adminwbk

Addiction can affect a person in several ways, leaving “clues” or signs that an issue may exist. These signs may appear in the form of engaging in certain behaviors, some are physical signs or symptoms, and others are present in one’s emotional or mental states. Here we discuss some of the most common behavioral, physical,

International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31st) was first acknowledged in 2001 by social worker, Sally J. Finn in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2012, this international event has been coordinated by the Penington Institute. Two decades later, International Overdose Awareness Day is now commemorated around the world, in such cities as Kisumu in Kenya, Glasgow in Scotland,

While people may use the words “addiction” and “compulsion” interchangeably, they are different. Addiction creates a sense of pleasure in the brain and removes discomfort from cravings. Compulsions involve an overwhelming urge to do something but does not create satiation in the brain’s reward circuitry. Unfortunately, the misuse of addiction vs. compulsion creates confusion, especially

At a Glance Sleeping pills such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to overdose, particularly when taken in excess quantities or combined with other substances. Do not take sleeping pills with opioid medications or other depressant substances, including alcohol. Drug overdose deaths in the US have consistently increased since 1999, reaching

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, text revision, often called the DSM-V-TR or DSM-5-TR, is the latest version of the American Psychiatric Association’s gold-standard text on the names, symptoms, and diagnostic features of every recognized mental illness—including addictions. The DSM-5-TR criteria for substance use disorders are based on decades of research and clinical knowledge.

Recognizing the signs of an overdose and how to respond can help save lives. Overdoses can occur in response to a wide variety of substances and medications. The effects and severity of an overdose can vary depending on the substances involved. It is essential to know when to seek help and how to manage an

If you have a friend or relative who is living with addiction, you might be wondering how you can help. To be clear, it’s not always easy to make the decision to provide help with substance use or another type of addiction. However, your loved one will often have a greater chance of overcoming their challenges

When prescription or over-the-counter medications are used improperly, they can produce serious adverse health effects. In some cases, this can include addiction, dependence, overdose, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people who have become addicted to prescription drugs in the United States has risen to epidemic

Oxycodone is a short-acting, semi-synthetic opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is prescribed for both acute pain (after surgery or injury) and chronic pain (from disease or damage). Oxycodone is the narcotic component of several common combination drugs, including Percocet and Percodan. Oxycodone is also the active ingredient in Oxycontin, an extended-release

Sleep problems commonly occur among people with substance use disorders, but these issues can also occur during withdrawal and recovery. Problems with sleep can make recovery more complex. Trouble sleeping is a common withdrawal symptom for people addicted to drugs and alcohol. This can be troubling and lead to increased anxiety. Fortunately, research suggests that long-term recovery can