A question that’s asked often is ‘how do I know if I have lost control of drug or alcohol use?” Plenty of people who use drugs and alcohol on a regular basis swear they can stop anytime they want. And the truth is, not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol needs to help. Just as many people who do need help aren’t able to recognize that they’ve lost control of their drug or alcohol use. So how do you tell if you or a loved one has lost control of drug or alcohol use? Read more →
Teens are especially vulnerable to alcohol use and abuse. Their age also requires a unique approach to educating, preventing, and addressing alcohol problems. During Alcohol Awareness Month, we are focusing on ways to recognize alcohol abuse, talk to your teen about it, and help prevent it.
The scary fact is that teens who start using alcohol before the age of fifteen are four times more likely to become alcohol dependent as they get older. This is why education and prevention are so key. A brain compromised from alcohol abuse will cause a teen to miss important developmental lessons, so early intervention is crucial. Read more →
Is pot getting stronger? The answer is yes. Over the past two decades the potency of pot has nearly tripled, according to tests done for the federal government. This comes at a time when many states are considering legalizing pot and some have already made the move. So what does stronger, more potent pot mean? And what should consumers be aware of? Read more →
Our Alcohol Awareness Month topic this week is How to Curb Youth Drinking? According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more so than tobacco or illicit drugs. Not only does early use of alcohol put youth at risk for developing dependence later in life, but alcohol use increases the number of injuries and deaths related to alcohol misuse, while exacerbating many problems that already exist for our young people. So what are the risks of underage drinking and how might we help to curb youth drinking? Read more →
What is chronic pain? Chronic pain can exist in many forms. It can be mild or unbearable. It can come in spurts or be continuous. It can also range from being an inconvenience to being debilitating. Typically, it’s categorized as pain that lasts longer than three to six months. Read more →
Alcohol Awareness Month in April was founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) in 1987. Its aim is to promote public awareness about alcoholism, educate, and help reduce the stigma surrounding alcoholism that often acts as a barrier for people and families needing help.
The theme for this year is “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow,” which speaks to all those who are effected by alcoholism including our youth, families and communities. Read more →
