Controlled Substances

The Effects of Alcohol on The Brain: What You Probably Don’t Know

Drinking alcohol is widely accepted in society today.  It is often a big part of holiday gatherings and celebrations. Over the last 40 years, scientists have begun to study the effects of alcohol on the brain and overall health. This knowledge is slowly becoming more accepted within our society and behavioral changes can be seen […]

The Effects of Alcohol on The Brain: What You Probably Don’t Know Read More »

If you knew then what you know now; when parents face their adult child’s addiction and the actions taken before it was too late

Wake up parents you may be missing the signs of substance abuse Raising children is full of both joy and challenges. They do not come with an easy-to-read manual.  As parents, we love and cherish our innocent babies and watch them change and come into their own as they grow.  They are also products of

If you knew then what you know now; when parents face their adult child’s addiction and the actions taken before it was too late Read More »

What You Keed to know About the Current Illicit Drug Trends and Treatment Options for Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) Recovery in 2023

There is a wide variety of substances and patterns of abuse, but in 2023, opioid abuse and overdose rates are on the rise and require the nation’s attention. The opioid overdose rates are largely due to synthetic opioid fentanyl and Polysubstance abuse. Though painkiller alternatives are being developed, the need to address the underlying issues

What You Keed to know About the Current Illicit Drug Trends and Treatment Options for Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) Recovery in 2023 Read More »

Has the coronavirus pandemic affected Americans negatively, causing them to drink more as a way of coping with global uncertainty?

Studies show that within 12 months of a  major disaster in The United States, alcohol consumption increases by more than 35%. It makes sense that during the worldwide pandemic Covid-19, alcohol sales have increased by more than 50%.  What does this statistic suggest? The stay-at-home orders are keeping us at home, and many people are turning

Has the coronavirus pandemic affected Americans negatively, causing them to drink more as a way of coping with global uncertainty? Read More »

Why be Wary of Study Drugs: More commonly referred to as Study Buddies, Smart Drugs, and Brain Steroids. What are they, who uses them, and why?

Why be Wary of Study Drugs: More commonly referred to as Study Buddies, Smart Drugs, and Brain Steroids.  What are they, who uses them, and why? Study drugs are stimulants taken by students who think using them will increase their grades, alertness, and energy.  There are many names for different stimulants used by students as

Why be Wary of Study Drugs: More commonly referred to as Study Buddies, Smart Drugs, and Brain Steroids. What are they, who uses them, and why? Read More »

Op-ed: Red flags that your coworker has fallen prey to addiction during the pandemic

PUBLISHED WED, SEP 9 20209:28 AM ED Rachel Graham CEO, and John Edmonson, director of wellness, Healing Springs Ranch KEY POINTS Drug and alcohol addiction in the workplace has risen since the pandemic began. The American Medical Association reported that as of August, more than 40 states reported a rise in opioid-related deaths, along with

Op-ed: Red flags that your coworker has fallen prey to addiction during the pandemic Read More »

Is Practicing Mindfulness Powerful Enough to Overcome and Recover from Opioid Abuse?

Recent studies show that the number of people suffering from an opioid substance use disorder declined considerably after participating in mindfulness practice. Within the mindfulness practice research, participants who focused on breathing, body sensations, and emotional response experienced a reduction in substance cravings and had greater control over powerful impulses to use. The mindfulness study

Is Practicing Mindfulness Powerful Enough to Overcome and Recover from Opioid Abuse? Read More »

Can Travel be the Ultimate Test of Your Sobriety? Tips for Sober Travel

  Whether for pleasure or business, traveling can be challenging for those working hard to stay sober. Traveling can feel like the ultimate test of your sobriety.  With a little planning and foresight, you can minimize the risk and enjoy travel keeping these tips in mind: Become familiar with your destination When researching a vacation

Can Travel be the Ultimate Test of Your Sobriety? Tips for Sober Travel Read More »

How Do I Know if I have an Addiction?

As a clinician, I am often asked how addiction is determined. From a clinical standpoint, addiction can be diagnosed using a set of criteria. One of the most common and widely used diagnoses tools in the United States is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The DSM is developed through the American Psychological Association (APA).

How Do I Know if I have an Addiction? Read More »