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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. 

Eating disorders and addiction often go hand in hand. In fact, eating disorders are commonly seen as conditions that present alongside a substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Only with concurrent treatment of both disorders, does a person have a higher chance of lifelong recovery.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) therapy is showing promising results as an effective treatment for alcohol and substance addiction. In the behavioral health system, traditional treatment methods for drug and alcohol addiction include medication-assisted treatments (MAT) and psychiatric therapies.

When it comes to substance use disorders, almost 1 million adults ages 65 and older suffer from an addiction to alcohol or prescription medications, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). According to data from the Health and Human Services Department, in 2020 more than 800,000 seniors suffered from drug addiction and 2.7 million seniors suffer from alcohol addiction.

During the State of the Union Address, fentanyl was a top priority on President Biden’s agenda. The overwhelming fentanyl crisis seemed to be a hot topic of discussion that both sides of the polarized government could be seen agreeing upon during the president’s address to the nation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology may make substance addiction treatment easier, more accessible and more effective. Do you need help keeping track of your medications? There is an app for that. Do you need assistance finding a local recovery support group? There is an app for that. With the advancements in AI and machine learning, digital programs are now being created to revolutionize the behavioral health care system.

Oxycodone is a popular semi-synthetic opioid medication normally prescribed to individuals experiencing chronic or severe pain. Oxycodone comes from the poppy plant, where the compound thebaine is synthesized and is used to produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. This ultimately suppresses and relieves any feelings of pain.