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Addiction is not something that develops overnight. It is the cumulation of risk factors, including both genetic and environmental factors, mental or emotional challenges, and repeated substance abuse. If you ask an addict or someone in recovery about the first time they got high, you’ll likely find that the first time they used drugs was […]

In an age when social media platforms are often criticized for their negative impact on mental health, addiction recovery, an area that is often stigmatized, has found an unexpected source of support. A growing movement of recovery-supportive environments is emerging across social media platforms–from Facebook to TikTok, providing a lifeline and extra support to those

Addiction is a far-reaching disease that has devastating impacts on those who suffer from it. However, it doesn’t just affect the addicted individual–it also affects their families and loved ones. Families of people with substance use disorders go through a lot when dealing with an addicted loved one, and they need support, too. Fortunately, there

Dr. Ellen Eaton, an Infectious Disease Specialist at UAB, is renowned for her work in HIV and AIDS and as a result, the connection to substance use. Within her first year of medical school, Ellen knew she wanted to specialize in infectious diseases, after becoming fascinated with both the medical microbiology and the social science

Even though fewer people are smoking traditional cigarettes, vaping using e-cigarettes is more popular than ever before. In 2019, approximately 27.5% of high school students used vape products, and nearly 1 million youth e-cigarette users use their vapes on a daily basis.[1] The average vape delivers more nicotine per puff than the average cigarette, making

In an age when social media platforms are often criticized for their negative impact on mental health, addiction recovery, an area that is often stigmatized, has found an unexpected source of support. A growing movement of recovery-supportive environments is emerging across social media platforms–from Facebook to TikTok, providing a lifeline and extra support to those

Marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD can significantly disrupt daily life from childhood into adulthood. Unfortunately, one of the far-reaching effects of ADHD is the increased risk of substance misuse and addiction–particularly at a young age. According to the Child Mind Institute, kids with ADHD are two to three times more

In a landmark decision aimed at combating the opioid crisis, Narcan nasal spray, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, has been approved for over-the-counter (OTC) purchase in pharmacies across the United States. Effective September 2023, individuals can now obtain Narcan nasal spray without a prescription at major retailers such as Target, CVS, Walgreens,

Drinking alcohol, particularly binge drinking, is often viewed as a rite of passage for many college students. When leaving the freedom of their parents’ homes and enjoying the freedom of adult life for the first time, many students find themselves attending parties, drinking alcohol, and even experimenting with illegal drugs. In the process, trends come

Understanding the Genetics of Addiction and What Families With a History of Addiction Can Do Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide. Addiction not only takes a toll on the person who is addicted, but also on their loved ones, as their addiction begins affecting