A prescription bottle next to a cup of coffee on a counter.

Understanding the Difference: Addiction vs. Dependence

Addiction and dependence are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing.

When people misunderstand the difference they might avoid taking the medications they need for certain health conditions. It can also make it harder to find the right treatment plan — especially when struggling with substance use issues.

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Person experiencing signs of opioid addiction.

How to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid use disorder is an epidemic in the United States that affects millions of Americans. The widespread use of prescription opioids has led to substance use disorders increasing at an alarming rate and leaves individuals and their loved ones devastated. This makes knowing the signs of opioid addiction incredibly important.

Prescription painkillers, such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), and other drugs like fentanyl, are all considered synthetic opioids. Substances like morphine, codeine, and heroin are “opiates,” which are naturally occurring.

Opioids are commonly prescribed for chronic pain management, surgery, dental procedures, and injuries, as they are potent painkillers.

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A chiropractor administering an adjustment, one of many holistic healthcare approaches.

Explaining Holistic Healthcare: What Does It Really Mean?

Holistic healthcare has become synonymous with alternative medicine or non-conventional medicine – but is that actually what it means? There are a lot of misconceptions about the term “holistic,” and, as a result, people may avoid certain practices labeled “holistic therapies.”

However, many of these practices are widely accepted as an effective way to treat underlying causes of disease and manage chronic pain. Let’s explore what holism actually means when it comes to the medical system and your well-being.

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Image of a support group meeting as part of treatment for gambling addiction.

Can Treatment for Gambling Addiction Improve My Life?

Gambling addiction, also known as problem gambling or gambling disorder, is a disease that plagues many people’s lives – from finances to physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, now more than ever before, this risk is ever-present with access to casinos and the growing popularity of online gambling.

Similarly to other forms of addiction, problem gambling can cause changes in brain function, including the release of dopamine, that reinforce the addictive behavior.

But, problem gambling doesn’t have to affect you or your loved ones. Thankfully, there are many resources available that address both compulsive gambling and gambling addiction treatment.

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Man struggling with substance use disorder during the holiday season.

How to Help Those in Addiction Recovery This Holiday Season

‘Tis the Season! The holidays are quickly approaching, and while most people enjoy the holiday season, we all know how stressful this time of year can be. Whether it’s the work demands of finishing a project before taking time off, shopping for everyone on your list, preparing meals, or even getting the house ready for family gatherings (and out-of-town guests), these stressors can impact us physically, mentally, and emotionally.

From Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s, this time of year can be filled with holiday parties — and alcoholic beverages. For someone struggling with alcohol addiction or substance use disorder, this could create a difficult time of battling triggers and cravings.

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The historic Neil Kennedy Recovery Center on Rush Blvd.

Continuing the History and Mission of the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center

Northeast Ohio was instrumental to the creation and evolution of addiction treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous first started in Akron, Ohio before becoming a national movement combating alcohol addiction. And, that historic beginning also influenced the opening of the first private rehab center in the United States – the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center in Youngstown, Ohio.

The Center went through many changes throughout its history and provided important health care for some of Youngstown, Warren, and even the Pennsylvania area’s most vulnerable citizens. While operating, the NKRC became an essential helpline for those who needed it — a feat that will never be forgotten. The legacy of the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center reminds us all of the impact individuals can have when they come together.

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A patient talking to their dedicated care team.

6 Reasons Integrated Care Is Important For Better Health Outcomes

Healthcare is changing. There have been major advancements in our understanding of diseases and how to treat them, and each year, more and more medical devices hit the market as technology evolves to address illness.

But, despite these innovations, people in the United States report receiving low-quality care for a higher price than before. In fact, as many as 60% of Americans reported dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system.

This is why more and more people are turning to integrated healthcare services. An integrated healthcare model addresses the concerns of care costs and increases the quality of care you and your loved ones receive. If you’re searching for high-quality health care, then you should start by looking into integrated care.

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A person overcoming addiction who is developing a healthy life through exercise.

Find Hope and Restore Life After Addiction

Recovery from substance use disorder doesn’t end after leaving a rehabilitation treatment center. It’s a long-term commitment that involves building a new life after addiction – one step at a time. 

Detox is just the first step in your recovery journey of becoming drug-free. After that, it’s time to build a new life with new relationships and new hobbies

Knowing how to build a sober life can feel overwhelming and even frightening. But, this new life is essential to helping you overcome addiction as you progress through your recovery process

Remember, recovering from drug addiction is a day-by-day process where you can enjoy discovering the new you and the new possibilities that sober life has to offer. Here are some of the best paths you can explore as you recover from addiction. 

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A concerned family member talking with someone about drug addiction.

Physical and Behavioral Signs of Addiction: Know How to Help

Watching a family member or loved one struggle with possible substance abuse can be excruciating.

Unfortunately, it can take time to realize that a loved one is struggling, so being able to recognize the signs of addiction is an important part of caring for the well-being of those with substance use disorder.

If you’re concerned that a loved one may need support and addiction treatment, look for these common symptoms of addiction.

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Two doctors at an integrated healthcare facility speaking to a patient about their care plan.

Benefits of Integrated Healthcare: Health Care Teams That Support Whole-Person Well-Being

Integrated health care services are becoming a more prevalent part of the healthcare system, because better health outcomes require that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s overall health. Patient care that combines behavioral health needs with physical health needs leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Integrated health care services achieve that by creating an interprofessional care team that provides a holistic approach to patient care. In doing so, healthcare providers streamline communications to provide a higher-quality of care at a lower cost.

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