Blog

The holidays are meant to be joyful and fun, but they can also bring a lot of pressure. Between family gatherings, social events, financial stress, and packed schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For people in recovery, the holidays can be particularly stressful. Holiday gatherings may include alcohol or people you previously used substances with, […]

In recent years, kratom has gained attention in the U.S. as a “natural” way to boost energy, relieve pain, or manage stress. Its easy availability and marketing as a safe alternative make it appealing, but the reality is far darker than that. Kratom carries serious health risks and can be habit-forming, leading to dependence and

When people think about health and wellness, they often picture eating well or getting enough exercise, but true wellness goes beyond just physical health. It includes the way we care for our minds, relationships, environment, and even our sense of purpose. The eight dimensions of wellness are a framework that can help people see their

In recent years, poison control centers have seen a sharp rise in calls about marijuana poisonings, many of which involve young children who found edibles at home. This is due to the increasing popularity, accessibility, and potency of edible cannabis products. After all, gummies, brownies, and other THC products often look just like candy or

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States. AP News reported that in 2022, an estimated 17.7 million people reported daily marijuana use, and about 52.5 million people used it at least once in 2021.[1,2] The debate over its legal status has been ongoing for decades, but recent federal discussions have

As students head back to campus for the fall semester, one issue remains especially important: the impact of alcohol on student health and academic performance. While college drinking is often seen as a social norm or even a “rite of passage,” the truth is that heavy or frequent drinking can take a serious toll on

If you find it difficult to control or moderate your alcohol use, taking a step back and quitting is the first step toward a healthier life. But for many people, it can bring unexpected emotional challenges. One of the most common is depression. If you’ve stopped drinking and now feel depressed, you’re not alone. People

Lately, ketamine has been capturing news headlines nationwide, both for its rapidly expanding medical use and its rise as a recreational substance. In the U.S., past‑year use among adults shot up about 40% from 2021 to 2022, continuing a sharp upward trend that public health officials have been observing since 2015.[1] The U.S. isn’t the

If you’ve ever wondered why HIV and hepatitis C show up so often in conversations about substance use, you’re not alone. The reality is that HIV and hepatitis C affect individuals living with SUD at higher rates than the general population, and it’s not just because of needle use. The problem goes deeper, involving a

Opioid overdoses can happen quickly, silently, and in nearly any setting, from people’s homes to parks, restaurants, or gatherings. In 2022, 81,806 people died as a result of an opioid-involved overdose.[1] When someone is experiencing an overdose, being able to quickly spot the warning signs and jump into action can mean the difference between life