• Young mixed race woman sitting at the desk in a cafe in downtown Los Angeles, texting at her smartphone while having a coffee.

    “California Sober” and Controlled Use: Can I Drink Occasionally in Recovery?

    878 words|4.4 min read|

    The term “California sober” has become more common in recent years. It usually means someone has stopped using certain substances, such as alcohol or opioids, [...]

  • Macro photogaph of generic aerosol can spraying against dark background; could be cosmetic or spray paint; copy space on and around can

    What Is Chroming? Understanding a Dangerous Trend 

    773 words|3.9 min read|

    If you have heard the term “chroming” recently, you are not alone. The word has gained attention on social media, particularly among teens and parents [...]

  • Young displeased, tired man with insomnia unable to sleep and suffering from burnout and newly sober struggling to get up out of bed in the morning. Mentally exhausted male awake in bed feeling stressed

    Why Do I Feel Worse When I Try to Get Sober?

    633 words|3.2 min read|

    “I thought quitting would make me feel better, but I feel awful.” This is one of the most common and confusing thoughts people have when [...]

  • Drug Sale,Pusher brings drugs to the car window to make his sale.

    Pennsylvania’s Changing Drug Supply and Where It Shows Up Most

    961 words|4.8 min read|

    The drug supply in Pennsylvania has changed in ways that make it harder to predict who is at risk and where danger might appear. Substances [...]

  • Young woman with shopping addiction after recently getting sober.

    When One Addiction Ends and Another Begins

    687 words|3.4 min read|

    Why sobriety sometimes leads to new compulsions Getting sober is a major accomplishment. It takes effort, discomfort, honesty and courage. But many people who achieve [...]

  • A woman sitting alone and depressed in sunset

    How Trauma Works as a Trigger for Mental Health and Substance Issues

    855 words|4.3 min read|

    When someone is living with a mental health condition, their emotional balance can feel fragile—one unexpected event or comment can spark a powerful reaction. For [...]

  • Worried mature man standing at home, close to a window, with hand in the head

    Can Those Suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder Go Days Without Drinking?

    598 words|3 min read|

    Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is more than “drinking too much.” It’s a chronic medical condition that makes it difficult to stop or control alcohol use [...]

  • Desperate man waiting for a phone call at home, he is staring at the phone with head in hands

    What is Fentanyl Used For, and Why Do People Abuse It?

    623 words|3.1 min read|

    Have you ever taken a pain reliever, felt little relief, and decided to take another dose? This happens often with prescription medications—yet with fentanyl, a [...]

  • The Benefits of Staying 30, 60 and 90 Days Sober: A Path to Lasting Recovery 

    686 words|3.4 min read|

    Maintaining sobriety is a journey filled with challenges, but each milestone—whether it’s 30, 60 or 90 days—offers significant physical, mental and emotional benefits. At High [...]

  • Pennsylvania Drug & Alcohol Evaluations: How Does It Work and What to Know

    888 words|4.4 min read|

    Drug and alcohol evaluations are essential tools used by professionals to assess an individual’s level of substance use, understand its impact and determine the most [...]

  • What is the Zaza Trend?

    523 words|2.6 min read|

    The term “Zaza” has recently gained popularity among teens and young adults, particularly on social media platforms, as a slang word referring to a type [...]

  • Understanding the Effects of Living with an Alcoholic Spouse and How to Help 

    860 words|4.3 min read|

    Living with an alcoholic spouse can be an incredibly challenging and emotionally draining experience. In addition to the effects on the individual struggling with addiction, [...]

  • Zoomed in eye pupil that's small from drinking alcohol

    Does Alcohol Make Your Pupils Small? Understanding the Effects of Alcohol on Pupil Size

    694 words|3.5 min read|

    Alcohol is known for its myriad effects on the body, including its impact on our vision. One question that often arises is: does alcohol make [...]

  • Cigarette burning with smoking on ceramic ashtray

    Is Nicotine a Stimulant or a Depressant?

    705 words|3.5 min read|

    What is Nicotine? Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the tobacco plant. It is the primary psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products such as [...]

  • Endless Pill Bottles

    Are Ritalin and Adderall the Same?

    687 words|3.4 min read|

    Both Ritalin and Adderall are medications commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Although they serve similar purposes, their chemical compositions, [...]

  • Five leaves on wooden background

    How Alcohol Affects the Aging Process

    736 words|3.7 min read|

    As we age, our bodies undergo many visible and invisible changes. Excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate the aging process. Understanding the relationship between alcohol and [...]