For years, peer pressure was recognized as the most common factor that precipitated youth drug use, particularly first-time drug use. However, a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cited stress as now eclipsing peer pressure as the primary reason why young people experiment with mind-altering substances.

read more...

Every parent wants a safe and rewarding college experience for their children. But when alcohol misuse and drug abuse are ongoing problems on college campuses which are further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, how can parents ensure their children’s safety?

read more...

It’s long been thought that physical exercise is a healthy activity for recovering addicts. But what does the science say? As it turns out, there’s a growing body of data that suggests exercise helps recovering addicts stay sober.

read more...

“The opioid epidemic.” We hear this line on the news, on social media, in discussions within our communities, and so on. It is a well-known fact at this point that the United States is struggling with an opioid epidemic.

read more...

A connection between stress and substance abuse may be obvious to many. The question that remains, however, somewhat resembles the “chicken or the egg” theory. Does stress lead to addiction? Or is it addiction that leads to stress? The presence of substance abuse (drug addiction or alcoholism) produces a significant amount of stress.

read more...

When someone is stressed out, it can feel like drinking alcohol or using drugs is a good way to deal with that stress. Not only does this never work to actually handle the situation that is upsetting the person, it actually makes the stress worse.

read more...