The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have large-scale negative impacts on substance use and mental health around the world with increases in anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis1,2. Fear of contagion, job loss and economic struggles, and the stress of having a loved-one sickened by the virus, have increased stress levels1,2. Becoming severely
A Crisis Falling by the Wayside Concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic are eclipsing another very real, preexisting crisis: the opioid crisis. Heroin overdose continues to claim the lives of thousands of Americans each year. It also results in babies born addicted to drugs and separated from their families. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, it’s
The state of Oregon, long upheld as a paradise for progressive policies, became the first state to decriminalize hard drugs in the U.S. This was done with the passage of Measure 110, which passed in the November 2020 election. Research shows that in 2018 there were more than 1.6 million drug arrests in the United States. Over three-quarters
When people think about addictive prescriptions, they often think about opioids like OxyContin. We don’t often hear about other prescription drugs, which are just as addictive and can be just as deadly. One such class of prescription drugs is Benzodiazepines, which treat conditions such as anxiety and seizures. Benzo drugs include various substances that we
Importance of Community In his 2015 TEDTalk, British journalist Johann Hari offered a unique perspective on addiction. He stated the opposite of addiction wasn’t sobriety or recovery; it is connection. During the current Covid-19 pandemic, staying connected has been difficult for everyone and seems to be incredibly difficult for people in recovery from a substance
You may think of “addiction” as a term related to drug and alcohol use, but it actually describes both substance abuse and some compulsive behaviors, including pornography consumption. Watching porn can become just as addictive as using substances, and the processes and impacts of the two kinds of addiction are very similar. In fact, they
Dax Shepard is known by many as a jovial, personable actor and comedian. Starring in the hit sitcom, Parenthood, Shepard quickly became a household name, especially with his famous wife and actress, Kristen Bell. While Shepard is certainly known and recognized for his on-screen roles, he is also a beacon of hope for many revering
September is National Recovery Month. During the month, attention and awareness are brought to substance use and those who have completed recovery successfully are celebrated. These individuals are encouraged to share their stories through various vehicles in order to shine a light on what it is like to experience addiction and highlight what it means
