As prescription drug abuse continues to grip the nation, law enforcement and legislative efforts typically focus on the addicts, doctors and pill mills. The sad truth, however, is that prescription drug abuse affects others, too, including children. Unfortunately, Americans are being falsely comforted by the fact that these drugs are prescribed to them and are therefore safe. What we don’t understand is that prescription abuse can be just as
[continue reading...]

There is hardly another neurobiological disorder that’s as over-diagnosed and under-diagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These inconsistencies lead to over-prescribing and under-prescribing of ADHD medications. In the United States, an estimated 3.3 million children have ADHD; many of these children are believed to be misdiagnosed. One in every 100 preschoolers takes medication for the disorder. That works out to more than 70,000 children between the ages of 3 and
[continue reading...]

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). These are disorders that, as their name suggests, are caused by alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol consumption of any amount during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus. Drinking alcohol during the first trimester (three months) of pregnancy is known to cause the most severe damage. Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, alcohol is known to cross the
[continue reading...]

The decision to seek treatment for drug or alcohol abuse is not one taken lightly by most people. And the changes required to stay with a life of recovery require, among other things, a relapse prevention plan. Many addicts and their families want to know: What happens after treatment, once you have committed to making your recovery process work? Significant lifestyle changes are usually not easy to maintain. Sticking to
[continue reading...]

The simple truth — that there is no known cure for alcoholism — is not one that a lot of drinkers like to hear. There is always some story floating around the news about a ‘magic pill’ being developed that could provide a cure for alcoholism. But for now, those stories are mere fantasies. For anyone who is struggling with alcoholism, there are only two realistic outcomes the can occur
[continue reading...]