Active Recovery: The Science Behind How Exercise Helps in Addiction Treatment

Staying active is a part of a healthy lifestyle for most people. Regular exercise not only keeps your bones, muscles, lungs, and heart strong, but it also keeps your mind sharp. It’s why you feel joyful after a morning run, or even a bit calmer after a good workout. Decades of research is proof that these physical, mental, and emotional health are real. And now more and more experts ... Continue Reading »

What To Do if Your Friend Is Using Drugs

In today’s world, it’s not a matter of “if” one of your friends, acquaintances, or loved ones will use drugs—it’s a matter of “when”. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs of addiction and how to help. In addition to learning about the dangers of opioids and other substances for yourself, you can be a resource for your friend as they find their ... Continue Reading »

Choices Can Change the Game

It’s all about choices.

Because choices can Change the Game. West Virginia high school kids have come a long way! Looking at the numbers, they’re already Changing the Game – and they have been for years. Youth have been Changing the Game with healthy decisions. As new challenges emerge – like the Opioid Epidemic – they need real facts and support to continue making good choices. GameChanger is here ... Continue Reading »

Opioid dependence can happen in just FIVE DAYS.

It can happen to anybody.

While many people take Prescription Opioids as directed under a doctor’s care, there are risks that we should know.

Risks Include:

Taking Opioids puts you at risk for dependence and addictionOpioids affect the brain’s “reward circuit” and flood the brain with the chemical messenger dopamine.Dopamine surges encourage you to repeat the unhealthy behavior of taking drugs – which can ... Continue Reading »

How to Talk to Your Kids About Substance Abuse

At GameChanger, our mission is to prevent drug abuse before it happens. It’s a big task here in West Virginia, the state leading the nation in prescription drug abuse. Nationally, data shows drug use among 8th graders increased by more than 60 percent between 2016 and 2020. And more than 5 percent of 12th graders included in the same study abused opioids other than heroin. Given the statistics, it’s not a matter ... Continue Reading »

Teenage drug addiction: 5 ways to support a teenager in recovery

Parenting throughout the teenage years isn’t easy. If you’re a caregiver of a teen who’s recovering from addiction, it’s another level of hard. Finding the sweet spot between protecting your child from harm and honoring their privacy, space, and growing independence is a challenge on its own. And throwing substance abuse into the mix is an even bigger obstacle to overcome. If your child or teen ... Continue Reading »

Asking For Help When Struggling With Addiction

Many people struggle with addiction. What happens after they admit to themselves that they have a problem? After admitting that there is a problem with their use of drugs or alcohol, the next step is asking for help from others. Those that struggle with addiction can be wary of asking for help. Asking for help means that they must admit to something they would probably prefer not to mention. Asking ... Continue Reading »

Signs of Addiction

Addiction is a highly complex condition that can affect virtually anyone. In the United States alone, approximately 21 million people suffer from addiction every year. Unfortunately, of those 21 million people, only 10 percent receive help and treatment. Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step to getting help for yourself or guiding someone you care about to help. For this reason, it is critical to have an understanding of the signs ... Continue Reading »

The Effects Of Substance Use On Appearance

In 2019, West Virginia had the highest drug overdose-related death rate in the US, coming in at a staggering 52.8% per 100,000 residents. Outside of Delaware (48%), the closest ranking states to West Virginia were Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, proving that the drug epidemic is happening right in our backyard. Drug usage results in a number of unhealthy consequences, from dissension within the family to self-disfigurement. Read on to discover how substance abuse can ... Continue Reading »

The Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Chances are you or someone you know has been affected by substance abuse or addiction. In 2018, West Virginia ‘led’ all other states in opioid-related deaths occurring per 100,000 residents with a total of 42.4%, nearly 10% higher than the next leading state. This doesn’t have to be your fate. We know this topic is a personally sensitive issue to most people. Below we discuss some of the major causes of substance use ... Continue Reading »