October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. This is a time to raise awareness that preventing addiction is possible—and crucial. Addiction and the Developing Brain People who drink or use drugs before age 15 are two to three times more likely to have a substance use disorder by age 32. Chronic substance use changes the…
I spoke with author Melissa Febos over zoom about recovering from addiction, channeling addictive tendencies in healthier ways, and viewing substance use disorders as a way to self-soothe. First I wanted to say, I feel such a kinship in your writing. Besides being queer and sober, I have a history of all-consuming romantic relationships and…
Relapse is the worsening of a condition that had previously improved. In the case of addiction, it is typically defined as when someone who had been abstinent from drugs or alcohol starts using them again. However, this depends on what the person’s original goal was. For instance, according to verywellmind, an online resource written and…
Two of the most commonly abused drugs are benzodiazepines (nicknamed “benzos”) and opiates. Addiction rates for both classes of drugs are on the rise. Notably, more than a quarter of opioid overdoses involve benzos as well. Users of both drugs overlap significantly, and drug addiction treatment programs are finding they are increasingly treating dual addictions.…
Actor Alec Baldwin got sober on February 23rd, 1985. He was 26 years old. Addiction runs in Baldwin’s family; his brother, Daniel Baldwin, has also spoken publicly about his substance use disorder. When he was younger, Baldwin struggled with drinking and drug use. Soon before he stopped using substances, he nearly died of an overdose.…
Whether you’re a parent, a concerned relative, a teacher, or someone else close to a kid whose life is impacted by addiction, talking about it is important. Kids need to learn that the person’s addiction is not their fault and that they have support. Before you talk to a child about addiction, educate yourself. Read…
While things are getting better, there is still stigma about both mental health disorders and addiction. A study in the journal Psychiatric Services assessed whether people had more negative views towards one or the other.[1] Half of participants were given a survey about their beliefs on drug addiction and half about their beliefs on mental…
This past May, the actor Rob Lowe—most recently known for his role in the show Parks and Recreation—celebrated 31 years sober. Lowe first started drinking at age 13. He then began using drugs and getting heavier into drinking during the filming of the movie The Outsiders, during which he turned 18. For a year before…
Active addiction and secrecy often go hand in hand. It’s hard to be honest with yourself or others when you’re using substances to cut you off from your internal experiences. Also, we often feel like we have to lie in order to keep drinking or using. Getting to Know Yourself In recovery, being emotionally honest…
Vulnerability is sometimes viewed as weakness, but it’s in fact the opposite. Being vulnerable is scary; doing so anyway takes courage and strength. Getting sober often helps us build these qualities, and this is good, because vulnerability helps recovery. The Benefits of Vulnerability The first part of becoming sober—admitting you have a problem, to yourself…