Underage Drinking In Massachusetts | Laws & Prevention
Alcohol can cause serious health problems, including liver disease, depression, and addiction. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to these issues. That’s because their bodies are still developing. To protect young people from alcohol-related problems, each state, including Massachusetts, has underage drinking laws. Underage Drinking Laws In Massachusetts As with every other state, the legal […]
What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
Illicit fentanyl may look like a clear liquid or a powder that could be either light-brown or off-white. When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, it can be difficult to identify. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that treats severe pain. Like other opioids, it provides pain relief by attaching to your body’s opioid receptors. […]
The Opioid Crisis In Massachusetts
Since the late 1990s, opioid painkillers (such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet) have surged in popularity. These drugs pose a high risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. The rise in opioid use (also called the “opioid crisis” or “opioid epidemic”) has devastated the entire country. However, it’s been particularly problematic for certain states, including Massachusetts. […]
Addiction Vs. Recreational Drug Use
Many people use the terms “recreational drug use” and “drug addiction” interchangeably. While both conditions can cause serious health problems, they have some important differences. In particular, recreational drug use is a behavior, while drug addiction is a disease. What Is Recreational Drug Use? Recreational drug use occurs when a person uses a psychoactive drug […]
What Is Dose Dumping?
Have you ever taken a prescription drug labeled “extended-release?” Unlike an immediate-release drug, an extended-release drug has a slow drug release rate. That means it enters your system gradually throughout the day, which reduces the risk of overdose and allows you to take the drug less frequently. The most common types of extended-release drugs are […]
Drinking Alcohol Every Day | What Are The Effects?
Drinking alcohol every day can cause a number of health problems, including heart disease, alcohol withdrawal, increased risk of car accidents, and various forms of cancer. Drinking every day can also increase your chances of alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction/alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recognizing the signs of a potential drinking problem can help you seek […]
Can I Have Visitors In Rehab?
Entering a drug or alcohol rehab program can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time in treatment. If you’re beginning an inpatient or residential treatment program, your rehab center may restrict visits from loved ones for the first few weeks. Visitation policies at New England rehab centers vary. Some substance abuse treatment centers can […]
Holiday Sobriety: What Happens If I Relapse Over Christmas?
The holiday season can be both a joyous and a stressful time for many, including people in recovery from substance abuse. The prospect of reuniting with family members, buying gifts, or extending yourself emotionally in other ways can be overwhelming for people facing their first sober holiday season. Experiencing a relapse, especially in early recovery, […]
Are There Free Rehab Centers In Massachusetts?
One of the most common concerns individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol addiction grapple with is the cost of substance abuse treatment. In Massachusetts and across the United States, drug rehab can be very costly, especially if you lack health insurance. If you’re looking for free or low-cost rehab centers in Massachusetts, you […]
The Top 5 Addictive Substances
The top 5 addictive substances are heroin, cocaine, nicotine, barbiturates, and alcohol. These substances can cause people to quickly become addicted and are hard to stop using because of how they affect the mind and body.