What Is Cocaine? Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.2 According to a 2022 study, close to 25 million people around the world use cocaine.3 Cocaine is an addictive substance that triggers the brain to release a chemical called dopamine, which produces a euphoric high. This … Read more
History of ‘Just for Today’ in NA The JFT program was first published as a book of daily meditations in 1992 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services. The goal was to create a set of daily readings specifically geared toward those in recovery from addiction.1 Since then, the program has grown exponentially, with Just for Today … Read more
Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, speed, or crack, is a powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.1 While some drugs slow down the body, meth speeds it up by triggering a burst of energy and an intense rush of euphoria.2 It also boosts alertness, reduces appetite, increases activity and talkativeness, and offers a general … Read more
What Is Methadone? Methadone is a medication approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), a condition that affects 2.1 million Americans. Methadone can also be used to manage pain. Due to the high regulation of this drug, its use is only permitted under the supervision of a practitioner, most often in clinics.1 Methadone … Read more
Substance dependence occurs when a person is physically dependent on a substance such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs, or medication, to the extent that their body adapts to it and develops a tolerance to it, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.1 It is a complex condition that affects the person’s brain, body, and behavior. … Read more
If you’ve heard the terms “substance use” and “substance abuse,” you may wonder whether they mean the same thing or whether there’s any difference between them. Both terms refer to the act of utilizing substances, such as alcohol, drugs, nicotine, cannabis, or prescription medications.1 However, one refers specifically to problematic use, whereas the other is a … Read more
If your partner’s drinking habits are concerning you, you may be feeling the need to discuss it with them but may not know what to say. It can be difficult to figure out the right way to broach the subject without upsetting them or offending them. If you’re in this predicament, you’re not alone. The National Institute … Read more
Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of several syndromes within a group of disorders known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), where a child experiences issues with growth, central nervous system problems, facial feature differences, and problems with attention span, learning, vision, and hearing. FAS is caused by alcohol consumption by a pregnant person. FASD results … Read more
Language Note Substance use professionals have moved away from terms like “substance abuse” and refer instead to “substance dependence,” as the term “abuse” is considered blaming and stigmatizing. The diagnostic term for substance use and dependence that interfere with functioning is “substance use disorder.” This article refers to “substance dependence” rather than “abuse” due to … Read more
Sobriety is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Celebrities are the faces of non-alcoholic brands, mocktail bars are popping up in major cities, and ‘sober curious’ is becoming a household term for those who are re-evaluating their relationship to alcohol. However, we live in a culture where alcohol is a common ingredient in all social gatherings, … Read more