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Within months, Englewood Public Library in Colorado has had to temporarily close its doors for the second time to address a meth contamination. This came weeks after another public library in the Boulder, Colorado area closed due to a similar contamination. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance that can lead to addiction and overdose. Over the past years, many public spaces such as libraries have seen an alarming increase in public drug use. This is especially disturbing because it can potentially expose curious young children to drug usage and paraphernalia. It has become a public health crisis.

Alcoholism describes a person who has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). This person often has a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol that can range anywhere from mild to severe. Alcohol addiction is a chronic but treatable psychological condition that involves changes to how rewards, stress, and self-control in the brain are processed. Alcohol abuse often stems from a negative response to environmental stressors, developmental disorders, emotional dysregulation or a learned behavior. There are many factors that can lead to the development of alcohol addiction.

Can you get addicted to Kratom? Kratom use among young people and adults is increasing due to its general legal status and the assumption that the plant-derived substance is safe. In a recent 2021 study, people in the U.S. ages 12 and older have reported using Kratom in the past year. Despite its recent surge in popularity, Kratom is a substance that has been around for centuries. Yet very little is known about the drug and its effects on a person with long-term usage. Like any other mind-altering substance, Kratom can become very addictive.

Suboxone is a popular medication used in the treatment of opioid addiction. Often used during medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as an FDA-approved drug, Suboxone helps manage drug cravings and reduces withdrawal symptoms. A common symptom of opioid use is anxiety. Even when taking opioids as prescribed, anxiety can occur. The severity of anxiety depends on factors such as the type of opioid taken, the number of opioids taken and the length of time opioids have been taken.

Digital and social media platforms continue to grow and become the most popular forms of communication among adolescents and young adults. The ease of accessibility has created a dangerous breeding ground for the exposure of young people to drugs, alcohol and other mind-altering substances. The young adult population is uniquely vulnerable to the effects and influence of social media.

Alcohol use disorder affects over 76 million people worldwide. Comprehensive treatments that include medication management can be a vital factor in helping people recover from alcoholism. During the initial detox process, many patients experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. A common method for targeting withdrawal symptoms includes medication-assistance treatment (MAT).

The increase in drug and alcohol-related deaths among Native American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) has been on a steady increase for decades. An increase in opioid abuse in youth AIAN members is especially alarming. There are an estimated two million people from the AIAN community living across the U.S. Within that two million, there are about 300 different tribes and language groups.

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, there is still a significant amount of stigma and misinformation surrounding these conditions, which can make it difficult for individuals to seek help or support.

In a behavioral health setting, outpatient programming offers a mixture of rigorous therapeutic treatments and unique social services. The transition back into a daily routine outside of a safe, structured and controlled environment can be daunting and difficult. Exposure to potentially triggering emotions and events can lead people back into old habits associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Outpatient treatment programs help people during their transition into life away from mind-altering substances.

With the rise in alcohol abuse due to the pandemic, alcohol-induced blackouts or black out drinking has also increased. In fact, drinking until the point of blacking out has become increasingly popular. This alarming trend has become especially widespread among college students and young adults.