In the world of prescription drug misuse and addiction, opioids might get significant media attention. But there is another type of drug that poses a significant risk: benzodiazepines. Also called benzos, these controlled substances include Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax. This line of drugs is prescribed by medical professionals for anxiety, insomnia, seizures and alcohol withdrawal. While short-term use of … Read More
The Double Trouble of Domestic Violence and Addiction
When someone in a family or intimate relationship holds power over another, this can create a pattern of abusive behavior. This type of domestic abuse is common in Florida, and it often has associations with alcohol and drug misuse. Fortunately, there are Florida addiction treatment resources that can help break this cycle of abuse and chart a pathway to recovery. … Read More
How to Choose an Interventionist
It can be heartbreaking and nerve-wracking when someone you care about has a substance use disorder. You might have a family member or another loved one who is unable to stop drinking or using drugs. They may also be resisting your pleadings to get the help they need and deserve. You have decided that it is time to stage an … Read More
Drug and Substance Use Disorders: A Look at the South
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the 2018 Annual Surveillance Report of Drug-Related Risks and Outcomes. The report outlines the effects of illicit and prescription drugs and how they are impacting the United States. It breaks up some of its data into regions and individual states, so there is information regarding how this nation’s drug crisis … Read More
Rehab Instead of Jail: Police Plan to Strike a Blow For Addiction Recovery
Millions of people in the United States are arrested on alcohol and drug-related crimes each year. More than 24.5 million Americans have a substance use disorder, and some of the risky behavior associated with substance misuse can lead to criminal charges. Unfortunately, spending time in jail does not cure addiction. Even though about half of all prison inmates meet the criteria … Read More
Why Accreditation Matters when Choosing a Drug Rehab Facility
If you or any of your loved ones are seeking treatment for a substance use disorder, you might see hundreds of online ads that promise miracle results. How do you know when a treatment center is reputable? Media stories about fraud in Florida drug rehab facilities abound, so this is an important decision. With so many options for addiction treatment, … Read More
6 Aftercare Options for Long-Term Recovery Support
While the rehab experience can be transformative for someone with a substance use disorder, recovery must continue after discharge or the risk is high for a return to use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 40 to 60 percent of people with a substance use disorder experience a recurrence of use after treatment. These figures are similar … Read More
Orlando’s Restaurant Industry Ranks Highly for Substance Use Disorder
People who work in certain high-stress industries are at greater risk of developing a substance use disorder. The risk is even higher in industries that tend to employ younger workers. That being the case, it is no wonder that the accommodation and food service industries historically have the highest rates of illicit drug use. Orlando, the theme park capital of … Read More
Overdose Rates in Florida: A Historical Look
Opioid addiction is a continuing health crisis that is claiming lives daily in the U.S. In 2016 alone, over 46 people died each day due to prescription opioid overdoses. The Kaiser Family Foundation compiles and releases statistics on opioid overdose deaths. One of the U.S. states particularly hard hit by this crisis is Florida. The U.S. Opioid Epidemic The Centers … Read More
World Health Organization Report IDs Alcohol as a Killer
While alcohol use holds a place in many cultures, there is also another side to the substance when misuse leads to an alcohol use disorder. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a detailed report on alcohol misuse and its potentially deadly health consequences. How Much Are We Drinking? The United Nation’s health agency recently released its third in a … Read More