Individuals with clinical depression and addiction find themselves in a vicious cycle of using drugs and alcohol to cope with emotional pain. What starts as an unhealthy coping mechanism or attempt to self-medicate, in turn, exacerbates the symptoms of both conditions.

Cocaine use is associated with a range of health risks, such as heart attacks, strokes, overdose, addiction, and seizures. One of the lesser-known dangers of cocaine lies right on the surface—your skin. While cocaine's internal damage is significant and life-threatening, its effects on skin health and facial appearance are often overlooked. 

Medical marijuana is offered for its therapeutic benefits for treating chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, seizures, and Alzheimer's disease. While it is "medical" cannabis, it still holds the risk for misuse, dependence, and addiction. Approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana (cannabis) have cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors, often co-occur with drug and alcohol use disorders. Studies show that individuals who abuse alcohol and drugs are at a greater risk of suicide compared with the general population.

National Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day is a movement that is celebrated each year on February 7th to help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. Substance use disorders (SUDs) and addiction are frequently misunderstood and seen as moral failures rather than complex brain disorders. Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day was created to represent the healing power of a hug to inspire hope for those in active addiction or recovery.

Drug feigning is a growing concern in medical settings, particularly emergency departments, primary offices, and pain management clinics. Many individuals will feign for drugs by faking symptoms to get a prescription for opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines.

While healthcare workers are honored as the backbone of our medical system, they face immense pressure that increases their susceptibility to mental health and substance abuse issues. From high-stress environments, irregular and prolonged hours, emotional exhaustion, and easy access to medications, healthcare professionals are at a heightened risk of addiction.

Understanding the early stages of a substance use disorder (SUD), known as pre-addiction, allows for early intervention and preventive measures. Addressing pre-addiction behaviors and patterns can prohibit the severe consequences and risks of reckless drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.

While drug abuse is often associated with specific stereotypes, the reality is that prescription drug misuse affects people from all walks of life. From young adults and teens to healthcare professionals and people with chronic pain, prescription drug abuse is a growing concern that impacts many hidden faces.

While the idea of forcing someone to go to rehab may seem harsh, some individuals' addictions may pose a threat to their lives or someone else's. The unseen path of recovery and involuntary rehab, while providing immediate, life-changing intervention, poses risks for an unwillingness to recover and broken relationships.

One of the less discussed yet critical consequences of natural disasters is the increase in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). The rise in drug and alcohol abuse post-disasters is often overshadowed by the extensive need for recovery efforts, leaving these individuals in a hidden crisis.

When someone you love is battling a drug or alcohol addiction, the journey can be intensely emotional and challenging. Finding a balance between maintaining healthy boundaries while offering support is crucial for their recovery process and your well-being.