According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)*, Inhalant Use Disorder is diagnosed when people use inhalants (aerosols, gases, nitrites and solvents) for a psychoactive effect. (The chemicals that are misused as inhalants are contained in a variety of household products.) People inhale the chemicals…
Cocaine is made from the leaves of a coca plant native to South America. A powerfully addictive stimulant, its use has serious short and long-term health effects. In addition, there’s risk of great harm when cocaine is taken with alcohol, heroin and other substances. One of the most frequent and…
Many of us have asked ourselves this question. Whether or not we gave it much thought or consideration is another matter. Most simply shrug it off, and that’s certainly the easier thing to do. We have come to accept drinking, and even some drugging, as being a normal part of…
The Holidays are upon us. This is the time of year when experimental drinking and drug use happens. This is the time of Holiday parties and Holiday cheer. As parents, we hope our children are safe. We hope we have taught them how to make good decisions. We hope they…
Tis the season to be Jolly? For those who struggle with substance abuse problems, This time of year can be particularly trying. The holidays can bring out feelings of loneliness, disconnection and loss due to separation from family or other support persons. Many who are battling substance abuse report that…
By Melissa Davis Alcoholism is a large problem in the United States, with an incredible 17.6 million individuals in the country suffering from some kind of alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse problem: that equates to approximately one in twelve American people. Because of the huge number of alcoholics in the…
My question is: My 23-year-old son has a drug addiction. First it was marijuana and alcohol for many years, and now he seems to be smoking something called chop out of a bong pipe (tobacco and marijuana), but his behavior has changed he’s become more violent and very angry. He recently…
Interesting College Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics In the year 2000 there were approximately 85,000 deaths in the US attributable to hazardous drinking—making alcohol the third actual leading cause of death. Abuse of alcohol and drugs on college campuses is a primary concern of parents sending their children off to…
This is a heavier article than most of our self-help and life coaching topics. However, we thought it was well done (Provided by Ryan Neace of The Change Group, Lynchburg, VA). PORTRAITS Geoff has been drinking and drugging since high school. As a matter of fact, he stays up most…
