Imagine taking what you believe is a prescription painkiller, like a Percocet from a friend, or an oxycodone you bought to get through a bad day. It looks like the real thing. But it was made in an illegal lab, and contains potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes that can be many times stronger than … Read more
Grief and addiction are closely connected, and the death of a loved one is a common emotional trigger for substance use and relapse. Many people who experience bereavement turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain of loss, escape overwhelming emotions, or simply get through the day. While grief is a natural response to … Read more
Here is a comprehensive list of Addiction and Mental Health Awareness Events that are recognized each month throughout the year. January Addiction Events Dry January Dry January is a month-long public health challenge to take a break from alcohol use and be mindful of regular drinking habits. It is viewed as a wellness reset and … Read more
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is an opioid-like, supercharged version of kratom sold at gas stations and smoke shops that has seen a rise in hospitalizations and overdose fatalities. It can quickly cause dependence, addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms similar to traditional opioids. Description of 7-OH 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-mitragynine), commonly known as 7-OH, is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from … Read more
With so many great addiction and mental health books for recovery, it’s difficult to find the best ones that fit each reader’s wants and needs. Just as each person’s substance use and mental health recovery journey are unique, so are the tools and treatment approaches they respond to when healing. Recovery books are a valuable … Read more
Anhedonia causes and symptoms are closely tied to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as a number of mental health conditions. Most people understand the meaning of anhedonia and what it represents, even if they aren’t familiar with the word itself. The inability to experience joy impacts the lives of many people who are affected … Read more
Red Ribbon Week is a substance use awareness campaign held every year from October 23 to 31 throughout the United States to prevent violence and drug use by children and teens. As the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention initiative, it creates awareness and encourages kids to learn about the importance of a drug-free America. … Read more
People who frequently smoke weed and long-time users of marijuana who encounter abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting might be experiencing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, sometimes referred to as CHS weed sickness. While cannabis is considered a harmless drug by many people, there are known negative side effects of marijuana that can cause problems for some individuals. … Read more
National Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 25, 2026. The next Drug Take Back Day will be Saturday, October 24, 2026. Even though most people consider prescription medications to be safe, the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs has become a serious public health problem in America. More than 59 million people over the age … Read more
Many people interested in how to quit vaping think it’s easier than stopping cigarette use, but that’s simply not true. Quitting vaping can sometimes be harder than quitting cigarettes. Unfortunately, the fun, fruity vape juice and stylish Juul pods are popular with teens and high school kids, and the electronic cigarette vaping trend has become … Read more