11 Ways To Ring In The New Year Without Drugs Or Alcohol
With life returning to a sense of normalcy, even though the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the new year seems to bring with it even more opportunities for making a new start. For many people, 2023 will be their first year of sobriety in a long time. If you are in recovery from alcohol abuse or drug […]
Mental Health, Alcohol Abuse, & Christmas | 7 Tips For How To Cope
From hectic schedules to financial pressures and family drama, the Christmas season brings a number of stressors. To cope, you might be tempted to abuse alcohol, especially if you already struggle with a mental health condition like depression or alcohol use disorder. Unfortunately, abusing alcohol will only make your mental health worse. Instead, follow these […]
How To Manage Crystal Meth Withdrawal
Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine that resembles glass or bluish-white rocks. As a central nervous system stimulant, it causes a rush of pleasure, energy, and confidence. It also poses a high risk of physical dependence. When you’re physically dependent on crystal meth, you’ll face unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it. If […]
Mixing Prescription Drugs & Alcohol | Harmful Interactions To Avoid
A recent study from the National Institute of Health reported 70% of Americans who drink alcohol also take medications that can cause drug interactions with the socially accepted legal substance. Many prescriptions come with warnings not to take them with alcohol. Combining alcohol consumption with prescription drugs can be a form of substance abuse. It […]
11 Ways To Celebrate Your First Sober Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving provides a good chance to catch up with family and friends, but it can also be a stressful time of year. This is especially true for people who are recovering from alcohol use disorder and are used to spending time on Thanksgiving with other people who drink alcohol. However, there are many new traditions […]
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 […]