December is for Secret Santas, holiday parties and kissing under the mistletoe. What you may not know is that December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of car…
How Alcohol Affects the Adolescent Brain
In the United States, the law says that a person must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol. However, many people are tempted to drink while underage either from peer pressure or because of parents who drink. Regardless of the reason, statistics show that three out of every four teenagers in high school…
A Love Affair with Heroin
Can a drug be so powerful that you neglect your relationships, employment, and health to continue using? A love affair with heroin creates a false sense of security while stealing your life. Eventually, the relationship turns into a love/hate one and to stop using you have to enter a heroin drug rehab program. China White…
The NFL and DUI: One and the Same?
Why is it so hard to not drink and drive? That’s a question the National Football League is asking. Again. Josh Brent of the Dallas Cowboys was arrested last weekend for intoxication manslaughter. He was treated for minor injuries after an accident that killed his friend and teammate, Jerry Brown. Athletes who put themselves and…
Depression and Alcoholism
Depression and alcoholism are one of the most common combinations of dual diagnosis today. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 6.7% of all U.S. adults. Many depressed people are unaware that alcohol only compounds their…
Surviving Stigma in Addiction
Surviving Stigma in Addiction According to a study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, privately insured addicts are less likely to receive addiction treatment. Three possible reasons for the lack of treatment are: Private insurance restrictions on entering treatment. Privately insured individuals have less severe problems with drugs and alcohol. Stigma attached to…
Boundaries in Recovery
When you were in active addiction, boundaries were blurred or nonexistent. The lack of boundaries in your life allowed others to manipulate, abuse and take advantage of you and even put you in harm’s way. This also led to codependent relationships, which continued to feed your addiction. Where Do Boundary Issues Come From? Your issues…
Ladies, Beware of the Six-Letter Word
Ladies, Beware of the Six-Letter Word A fun night at that trendy restaurant or bar with the girlfriends won’t be complete without a drink or two or three. However, you may want to think twice about that having that second drink. According to a research study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, women drinking 14…
Drunkorexia: The Dangerous Diet
If you go to a trendy bar or club you are bound to see impossibly thin partygoers guzzling down drinks. Ever wonder how they keep so thin? The number of drinks and the frequency with which they drink should equal a pot belly, love handles or a muffin top. However, these skinny binge drinkers have…
5 Ways to Stay Sober on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner. There are a lot of things you have to do in preparation for the big day, including planning to stay sober. Here are five ways to help you avoid relapse on Thanksgiving: Start a new tradition: Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be about an elaborate dinner. You can break…
