If you’ve never encountered the drug called krokodil, consider yourself fortunate. This dangerous substance has the ability to cause grievous harm to anyone who uses it – and in recent years, reports of its presence in cities throughout the United States have become increasingly common. What is the Drug Called Krokodil? Krokodil (which is the…
If you think that someone you care about has been abusing substances, being able to identify drug paraphernalia can help you confirm your suspicions. This can be an important step toward connecting your loved one with professional help. What is Drug Paraphernalia? Drug paraphernalia is an extremely broad term that can be applied to a…
When someone that you care about becomes addicted to alcohol or another drug, it’s understandable to feel frustrated and helpless. And while you can’t cure your loved one’s substance use disorder, you can play an important role in their recovery efforts. Simply offering encouraging words for someone in rehab can make a tremendous positive impact…
SMART Recovery groups and AA meetings are two of the most widely known support resources for people who have been struggling with addictions to alcohol and other drugs. When you understand the similarities and differences between SMART Recovery vs. AA, you can make the most informed choice about which approach is right for you. What…
The impact of addiction extends far beyond the individuals who have become dependent on alcohol or other drugs. Spouses, partners, and children are among those who are most likely to also be negatively affected when people develop substance use disorders (which is the clinical term for addiction). Understanding how to deal with your husband and…
In some old films, characters who had alcohol problems were sometimes portrayed as needing a drink to steady themselves and stop their hands from shaking. Unfortunately, alcohol shakes and tremors aren’t merely a movie trope. They are signs that a person’s body has been damaged by alcohol abuse. What are Alcohol Shakes and Tremors? Tics,…
Let’s be abundantly clear here: There is no such thing as safe methamphetamine abuse. Whether you are smoking, swallowing, inhaling, or snorting meth, you are risking your health (and possibly your life) every time you ingest this highly dangerous drug. What Is Snorting When it Comes to Drugs? In the context of substance abuse, snorting…
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) reports that there are more than 580,000 homeless individuals in the United States. About 46,000 of these people – or approximately 8% of the U.S. homeless population – live in the city of Los Angeles. As local, state, and national leaders examine both possible causes and potential solutions…
Although marijuana is one of the most commonly abuse substances in the United States, many myths persist about how this drug can impact people. One of these myths is that a person cannot become addicted to marijuana. The truth is that many people can and do develop cannabis use disorder (which is the clinical term…
If someone in your family has been struggling with addiction, it is important to acknowledge how you have been affected by their behaviors. When you understand the family roles in addiction, you will be better able to help yourself, your loved one, and your entire family. What Do Family Roles in Addiction Mean? Substance use…