Drug Addiction & Abuse

Drug addiction is a chronic disease that alters how the brain functions and disrupts everyday life. Drug addiction is caused by many factors that are biological, psychological, and environmental. Whether someone is abusing prescription pills from a doctor or using illicit drugs like heroin or fentanyl, addiction is a chronic disease that can be deadly if left untreated.
The Family & Addiction

The Intersection of Single Mothers and Addiction

The article discusses the unique challenges single mothers face that make them vulnerable to addiction (financial strain, emotional overload, social isolation, trauma, and biological factors). It outlines significant barriers to seeking treatment, such as the lack of childcare, high financial cost, fear of losing child custody, and intense social stigma. Finally, the article advocates for […]
More About Drugs

The Hidden Risks of Anti-Anxiety Drugs

The article discusses the hidden risks of anti-anxiety drugs, particularly benzodiazepines, highlighting that while they offer relief, they pose significant dangers like physical dependence, addiction, severe withdrawal, and long-term cognitive effects, especially for individuals with a history of substance abuse. It emphasizes the need to distinguish between physical dependence and addiction, and urges readers to […]
Teens

College Cannabis Use Is Rising While Alcohol Use Drops: What Campus Leaders Need to Know

Before diving into this discussion on how cannabis legalization affects students’ academic performance, it’s helpful first to understand my role in this context. I am the Vice President of Educational Partnerships at Mountainside Treatment Center, and my goal is to ensure that no student loses their education to substance use disorder. Students should not have […]
Recovery

Dopey: How Drug Stories Sparked a Recovery Community

The Dopey podcast, created by Mountainside alumni Dave and Chris, provides a raw, unfiltered, and often hilarious take on addiction and recovery, initially focusing on “war stories” but evolving into the supportive “Dopey Nation” community. The podcast resonates with thousands who feel isolated by traditional methods by embracing dark comedy and honest storytelling, proving that […]
Education & Awareness

Overcoming the Stigma of Addiction

The article discusses the pervasive stigma surrounding addiction, which is rooted in cultural views, media portrayals, and judgmental language, and how this stigma creates significant barriers to recovery, leading to reduced treatment seeking and higher relapse rates. It emphasizes that recovery is diverse, highlighting alternative paths like SMART Recovery and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and urges […]
More About Drugs

Hippie Flipping: The Risks of Mixing MDMA & Psilocybin

The article discusses “hippie flipping,” the practice of mixing MDMA and psilocybin mushrooms, and warns of the significant risks involved, including increased anxiety, physical health problems, and potential long-term psychological effects. It highlights the unpredictable interactions between the two substances and emphasizes the importance of seeking help if someone experiences negative consequences. Ultimately, the article […]
The Family & Addiction

How to Stage an Alcohol or Drug Intervention

A drug addiction intervention can be a life-changing moment for someone struggling with SUD. Approach your loved one calmy and kindly with these steps.
Recovery

The Journey of Men in Sobriety: Challenges and Triumphs

Men in sobriety face unique challenges that can be hurdles to long-term success. See what issues sober men endure and how to handle them.
More About Drugs

The 7 Most Common Deadly Drug Combinations

Alcohol is a danger in itself but can be especially lethal when mixed with certain drugs. Learn about drug and alcohol combinations to avoid at all costs.
Drug Addiction

Drug Overdose: Everything You Need to Know

Drug abuse always carries the risk of serious side effects, including overdose. Understand the causes and symptoms behind an overdose.
Mental Health

Co-Occurring Disorders and Substance Abuse

Co-occurring disorders, also referred to as comorbidity, occur when a person has a substance use disorder and another mental health issue.
The Family & Addiction

5 Do’s and Don’ts for Parents of Addicted Adults

As a parent of an adult addict, it's hard to know how to best support your child. Learn 5 tips to help them live a substance-free life