There’s quite a bit we know about smoking. Its effects are wide ranging and it damages organs in virtually every part of the body. Beyond being a primary cause of various cancers, causing COPD and sapping oxygen from the blood, smoking also has a profound effect on the brain. And

Many addiction treatment programs now have the option for patients to receive care either in an outpatient setting or residential/impatient setting. While they both constitute addiction treatment, they have very different purposes that require a thorough evaluation by an addiction professional. The key variables that determine the appropriateness of inpatient

It may sound like a cliché, but a new year really does bring the opportunity to start fresh, become healthier and change our lives. As with any major decision concerning our health or wellness, it often takes a tipping point to begin that change. Even though January 1 has the

We all know of someone who drinks a little too much and holiday times can shine a spotlight on such behavior. The tendency, jokingly or not, is to brand them as an alcoholic. New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Substance Abuse

The holiday season presents particular challenges to those suffering from substance abuse and addiction. While it would be ideal for the holidays to be a time of unfettered enjoyment, relaxation and downtime from the work and stresses of life, it is not always so. For many people, the holidays may

Many prospective patients, parents and loved ones of those addicted to substances such as alcohol or drugs often wonder about the difference between detox and addiction treatment. Even if they understand that they are two distinct levels of care, they may not understand what criteria leads to their loved one

CDC research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows that deaths associated with heroin overdoses increased significantly in 2012. In fact, death rates from heroin overdose doubled from 2010 to 2012. During this period, no state in the study had a reduction in the heroin death rate. Interestingly, of

It seems as though new and dangerous drugs are popping up around the country all too often. From bath salts to spice, these drugs have law enforcement and treatment professionals alike scrambling to understand the effects of and treatment options for these sometimes legal substances. Unfortunately, the first line of

With the recent passing of the popular and exceptionally talented comedian Robin Williams, a spotlight is once again shining directly on the issue of substance abuse and depression. And while we don’t yet know the root cause of Mr. Williams’ apparent suicide (and may never find out), it has been

Treatment is not easy. It requires a dedication to self-improvement and a willingness to get better. Addiction is an all-consuming disease and when patients enter treatment, they have to adjust to a life without their drug of abuse. It is no wonder therefore that some patients decide to leave treatment