If you've ever thought, “They're just gummies, how bad could they be?” you're not alone. But the truth is, THC edibles like gummies can hit harder than people expect, sometimes turning a relaxed night into a trip to the ER.

As a parent, family member, or friend of someone in early recovery, it can be challenging to figure out the best way to support them and the right things to say and do. Educating yourself on addiction recovery, what to expect, how to prepare, and creating a safe and supportive environment are some ways to welcome a loved one home from rehab.

Holistic treatments in drug and alcohol rehab programs take a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery by treating the whole person. The holistic approach focuses on addressing not just the physical aspects of addiction but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of individuals.

Wellbutrin, a prescription drug used in the treatment of depression and quitting smoking, can have adverse reactions when mixed with alcohol. While some people may be able to manage mild to moderate alcohol consumption, the safest approach is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin.

Alcohol's effects on the brain and body help create a temporary feeling of relaxation, euphoria, and confidence. As the pleasurable "high" wears off, the body experiences a "crash", often characterized by anxiety, fatigue, physical discomfort, and depression. The alcohol come down, also known as the "hangover", happens due to its effects on the brain's neurotransmitters, metabolism, and hydration levels.

Winter illnesses, such as the flu (influenza), common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia can be hidden triggers for substance abuse. Being sick affects both physical and mental health and well-being, and certain factors related to sickness can contribute to drug and alcohol use and addiction emergence.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is more than just breaking free from substance dependence and addiction—it's a transformative journey that fosters personal growth, career advancements, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through therapy, support groups, holistic treatments, and life skills training, rehab provides the tools to help individuals change their lives and careers in recovery. 

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.

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).

Many people use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional issues, which can lead to a dangerous emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. Excessive alcohol use and depression are closely connected, as alcohol disrupts the serotonin and dopamine in the brain, causing low mood, sleep issues, and increased anxiety.

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.