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At Arizona Drug Addiction Helpline, our goal is to keep you abreast of new developments in medication, therapy and addiction-related research. We contribute informative and educational blogs for our website visitors to peruse. Check frequently to see what's new.

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Tips to restore damaged relationships post recovery from addiction

Tips to restore damaged relationships post recovery from addiction

Making a resolve to lead an addiction-free life is a commendable decision in itself. During the recovery phase, a person experiences a gamut of emotions which could be of pain, sorrow and regret, stemming from extreme withdrawal symptoms, the absence of the loved ones, and realization of the impact of addiction on all areas of one’s life, especially relationships. This is because addiction causes a lot of distress, trust issues, violence, abuse, financial problems, etc., which can ultimately damage the bond shared between loved ones. Even after having recovered, many people find it difficult to renew their relationship with their partner who had been a drug addict for a long time. Continue reading →

Addiction treatment for teens: Inpatient or outpatient?

Addiction treatment for teens: Inpatient or outpatient?

Before beginning a treatment program for adolescent addicts, it is important to select a level of care that will prevent a relapse. A relapse may result in lowered faith in treatment from parents and the justice system, which can present major barriers in a teen’s road to ultimate recovery. To prevent this occurrence, clinicians must first determine which treatment setting is most appropriate for the patient’s unique needs. Based on criteria including level of intoxication, presence of mental illness, readiness to change and risk of relapse, clinicians will select the treatment setting that offers the best chance of recovery. Treatment settings are generally divided into three broad categories:

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Get the facts about meth

Get the facts about meth

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is an addictive stimulant related to amphetamines. Meth is mostly used as a recreational drug. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World estimates that about 13 million Americans have used meth. Abuse of meth has been linked to a wide range of health problems and the manufacture of meth is also extremely dangerous. Due to the alarming popularity of this narcotic, it’s important to understand the dangers it poses to public safety. Continue reading →

When mental illness and addiction collide: Adolescent treatments for comorbidity

When mental illness and addiction collide: Adolescent treatments for comorbidity

Comorbid mental illness and drug addiction can be especially difficult for adolescents and require specialized treatments to combat. Teens are still developing physically, mentally and socially, so great care must be taken to put them on the right path toward sobriety and mental health. Doctors have a variety of tailored treatments at their disposal that serve the unique needs of adolescents with comorbid conditions. A few of the most effective therapies include the following:

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When mental illness and addiction collide: Diagnosing comorbidity

When mental illness and addiction collide: Diagnosing comorbidity

In order to provide effective treatment to patients, doctors must first properly diagnose the disorders they are treating properly. Often times, patients have two or more conditions rather than just one. In fact, approximately 80 percent of Medicare spending goes to treat patients with four or more chronic conditions (“Defining Comorbidity: Implications for Understanding Health and Health Services”). When patients have a substance abuse problem and a mental illness, a number of factors can complicate the correct diagnosis of each disorder. Due to the frequency of comorbid conditions, doctors are searching for new ways to better identify these related conditions.

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Treating mental illness with drug addiction

Treating mental illness with drug addiction

Drug addiction is a mental disorder that causes people to crave a drug and find it almost impossible to stop using it even when they want to. Psychiatric research has discovered that other types of mental illnesses are often found in people who also suffer from addiction. When these two different conditions interact, they tend to make each condition worse than it would be alone. This state is called “comorbidity.” People with comorbid conditions require special consideration and treatment methods to address their unique needs (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

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What are the dangers of marijuana use?

What are the dangers of marijuana use?

Marijuana is generally thought to be a harmless drug without any significant side effects. A recent study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that there are more than 19 million marijuana users in America and recent legislation has begun to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use. With the drug’s growing mainstream acceptance, it’s important to get a complete understanding of marijuana’s possible risks before beginning or continuing use.

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Understanding the dangers of binge drinking

Understanding the dangers of binge drinking

Drinking is a major aspect of American culture and has been built into the customs of many activities, from parties to sporting events to holiday celebrations. When drinking, people should be mindful of their consumption and limit themselves to a responsible amount of alcohol. Drinking to excess, often called “binge drinking,” can lead to alcohol poisoning and serious health consequences.

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Consequences of drug addiction

Consequences of drug addiction

Addiction to drugs is a worldwide epidemic. It is known as substance abuse and is characterized by a dependence on a legal or illegal drug or prescription medication. The path to addiction usually begins gradually. Perhaps the first use is at a club or party or due to peer pressure from a group of friends. Some people with depression or anxiety may turn to drugs in the mistaken belief that drugs will relieve their symptoms. Continue reading →

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