickly take over your life. Getting your substance of choice becomes the primary concern…
If you are in recovery or have been around others in recovery the term, ‘dry drunk’ is something you’ve most likely heard. “He’s been in recovery for 10 years but…
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that in 2015 a staggering 95.4% of individuals who met the criteria for needing treatment for drug or alcohol abuse…
There are millions of people across the globe who have a mental health disorder including some type of substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Of these millions,…
First responders don’t simply respond to emergencies—they put their lives on the line—each and every day. If we look to our recent past, we can see the toll the energy,…
Forgiveness. It can be a loaded word. For some, it comes easily but for others, it can be very difficult to forgive. However, according to years of ancient wisdom as…
Businesses shut down. Schools closed. People lost jobs, loved ones, and so much more. The way of life as many people knew it was turned upside down by COVID-19. Is…
Cocaine use and overdose from cocaine have been on the rise in the United States for the past several years. In fact, according to data from the Centers for Disease…
The human mind is amazing. It works in complex ways with the body to keep us alive, help us to heal, and enable us to continue on through challenges and…
June 21 was officially made the International Day of Yoga in 2015 by The United Nations. Yoga has grown in popularity over the last few decades and is good for…
Studies have demonstrated that men are more at risk than women for certain health conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. It’s common for people to be…
June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning ( LGBTQ+) community. What began as a Memorium of the Stonewall…
Father’s Day has been celebrated across the United States for many years. Celebrated on the third Sunday in June, this day that is set aside to recognize and honor fathers…
There are millions of people across the nation who are living in recovery. In fact, according to recent data, about one in ten adults in the United States reported having…
Living a healthy lifestyle is vital for good physical and mental health. How we feel on the inside and the outside are key for how much we enjoy life and…
Trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an emotional response to a serious and horrific event. Accidents, natural disasters, violence, and rape are just some examples of…
Women are drinking more alcohol and experiencing serious health issues from alcohol consumption at unprecedented—and alarming—rates. And while excessive drinking can cause problems for anyone, statistics show that women who…
Meditation is defined as focusing one’s mind or thinking deeply about something for a period of time. Meditating can take a few different forms and is performed for various reasons.…
The month of May marks several dates honoring first responders. For all the sacrifices they make, the dedication they exhibit, and their acts of selflessness, first responders deserve more than…
Stress is something that is a normal part of life. At times, stress can help us rise to the occasion and succeed. Other times, stress can derail us from successfully…
Addiction is not a self-contained disease. Even when individuals with a substance abuse disorder (SUD) isolate themselves, thinking they aren’t hurting anyone (perhaps other than themselves), the negative behaviors and…
An estimated one in five American adults—51.5 million—live with a mental illness. Mental illness can range from mild to severe, impacting people in various ways. For some, their mental illness…
Long-term, sustainable recovery from alcohol or drugs is not only possible, thousands of people experience it every day. Staying sober or free from alcohol and drugs for the long haul…
The first step is done: Your loved one is on the way to treatment. Perhaps, it was your friend, a sibling, or child who made the decision to go on…
The statistics involving children who live with parents and caregivers with addiction issues are alarming. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an…
When we look at the activities that we celebrate in the United States, it all seems to revolve around drinking. Alcohol appears to have a place at every event, from…
Alcohol and its consumption have been a part of our society for many years now. When it comes to drinking alcohol, there are many who ask, “Am I an alcoholic?’.…
Addiction to alcohol or drugs impacts millions of Americans every day. And while many find addiction treatment facilities, receive treatment, and go on to live substance-free, happy lives, there are…
Overcoming an addiction is a complicated process since there is no known cure and no one size fits all solution. In fact, it may be more accurate to think of recovery as…
When a loved one enters an addiction treatment center or rehab for an alcohol or substance use disorder, family and loved ones are often relieved. Loved ones are grateful that…
During my first week out of treatment, I had never been so scared. But, beneath my fear, I had a resolve to stay sober like I’d never had before. As…
In the United States, drug use has risen across all generations, genders, and demographics. Drug misuse has reached unprecedented levels, whether it’s heroin, prescription painkillers, marijuana, or synthetics. Our collective…
Many people—for one reason or another—have trouble sleeping at some time in their life. For some, emotional or mental stress may make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Even…
“Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” -Erma Bombeck Stress and worry go hand in hand. Something you perceive as…
Each year millions of American women become pregnant. Pregnancy can be a different experience for each woman who experiences it. For some, it is a dream come true, for others…
The minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) varies from one country to another. Therefore, what is considered ‘underage drinking’ is also different. No matter what the MLDA is in each country,…
Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, with millions of people drinking it on a daily basis all across the globe. The consumption of alcohol…
Today, there are so many choices of alcoholic beverages. From red wine and hard seltzers to craft beers and flavored liquors, there is a type of alcoholic drink to please…
Substance use disorders (SUDs) can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, education, and socioeconomic background. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), substance use disorder is a complex brain disease…
Stress, worry, anxiety, fear, and depression. These are all uncomfortable feelings many people experience at one time or another during the course of life. However, COVID-19 has made many who…
Alcohol and drug addiction remain a public health concern in the U.S and around the world. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), substance use disorder…
Regardless of age, race, history, or why they began using drugs and alcohol in the first place, people from all walks of life can have issues with substance abuse. Some…
“Wherever you are, be there totally.” Eckhart Tolle These words of wisdom from the renowned best-selling author and spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle are sometimes, oftentimes, easier said than done. When…
Alcohol share many of the attributes and features that are generally seen or experienced with many drugs. And yet, most people hardly ever consider it to be a drug due…
Drug and alcohol addiction both continue to negatively impact our nation. Data shows that getting professional help at a drug and alcohol rehab with evidence-based treatment programs can help those…
When you or a loved one suffers from an alcohol use disorder (AUD), you may be uncertain about the various treatment services available. Or you may have already heard about…
Alcohol influences people in various ways, while not everyone who has a glass of wine occasionally ends up abusing it. Some, however, lose all sense of control when it comes…
Binge drinking is often equated with being in college or in your young adult years. From frat parties and sorority mixers to finally becoming ‘of age’ and frequent drinking at…
Having an occasional glass of wine or beer at a social gathering or while having dinner is rarely a cause for concern. But the problem begins when a person starts…
Many of us have happily waved goodbye to 2020 and excitedly have welcomed in a new year full of opportunities and changes. And while the start of 2021 was a…
Drinking alcohol contributes to millions of disabilities, health issues, and deaths across the globe each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports more than 3 million alcohol-related deaths annually. What’s…
The kindling effect occurs after multiple failed efforts have been made to detox from sedative-hypnotic drugs, such as alcohol. When it comes to alcoholism, kindling effects are the main cause…
As studies and research continue to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, growing statistics show specifically how the pandemic has negatively affected young people. According to one study…
Futures embraces the complexity of addiction, co-occurring mental health, and primary mental health conditions to empower recovery and improve outcomes through evidence-based practice, coordinated care, and mission-driven culture.
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