Suspect Your Friend Is Using Drugs? Here’s What (and What Not) To Do

We’ve covered what to do if you find out your friend is using drugs. But what do you do if you suspect drug use without being 100% sure? Perhaps you’ve seen pills in their backpack, heard rumors, or have noticed your friend acting differently. Whatever the reason, it’s a tricky spot to be in. Some signs of addiction overlap with symptoms of depression, medication side effects, or other ... Continue Reading »

Urban vs. Rural Youth Substance Abuse—What’s the Difference?

When you think of the epicenter of a drug trade, skyscrapers, traffic, and bustling cities may come to mind. But research shows drug use may be just as high—or even higher—in less populated towns across America. In fact, among the many factors that increase likelihood of substance abuse, living in a rural area is one of them. Are there differences in urban and rural drug use, and what ... Continue Reading »

How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Opioid Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the way we live and interact with those around us. For many, the changes that occurred between 2019 and 2020 mark the separation of two different worlds. As the pandemic continues, the one we live in now includes higher rates of drug use, relapses, and overdose deaths than ever before. How did it happen? Let’s take a look at what the current research is telling us, and ... Continue Reading »

5 Ways to Ask for Help With Addiction

If you or a loved one is in the depths of addiction and ready to get help, congratulations. Acknowledging a problem is the first step in solving it. No matter the role addiction has played in your life, there’s hope on the other side. You or your friend have several options once you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery. Not sure which path to take? Let’... Continue Reading »

Managing Pain Without Opioids

Pain can severely impact quality of life. Whether your pain is temporary or chronic, managing it allows you to accomplish daily tasks and live a life you enjoy. And while your pain symptoms may have you considering prescription pain medication, it’s important to explore all options—especially ones less dangerous and addictive than opioids. Why Should I Consider Non-Opioid Pain Treatment? At the surface, taking a pill to manage ... Continue Reading »

Do you know your risk for opioid addiction?

Picture this. You’re at a party where the host offers you and your friends drugs. As you decline, two of your friends agree to try an opioid pill for the first time. While the first moves on from the experience, deciding it’s not for them, your other friend tries it a second time. That second time becomes a third, and then a fourth. Within weeks, your friend is ... Continue Reading »

Awkward situation? Here are some exit plans

Peer pressure can be powerful. Whether it is wearing the coolest clothes or listening to the latest music, it is natural to want to fit in. But, sometimes, that peer pressure can be deadly – like when it comes to opioids. If you are with a group of people who offer you drugs, you might feel pressured to try them even if you do not want to. After all, just one ... Continue Reading »

Kristin Parker’s Story of Hope

Kristin had a picture perfect childhood. The blonde haired, blue eyed kid was an only child living with her middle class family in a small town in West Virginia.Growing up, she won numerous beauty pageants, participated as a majorette in band and earned average grades in school. By age 20, she was an addict. “At home, I wasn’t receiving the same validation I received from the awards or competitions ... Continue Reading »

Rachel’s Story of Hope

In middle school, 37-year-old Charleston resident, Rachel Golden, dreamed of becoming an aviation lawyer. From the outside looking in, she was the kind of child any parent or teacher would consider bright and full of potential. Rachel made good grades, behaved well, and never showed signs that she’d experience anything other than success in future endeavors. Despite these traits, Rachel had one kryptonite – the weight of others’ opinions. “I ... Continue Reading »

How Opioids Affect Exercise and Athletic Performance

Sports and exercise keep your body healthy and strong. So why is it that many healthy, strong athletes have such a high risk for substance abuse disorder— particularly with opioids (1)? In all age groups, from youth sports to professional leagues, we see many athletes and fitness lovers succumb to substance abuse and opioid addiction. What are the risks involved in exercising while taking opioids? And what are some precautions to ... Continue Reading »

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