American Addiction Centers Blog

October is Talk About Prescriptions Month, and its observance couldn’t come at a better time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a June survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed dramatic increases in depression, anxiety, and drug use among Americans. Although studies have indicated an increase in alcohol use, experts warn that […]

Many people who have been in long-term relationships admit the longevity is due to their sincere commitment, open communication, and consistent effort. This may also include a multitude of other variables, subject to what different couples find to be effective for them. Every relationship has their own set of challenges, but those facing a substance […]

The year 2020 will stand out in history books for decades to come. Scholars will debate the politics and social unjust. Economists will dissect the year’s unsteady economy. But at the helm of it all is an airborne and untamed virus that randomly takes the lives of some while sparing others, but not before leaving […]

Oftentimes admitting to something that we aren’t very proud of can be difficult. Not just admitting an unpleasant truth to others, but to ourselves as well. This may often be the case with those battling alcoholism. The truth is, alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a disease. So, as much as it is an obstacle […]

There’s no doubt about it. We are enduring many pains, hardships and sorrows during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The count of those who have contracted the disease continues to tick up. The number of people who have succumbed to it does too. But the misfortunes don’t stop there. Others indirectly relate to this vicious scourge. […]

It’s natural for people to make mistakes. After all, human nature is the social and psychological attributes that characterize humans, particularly those qualities that are distinct from other living things. Couple human nature with a disease like addiction, and mistakes are bound to happen. Emotions are even heightened. Not only from the family and friends […]

While the vulnerability of the Native American population to substance abuse has been long recognized, the inability of national surveys to accurately collect data from or around reservations has prevented researchers from fully realizing the scope of the problem until recently. The recent findings are alarming. A 2018 survey published in JAMA Network Open found […]

The early days of recovery can be a delicate and difficult time. Many of us begin the journey feeling scared and vulnerable, unsure if we’re even capable of putting a drink or drug down for any significant length of time. The good news is, while you may feel lost and alone, you’re anything but—an estimated […]

For many of us, college life is synonymous with fall-time football, late-night cram sessions, a bustling campus, and endless opportunities for socializing, whether it was joining a club, rushing during Greek week, or meeting new dormmates. However, in 2020, college life is characterized by one-way sidewalks, routine temperature checks, face masks, and social distancing. This […]

With the election right around the corner, there are only a small handful of key issues that seem to be on everyone’s minds: COVID-19, the economy, health care, the Supreme Court, but relatively few others. One important issue that’s gotten overlooked, however, is the opioid epidemic. Though it hasn’t been in the news recently, the […]

Adult alcohol use has increased since the pandemic hit the United States. Feeling like life is out of control may be an understatement, but may be the reason that Americans are turning to intoxicating beverages as an unhealthy alternative to therapy. The year 2020 has presented simultaneous challenges that many of us weren’t prepared for. […]

A synonym for the word “stigma” is scar. And scars are the visual and permanent residue of having been hurt at some point. They remind us of mistakes. Of choices. Of events that we’ve experienced. Perhaps, even lessons that we’ve learned. When it comes to stigmatizing those who have battled a drug addiction, or substance […]