American Addiction Centers Blog
Cara Santana: Addiction Isn’t in Fashion
January 26, 2023
Who couldn’t use a little escape from reality? Whether you lose yourself in a riveting novel or binging a television series, going for a hike or getting physically active another way, leaving to-do lists behind for a few hours isn’t a bad thing. For some, however, escaping reality isn’t a simple on-off switch they can […]
Stories of recreational drug use gone wrong have held an increasingly large presence in news headlines as of late. Reports of celebrity overdoses and about the opioid crisis seem to be staples in the day’s top news regardless of the day of the week. Pop culture has a history of normalizing drug use and, as […]
It has been recently estimated that there were more than 72,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2017 – a rise of roughly 10 percent from the year prior. While that number may be staggering, statistics often fall short when trying to reach us on an emotional level; it’s difficult to grasp the gravity of life lost […]
For many employers, a part of the hiring process includes a drug test to ensure their employees are not under the influence of illegal drugs. Additionally, regular drug screenings help ensure that employees are not placing themselves or any of their colleagues at risk by using illicit substances. Many of these companies include this information […]
Technology has changed many aspects of our day to day life, and one area that has been very affected is dating. More and more people are turning to online dating services and apps to find the perfect someone. In fact, a recent survey found that 1 in 4 people have used or are currently using […]
In June 2018, Oklahoma became the 30th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use. Nine states have also legalized cannabis consumption for recreational use. These occurrences may reflect a general shift in the public’s opinion. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says people can’t ingest a lethal dose of marijuana, the legality of the substance […]
Driving while under the influence is an extremely dangerous thing to do with potentially deadly consequences. It risks both the life of the intoxicated driver as well as the people around them. If you decide to drink, it is always best to have a designated driver or use a rideshare program to ensure you get […]
Celebrity status doesn’t exempt an individual from alcohol misuse. Sometimes the pressure of the career may open the door to self-medicating as a way to deal with the overwhelm. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Alcoholism doesn’t have to be in control of an individual’s life. Joy Sutton, host of American Addiction Centers’ […]
Independence Day, graduations, weddings, and backyard barbecues can be part of summertime fun. And usually what comes along with those experiences is a range of alcoholic beverages. If you have an alcohol use disorder and are currently sober, attending events where alcohol is served may be triggering. And at the same, you don’t want to […]
Stigma occurs when an individual views another individual (or even themselves) in a negative way for the sole reason of having a mental health condition. Some describe this experience as a feeling of judgement or shame from someone else. Stigma encourages a life of secrecy, blaming, and isolation, which creates obstacles for an individual struggling […]
Judging, shaming, and stigmatizing individuals are proven to be ineffective approaches for healthy, productive, and lasting change. Instead, they serve as proverbial weapons that tear at the core of an already-fragile human condition—a condition that strives to be valued, to matter, and to be loved. Pregnant women are no exception. A woman battling substance misuse […]
Between Juneteenth and LGBTQ+ Pride, June has become a home to raising awareness about the experiences of two marginalized groups: Black Americans and those within the LGBTQ+ community. One group celebrates their freedom from slavery and the other celebrates their freedom to feel proud of who they are. Despite the fanfare and advocacy, there are […]
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and it’s observed as a federal holiday on June 19th. Although the upcoming holiday marks the emancipation of the involuntary institution, racial disparities, injustices, and systemic racism still exist. Along with these obstacles come mental health issues. Progress takes time—a collective effort, a paradigm shift. […]