Author name: Dr. Vahid Osman

The opioid addiction crisis in the US is currently at a level where more than 90 Americans die on average from an overdose each day. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported that at least 2 million Americans suffer from opioid addiction, which accounts for the alarming overdose death rate.

A holistic approach to alcoholism focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just the addiction itself. This type of approach often includes activities such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture, which can help to promote healing on physical, mental, and emotional levels.

Most addictive substances already have the potential to be life-threatening all on their own, particularly when taken in amounts that the body cannot handle. This particular fact is made even more alarming by the number of overdose cases in hospitals involving the mixing of addictive substances with other things, such as alcohol.

Is alcohol a stimulant or depressant? Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It slows down the body’s functions and can cause drowsiness.

Drinking and driving refers to operating a vehicle when alcohol has impaired a person’s judgment or motor skills. It is a crime in all U.S. jurisdictions, but penalties vary by state. Drunk driving causes more than 10,000 deaths each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA.

The illegal use of fentanyl in the United States is widespread and often lethal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that opioids, mainly synthetic ones like fentanyl, are the main source of drug overdose deaths.

In 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder. By taking a closer look, they found that this included 5.5 million women and 9 million men.

Most people assume that drug addiction is a choice made by an individual who simply lacks morals. People may initially choose to use the substance, but using is no longer a choice once a substance use disorder has progressed.

Withdrawal and addiction are closely tied in many people’s minds. Does withdrawal from a substance mean you are addicted? Which one comes first? Can you have an addiction without experiencing withdrawal?

If you know a friend or loved one who struggled with addiction, you may be wondering how to talk to them now that they’re sober. It can be tough to know what to say or act around someone new to sobriety.