Expert Resources for Supporting Loved Ones with Addiction
Discover expert insights and practical guidance from clinicians, researchers, and specialists to help parents, families and professionals support loved ones and community members with substance use disorder and addiction.
People who use substances are at a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide. Knowing the risks and what to do can help you protect your loved one.
Xylazine, an animal sedative found in the illicit drug supply, can cause painful and severe wounds all over the body, which can become infected and require limb amputation. If your loved one is at risk of being exposed to xylazine, or if they are already struggling with xylazine-related wounds, the following information can help you understand how to best care for them.
Studies have found that “just” by listening, one trusted adult can have a big impact on a young person as they show less risk-taking behavior and higher self-esteem. More specifically, young people who met regularly with a trusted adult or a mentor are 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking.
Cyberbullying can have an extremely negative effect on teen mental health and potentially result in an increased use of illegal substances. It’s possible that your loved one has been cyberbullied, is a perpetrator, or has witnessed it. Learn how to help your loved one if you suspect they are struggling.
A public health approach is needed to address the ongoing addiction crisis, but recent federal actions are gutting the structures and supports integral to addressing it.
Cutting staff and funding at SAMHSA, the federal agency that leads efforts on mental health and substance use, would be detrimental to efforts to address the addiction and overdose crises.
State and local governments are reaching settlements with companies in an effort to hold the companies responsible for their roles in fueling the opioid crisis.
Medicaid is the single largest payer of substance use disorder care in the U.S. Medicaid cuts would significantly harm people with addiction and efforts to address the overdose crisis.
Ultimately, there is no “script” for talking with your teen about marijuana. But let’s look at some of the statements your teen might make when you bring up marijuana, and what you can say in response.
Medications used to treat diabetes and obesity might also help people struggling with substance use disorder. Research is promising, but more studies are needed.
The symptoms that come from stopping heavy substance use are known as withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be incredibly painful and even deadly. It is a key reason why it can be so difficult to stop drinking.
In the season finale of Heart of the Matter, Broadway star and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis opens up about his personal struggle with substance use.
Just because someone is drinking more than these limits doesn’t mean they have an alcohol use disorder. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how much and how often your loved one is drinking. If you’re still not sure, some tests and screening tools can help.
Jackie Siegel, also known as “The Queen of Versailles,” joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the heartbreaking journey of her daughter Victoria, who struggled with addiction and ultimately passed away from an overdose at 18 years old, after years of hidden mental health challenges and substance use.
Drinking and driving is a major problem that puts everyone on the road at risk. When someone drinks alcohol, it affects their ability to think clearly and make good decisions.
Over the past year, you may have heard of something called a “BORG” related to college students. These BORGs aren’t from Star Trek – they’re “blackout rage gallons,” AKA gallon jugs of alcohol combined with water, juice, and other mixers.
Elizabeth Vargas sits down with philanthropist and author Cammie Wolf Rice. Cammie shares the heartbreaking story of her son Christopher’s fatal overdose at age 32, following an opioid prescription that led to more than a decade of addiction.
Nitrous oxide is usually used in medical settings, like at the dentist’s office, or in whipped cream cans. However, it’s becoming more popular as a recreational drug among teens, and that’s where the problems begin.
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