When you turn on the news or scroll through social media, you’re not hearing about the opioid crisis as often as you used to. It’s easy to wonder: Is the opioid epidemic still happening, or is it over? The short answer is yes; the opioid epidemic is still happening. There is some encouraging news. According to the CDC, overdose deaths decreased by 12.3% from April 2025 to March 2026 (compared to the same time in the previous year. [Source] That progress matters. But it doesn’

YES! Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease rather than a simple moral failing or lack of willpower. Here are some key components of the disease model of addiction: 1. Biological Basis: Addiction has a biological basis. Repeated use of certain substances can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function, particularly in areas related to reward, motivation, and decision-making. These changes can make it difficult for individuals to control their drug use. 2

Prescription Have you made an effort to store your prescription medicine safely? Every day, young people come across medications in places adults rarely think twice about—bathroom drawers, kitchen cabinets, backpacks, even purses. To keep kids safe, adults and parents can take a few simple steps that make a huge difference. 1. Lock It Up Medications—prescription or over the counter—don’t belong within easy reach. Quick ways to secure meds: Use a lockbox or locking cabinet Kee

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can significantly affect our mental and physical health....

Staying sober during the holidays can be especially challenging with the emphasis on celebrations, gatherings, and sometimes, stress....

When we think of Peer Pressure in relation to substance, we often picture youth's peers encouraging them to use. But both internal peer...

Eliminating the stigma around substance use is a complex task that requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities,...

It can be difficult to determine if your child is an alcoholic, as there is no one-size-fits-all definition for alcoholism. However,...

Yes, mental health and addiction are often related. Many people who struggle with addiction also have co-occurring mental health...

"Take it to the Box" programs are initiatives that provide safe and convenient methods for individuals to dispose of unused or expired...

Social media has many positive attributes, but when it comes to drugs on social media, parents should be aware of the following: 1....

Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and certain other medical conditions....

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is chemically related to fentanyl but is much more potent. It is used as a tranquilizing agent for...

When discussing people with a substance use disorder, it's important to approach the conversation with empathy, understanding, and...

Supporting a person recovering from substance use can be challenging but vital. Recovery is a journey, and having a solid support system...

Preventing youth from using drugs involves a multifaceted approach that includes education, prevention programs, and supportive...

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is typically used to manage severe pain, such as pain related to surgery or cancer treatment....

Recovery is often described as a lifelong process rather than a one-time event. This is because substance use disorders are a chronic...

Mental health and addiction are often related. Many people who struggle with addiction also have co-occurring mental health conditions,...

There are several major websites for drug information and statistics, including: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - NIDA provides...