While it may seem obvious that people struggling with drug addiction would benefit from rehab, rather than simply being imprisoned, the fact is most states incarcerate people without offering effective addiction treatment. Approximately 50 percent of state prisoners have been diagnosed with drug abuse or dependence, but only 10 percent receive medically based drug treatment.1 Read More

Research on addiction treatment and recovery finds that individuals feel more comfortable dealing with complex issues when they are in groups made up primarily of their peers. More treatment facilities are offering specialized treatment programs for women, men and other specific demographic groups in order to serve their unique needs. This peer support strategy can Read More

Many people mistakenly believe that when someone has a substance use disorder, willpower alone should be enough for them to stop. People suffering from addiction need much more than a desire to stop. Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease of the brain and body, much like diabetes or asthma.1 Diseases need professional and personalized Read More

Relapse is a real possibility after treatment for a substance use disorder, especially in the case of cocaine addiction. One study found that about 40 percent of those completing cocaine abuse treatment relapsed back to regularly using cocaine, or re-entered treatment due to a lapse.1 A sober living home is a bridge between full-time treatment Read More

Sober living homes present an opportunity for a person to make a fresh start in a living arrangement with other people who are also trying to achieve and maintain sobriety. The most critical of all stipulations in this living arrangement is sobriety. For this reason, some sober living homes may require drug testing as part Read More

If you have a loved one who is in denial about the severity of his drug or alcohol abuse or addiction or who is ambivalent about it, you’ve probably tried without success to talk to him about getting help. Addiction affects brain function, thought and behavior, and it can be difficult for someone with an Read More

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration iterates the importance of cultural competency in the treatment of substance use disorders and points out that this extends to characteristics like gender, sexual orientation and age. Children, adolescents and young, middle-aged and aging adults are all susceptible to drug abuse and addiction, and when it comes Read More

Nearly everyone experiences feelings of anger now and then, but for some, unresolved anger can lead to addictive or compulsive behaviors as well as cause or contribute to relapse once in recovery. Addressing anger issues with anger management during treatment for a substance use disorder is essential for successful long-term recovery. Unresolved Anger Anger almost Read More