Group of people at an AA meeting.

Should You Try The 12 Steps of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)?

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The 12 steps of AA are the core of the Alcoholics Anonymous approach to recovery from alcoholism. The program was developed by co-founders Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith (who were both recovered alcoholics) with input from other members. The idea is that when an alcoholic admits that they have a problem and agrees to follow certain guidelines for living a sober life, they will eventually be able to eliminate their need for alcohol or other drugs entirely.

While developed for alcoholism, the twelve steps of alcoholics anonymous’ philosophy can be used for other addictions, and many of the principles have been adopted by other organizations. For example, Narcotics Anonymous is for those struggling with substance abuse. Read more

Man overcoming his gambling disorder by talking with a counselor.

When Do You Need Gambling Addiction Help? 7 Major Questions Answered

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There’s nothing wrong with gambling every once in a while. It can be a fun, enjoyable activity when done responsibly. But, when this hobby begins to affect your overall mental health or causes you to regularly lose large amounts of money, it’s a problem.

Learn more about how to get gambling addiction help and recognize when enough is enough. Read more

Rehab center providing addiction treatment.

What Is Rehab — and Will It Lead to Addiction Recovery?

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You may have heard the terms “rehab” and “detox” used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same. What is rehab? It refers to the entire process of rehabilitation and recovery from addiction, while detox is a step in the recovery process.

Detox, a withdrawal management program, is a step of addiction treatment for those struggling with alcohol use or drug addiction. It involves 24/7 medical care and support for a short amount of time – typically between 3 and 7 days.

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Residential treatment facility at Meridian.

Can You Prevent Your Children From Inheriting Addiction Problems?

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Addiction is a complex disease that can be difficult to overcome, and unfortunately prevention is never guaranteed. It often runs in families, and unfortunately, children of addicts are at a higher risk of developing addiction problems themselves. But does this mean that addiction is hereditary? And are there steps you can take to TRY to prevent your child from inheriting your addiction? 

Disclaimer: Addiction looks different for everyone. This article will make general statements about addiction and is not meant to diagnose or suggest treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact a treatment center. 

*If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Read more

Detox center that is providing addiction treatment programs.

What Is Addiction — and How to Get Help

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What is addiction? It’s a serious condition that can affect all aspects of your life, including your relationships, work, and hobbies. It affects both the brain and behavior. When you hear the word “addiction,” you might immediately think of drug abuse and alcohol addiction. However, it doesn’t begin and end with drug addiction.

Addictions come in many different forms, including alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, or eating disorders. It’s more than just a craving; addictions affect self-control and often have other harmful consequences.

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Label for prescription Suboxone.

What Is Suboxone? Options to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

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What is Suboxone? It’s the brand name for a prescription medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone, and it is used to treat addiction to opioid drugs or narcotic painkillers. It’s important to note that Suboxone isn’t meant for treating pain unrelated to an opioid addiction problem. Subutex, by comparison, is a similar branded product (but without naloxone in it); it’s just buprenorphine with none of the other ingredients found in Suboxone. Read more

Patient talking with a counselor as part of their addiction treatment.

What Are the Most Common Addictions & Abused Substances?

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Addiction is a chronic mental illness that about 23 million American adults struggle with, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). It’s a disease that ultimately affects every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships and families to work and hobbies.

Addiction is not just a craving; it’s an inherent need to partake in that action or substance, despite any negative consequences. People can form addictions to illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, nicotine, social media, and gambling, among many others. Learn more about the most common addictions and abused substances.

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Applicant undergoing workplace drug screening.

The Pros and Cons of Workplace Drug Testing

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In today’s workplace culture, testing for drug use has become increasingly popular. Workplace drug testing comes in three forms: pre-employment drug testing, a random drug testing program, or when used to test employees if the employer has a reasonable suspicion of substance abuse. 

Reasonable suspicion comes in a number of forms, but often employers choose to drug test an employee if they receive credible information concerning that particular employee having a drug problem (or after a workplace accident/constant absenteeism). 

Proponents of workplace drug testing cite lowered accident and injury rates and overall positive results as the number one benefit of screening job candidates for drugs. 

While it is true that many on-the-job accidents are caused by alcohol and substance abusers, opponents argue that these injuries can actually increase when workers feel compelled to abuse drugs while at work to keep up with their non-using peers. 

Drug testing in the workplace doesn’t just help identify individuals under the influence of drugs. It can also provide proof of a worker’s commitment to a drug-free workplace and the safety of fellow employees and the public. The way in which companies implement their drug testing policies can vary, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of drug testing from an employer’s perspective. 

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