What Distinguishes Alcohol Dependence From Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol addiction is a prominent topic of discussion among rehabilitation professionals. Not only does the disease stem from a widely accessible substance, but the severity of the problem isn’t always clear. What’s left is a distorted understanding of what alcoholism looks like and how it must be treated. Of course, there are robust rehab programs…

Things to Say When Someone Lost a Loved One to Addiction

Addiction is an ugly disease, and thousands of people lose their battles each year.  According to the CDC, 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. More than 700,000 people died from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2017. Alcohol is the world’s third-largest risk factor for disease and disability and causes nearly four percent…

The Importance of Total Abstinence for Recovering Addicts

Addiction recovery is not a one size fits all approach. This is a significant fact, not just among addicts, but among industry professionals who are often torn by personal theories and methodologies. At United Recovery project we help you figure out what fits you best. One of the more controversial conversations that arise is the…

What Not to Say to Drug Addict

When you first learn someone you know has a drug addiction, it can be difficult to know what to say. Recovering from addiction is a very personal and emotional experience. A person in recovery will be extremely vulnerable, especially to what is said by their closest family and friends. Even well-intentioned comments can come off…

Difference Between Addiction vs Compulsion

Addiction describes an entire journey wherein a person becomes entrapped in harmful behavior that poses a threat to both their mental and physical health. What’s not as clear in this definition are the smaller, moving parts that explain the very nature of addiction. Because this delineation isn’t always straightforward, many people assume that addiction and…

What is a Needle Exchange Program?

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) estimates that there are roughly 2.4 million intravenous drug users in the US, each injecting on average 1,000 times per year. Dirty needles pose a huge risk to drug users and the greater population. When drug users share needles, they put themselves at risk for HIV and other infections…

How to Deal With a Drunk Child

Parenting, while a great honor, is a tremendous responsibility. As parents, we are tasked with both protecting our children and teaching them to fend for themselves. It’s an incredibly delicate balance — the execution of which tends to spark a great deal of debate. There isn’t one perfect way to raise a child. And because…

Characteristics of An Addictive Personality

What is an addictive personality? According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a prolonged disease of the brain, affecting the reward centers, and thus, behaviors, drive, retention, and cognition. Researchers believe that a blend of environment, genetics, and family history contribute to one’s risk of addiction. When these factors show up in…

telling doctor about illegal drug use

Can I Tell my Doctor About Illegal Drug Use?

Going to the doctor can be an intimidating experience. You’re completely vulnerable, and many of the questions you must answer in writing are extremely personal. There’s even a named disorder for fear of doctors — roughly three percent of the general population suffers from Iatrophobia or fear of going to the doctor. Fear of disclosing…

Why Do Meth Addicts Have Bad Teeth

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is one of the most destructive substances to the body. While all substance abuse and addiction wreak havoc on the human body, few are as devastating as meth in the same period. The Chemistry of Methamphetamine Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that…