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 »

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 »

Opioids and Bad Skin—What’s the Connection?

Some negative side effects of opioid use are invisible. A failing heart or weakened immune system, for example, aren’t seen by the naked eye. Others, however, are hard to miss— like sore, red, or damaged skin. Your skin is a vital organ. Much of your skin health depends on genetics, but environment and lifestyle behaviors impact it greatly. Your skin can tell a story of hydration, self-care, and good ... Continue Reading »

Stressed? 5 Drug-Free Ways to Manage Stress as a Teen

Sometimes, life feels tough. The upcoming test that stands between a pass or fail grade? A championship game you’ve practiced for all season long? A tough break up, argument with a friend, or disagreement with your parents? Regardless of age, gender, or race, no one is immune to the natural human experience we all know as stress. And as we age, our sources of stress expand. The more responsibilities ... Continue Reading »

Opioid Myth vs. Fact: How Much Do You Know About Opioid Abuse?

Opioid use is spreading rampantly across the country, and we’re no strangers to its consequences in West Virginia. With over 70,000 deaths in 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of fatal overdoses in West Virginia had increased more than four times the 1999 total. And more than two-thirds of those deaths were linked to opioids. One culprit in the steady rise of opioid fatalities is misinformation—... Continue Reading »

Staying Drug Free: Hobbies for Sobriety

When you’re in a substance abuse treatment program or rehab facility, you’re surrounded by people, places, and activities that support sobriety. Once you’re back home, your support network may not be as accessible. Encouragement from friends, family, and loved ones might help, but you still need to find productive ways to fill your time. Finding new hobbies fills your schedule with past-times unrelated to substance abuse and ... Continue Reading »

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 »

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