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...
Cities around the world are seeing heat records being shattered and the high temperatures have created dangerous conditions. Tires are melting on roads and, in some cases, the roads themselves are melting. Last year set a record for the number of deaths related to...
Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a significant public health problem in the U.S. and the world, with millions of people misusing prescription medication every year. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 14.3 million people 12...
Traditionally, fentanyl is smuggled into the United States in the form of small, blue pills — a deliberate choice by illicit drug makers to mimic the appearance of prescription medications. Lately, however, the illicit drug can often be found in bright purples,...
Every April, many communities observe Alcohol Awareness Month, an annual initiative for raising awareness about alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding alcohol use in general, the potential...
Today’s seniors are drastically different from those of generations past. They’re living longer, more active, and independent lives (older adults are projected to account for 57% of labor force growth between 2022 and 2032) [4]. They’re also struggling with alarming...
Trauma and substance abuse are conditions that may not seem related but can occur in people who experience one, the other, or both. Traumatic events can leave psychological and physical sequels that latch themselves in our minds, leading some to use substances to make...
March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a subject closely linked to substance abuse. Both are often the result of a poor coping mechanism for dealing with stressful situations, used to serve as a distraction or create a feeling of control, and have overlapping risk...
We want to know if you love a brand, company, or organization that you feel has helped you in your sobriety! Provide the name and URL for the brand, as well as why you love this brand. Brands can include anything from non-alcoholic beverages and sober merchandise companies to recovery bloggers and influencers.