American Addiction Centers Blog
What Does Crack Look Like? How to Identify Crack Cocaine: Look, Feel, and Smell
April 25, 2024
What Does Crack Cocaine Look Like? The process of turning cocaine into crack cocaine produces crystals, called “rocks.” These range in color from clear-white or opaque white to off-white or yellow. They vary in size and shape, too. Changes in color may be related to adulterants, including caffeine, sugar, lactose, or other drugs like levamisole, […]
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 […]
Where do people stand on alcohol and marijuana use? What are their perceptions, and how do they feel about legalization? Recent changes in marijuana legalization may offer some insights. As of March 2024, 17 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. Additionally, recreational use of marijuana is legal in 24 states plus Washington DC. That […]
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’ […]
Summer is filled with festivities, including everything from pool parties and barbeques to weddings and beach outings. Often, however, these experiences are accompanied by alcohol. And for anyone in recovery or struggling with alcohol misuse, these events can be triggering. But summer doesn’t have to derail your recovery, nor does it mean you must steer […]
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 […]
The 30 days in June help raise awareness about the experiences of two groups. Juneteenth—a U.S. federal holiday, observed on June 19—commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the entire month celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and work done for equal justice and equal opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ […]
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. […]
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after an individual experiences any type of trauma. Some individuals develop this disorder following a shocking, scary, or dangerous event, such as military combat, sexual abuse, a natural disaster, a serious accident, or some other traumatic event. The National Center for PTSD, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program, […]
Military Service Members: Addictions & Co-Occurring Disorders We are constantly looking for protection from outside threats. It may be in the form of a password/face ID on our cell phones, an alarm system on our homes, or if on a broader scale, protection for our country comes in the form of our United States military. […]
Mental Health Awareness Month is acknowledged in the month of May. And as we wrap up these 31 days in Spring, let’s discuss the importance of maintaining an open dialogue about mental health. Although life is slowly attempting to return to whatever we consider “normal” at this point after battling a life with COVID for […]
