Author: Gary Jackson

When heavy or binge drinking is the norm in a family, people tend to fall into drinking as normal behavior. Health care professionals use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to assess whether a person has AUD and to determine the severity, if the disorder is present. Severity […]

The study of effectiveness of motivational enhancement strategies has yielded mixed results. For example, in a large effectiveness trial of motivational enhancement therapy for Spanish-speaking patients seeking treatment for substance use, Carroll et al [50] found small advantages for this treatment relative to TAU only among those in the sample seeking treatment for alcohol problems. […]

In November 2020, the state of Oregon passed Measure 109 to legalize psilocybin for people age 21 and older. Proponents of psilocybin legalization in Oregon promote its use for medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The new law will make psilocybin more accessible to people who need them clinically. The average half-life of psilocybin ranges […]

If you need to avoid alcohol, be sure you check all of your food and medicine labels to be sure they don’t contain alcohol. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you use, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. […]

The 12 traditions of AA serve as the foundation of the organization. Because of these, members are able to rest assured that AA is a safe place to share their experiences and get support for their alcohol use disorder (AUD). AA was originally founded on the principles of the Oxford Group, a Christian-based self-help group. […]

For street use, ecstasy is made illegally in labs with many ingredients, including isosafrole, amphetamine, and caffeine. Note that if a drug is sold as “ecstasy,” it still may not have any MDMA at all. Addictive ingredients are used to make ecstasy, causing you to crave more. It was first made by German scientists in […]

According to research, Lyrica misuse has become more common in recent years among people who have a history of abusing opioids — another type of addictive painkiller. In recent years, pregabalin misuse has become a growing concern and risk, particularly among those who have a history of opioid abuse or benzodiazepine abuse. If you’re concerned […]

Potentially fatal liver problems and spikes in blood pressure are other really good reasons not to mix these drugs. For example, it can make some people happy and talkative while others become angry and engage in more risky behaviors. Below are some of the most common questions and answers about alcohol. Stimulants increase a person’s […]

A mental health professional can help you cope with some of the challenges you’ll face on your path to sobriety. It is estimated that up to 80% of those who find long-term sobriety had at least one relapse along the way. Some people experience many setbacks before they find lasting recovery. Your intentions may be good, […]

LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine temporarily shift our conscious experience. The risks of LSD use are dependent on many factors, including the fundamentals of set and setting and one’s current mental health status. Tolerance develops when the body loses sensitivity to a compound’s effects. When tolerance forms, the body requires larger doses to achieve the […]