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A large number of veterans live with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to seeing distressing things and experiencing various forms of trauma, many veterans face challenges trying to adjust back to civilian life after returning home from deployment. Unfortunately, many veterans turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with these difficulties. According to […]

Every year, addiction affects millions of Americans. Like any other disease, addiction wreaks havoc on the brain and the body. Whether we’ve struggled with addiction on our own or watched a loved one or close friend grapple with substance use, most of us know that addiction changes the way the brain works and negatively impacts […]

Since the 1990s, opioid use has skyrocketed across America, leading to a national crisis. In fact, every day, approximately 128 people in the United States die from an opioid overdose. In California, the number of opioid overdose deaths has increased by 9 percent since 2015. In 2018, 45 percent of overdose deaths in the state […]

Staging an intervention can help your loved one get the help they need when they are dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. But approaching a loved one about their substance use can be tough. For example, your loved one might deny that they have a problem and become hostile towards you if you suggest they […]

Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction requires refraining from addictive substances and making positive mental and behavioral changes. But uprooting habits, changing the way you think, and developing new patterns of behavior can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you’re trying to make these kinds of changes on your own. Luckily, most addiction treatment […]

Californians continue to struggle with drug addiction and homelessness despite the state’s many initiatives to combat the opioid crisis. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths are on the rise and the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped the situation. In fact, overdose deaths in July and August of this year were more than 50% higher than they were in February […]

Even though addiction is a personal challenge, alcoholism can negatively affect the entire family. Luckily, family therapy can help rebuild trust, mend wounds, and foster healthy communication. As a family member of someone in active addiction, however, engaging with their addiction may make you anxious. Grappling with the chaos your loved one has put your […]

Alcohol cravings can happen any time, day or night. At first, the urge to drink may seem uncontrollable, overwhelming, and too powerful to resist. But in reality, most alcohol cravings are like the waves in the ocean: they appear to be sudden but are actually predictable and short-lived. This means that you can learn to […]

In many ways, someone grappling with drug and alcohol addiction can be the poster child for impulsive behavior. When you have a substance use disorder, you may lie, steal, cheat, and react to situations on a whim. Addiction can also cause you to consume drugs and alcohol without considering the consequences. In addition to that, […]

More than 18 million people in the United States have tried MDMA at least once in their lifetime. At first, the drug stimulates the mind, making you feel euphoric, energetic, and confident. MDMA also distorts your senses, seemingly making you more alert, self-aware, and empathetic. But in reality, MDMA is actually disrupting your brain’s chemical […]