AT Magazine Contributor
End-stage alcoholism is the most severe and life-threatening phase of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), where the body and mind are profoundly affected by years of excessive alcohol consumption. At this stage, individuals face significant physical...
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive drug that can have deeply negative consequences on people and communities. Its popularity as a drug of abuse has led to many street names for meth, used to refer to it colloquially or in secret....
Interventions can be a critical moment in helping someone struggling with addiction. They provide a structured opportunity for loved ones to express their concerns and guide the individual toward accepting help. However, staging an intervention involves careful...
Every year, millions of people are prescribed medications they never fully use. Left unchecked, these medications often find their way into the wrong hands, contributing to the growing crisis of misuse, abuse, and addiction. Donating unused prescription drugs could be...
It’s astonishing just how much we change during recovery, and a big part of that transformation is due to allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and getting out of our comfort zone -- a combination that can have us doing things we never ever thought we would do. Many...
Alcohol’s effects on the brain go beyond short-term relaxation; it actively alters brain chemistry, especially by interacting with dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to reward and pleasure. This interaction is key to understanding addiction and dependence on alcohol....
Reverse tolerance, also known as sensitization, is a reaction in which a person’s body becomes more sensitive to a substance over time. Instead of needing larger doses to feel effects—like with typical drug tolerance—individuals with reverse tolerance experience...
Mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are more popular than ever, gaining a massive following from health-conscious individuals, those exploring sobriety and the "sober curious" movement. With marketing that makes these drinks appear sophisticated, stylish and...
Relapse is a common occurrence in the recovery process. Although it’s not a sign of failure or weakness it can be discouraging, leading to feelings of shame or guilt that can undermine your sense of progress. For this reason, it’s understandable that one of the...
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is held every August 31. It started in Australia in 2001 but has expanded over the past two decades and now involves hundreds of events worldwide. IOAD seeks to remember those who’ve died from a drug overdose, raise...