Featured Drug Rehab News

Articles from January 2011

• Helping others may improve recovering addicts' relapse prevention efforts

  Drug rehab programs that allow recovering alcoholics and drug users to interact with each other and get them involved in the community may support relapse prevention efforts, according to a new study from researchers at Case Western Reserve University. more...

• Parents pass on smoking habits to their children

  Parents who smoke cigarettes without ever seeking substance abuse help for their addiction may be increasing the risk that their children will also smoke, according to a new study from a team of European researchers. more...

• Research work to develop new pain management drug

  Individuals who are seeking chronic pain treatment but are worried about the risk of addiction that comes with many common medications may soon have a new option. Researchers from Stony Brook University are currently working on a new drug that promises to fight pain with little risk of dependency. more...

• Unhealthy diets may increase depression risk

  For individuals who are considering seeking treatment from drug rehab and mental health facilities for depression, their problems may be caused by their diets. New findings suggest that a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may increase an individual's risk of depression. more...

• Gambling addiction still poorly understood by the public

  Despite the fact that millions of people suffer from gambling addiction, many members of the public still do not recognize the condition as an illness that generally requires help from drug rehab facilities. Experts say that this can make it harder for individuals to seek help for their condition. more...

• Researchers identify factors that lead to post traumatic stress disorder

  Psychological problems like post traumatic stress disorder are relatively common after an individual experiences a traumatic event like a natural or manmade disaster. However, some people are more resilient than others. A group of psychologists recently identified some of the factors that make a person more susceptible to long-term effects of trauma. more...

• New technologies may help internet addicts

  Internet addiction is becoming increasingly common in this ultra-connected digital world. In addition to seeking treatment from drug rehab facilities, there is now a crop of other systems that may help individuals deal with their inability to step away from their computers. more...

• Providing emotional support helps addicted family members seek substance abuse help

  Addiction in families can cause tremendous stress and put pressure on relationships. However, experts say that addicts have much better chances of recovery when they receive strong support from their loved ones. more...

• Researchers uncover mechanism linking stress and depression

  For some people, the chronic stress of their work or family lives can be overwhelming. Often times, this results in depression. However, a new study published in the journal Neuron describes a possible mechanism in the brain that links the two conditions, which may lead to improved treatments for depression at drug rehab and mental health facilities. more...

• Researchers develop treatment for personality trait associated with addiction

  Most people are aware of the long-term negative consequences of drug abuse. Yet many individuals continue to experiment with substances, eventually needing drug rehab treatment. However, a team of scientists from the Center for Addiction Research in Little Rock, Arkansas believes that identifying those who are at risk and training parts of their brains may reduce the burden of chemical dependency. more...

• Teenage brains are set up to seek pleasure with disregard for consequences

  Adolescent brains may be wired to seek rewarding stimulus, such as drugs, without concern for consequences, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh. more...

• Experts advocate for more drug courts

  As the nations addiction epidemic continues to spiral out of control, experts are increasingly saying that law enforcement efforts should focus on providing substance abuse help rather than simple punishment. more...

• Children of divorced parents consider suicide at a higher rate

  Children of divorced parents may be more likely to become depressed and consider suicide, according to a new study from the University of Toronto. Separated couples who notice symptoms of mood disorders in their children may benefit from getting them help from a drug rehab and mental health facility. more...

• Substance abuse help, not punishment, is more effective in dealing with nurses' addictions

  Medical professionals, particularly nurses, are significantly more likely than the general population to struggle with addiction. However, few of these individuals seek substance abuse help because they are concerned about what admitting to an addiction would mean to their careers. more...

• Highly invested workers more likely to experience excess stress levels

  Nearly everyone feels stress at their job every once in a while. However, for some, this stress can be overbearing, eventually leading them to substance abuse, which may require drug rehab treatment. more...

• Brains of combat veterans undergo major changes

  The brains of soldiers who are continuously exposed to trauma on the battlefield may undergo adaptations that make them more vigilant against possible threats, according to a new study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. The findings also showed that these changes may persist long after veterans have returned home. more...

• Tobacco use increases breast cancer risk

  Seeking substance abuse help for smoking habits may be critically important for women, as research continues to connect tobacco to a range of health complications. Recently, a study from Harvard Medical School found that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer. more...

• New surgical option may benefit patients with treatment-resistant depression

  Most people who seek therapy from drug rehab and mental health facilities for depression are eventually able to overcome their condition. However, for some, this care is not enough. Treatment-resistant depression can pose a major challenge for mental health professionals. more...

• Waking up during surgery can have long-term consequences

  Just thinking about surgery can be a traumatic exercise for some people. However, the actual experience also carries its own risk of trauma. According to a new study from German researchers, a certain percentage of patients wake up during the course of their procedure, which can have long-term psychological consequences including the development of post traumatic stress disorder. more...

• Few addicts voluntarily seek substance abuse help

  While drug rehab facilities can help individuals overcome addictions, many users fail to take advantage of these resources. In fact, more than one third of drug-related deaths occur in habitual users who have never sought substance abuse help, according to a new report from Scottish authorities. more...

• Researchers identify factors that contribute to school shootings

  Bullying and a lack of available mental health services are two factors that are involved in a student's decision to turn violent, according to a new study from Michigan State University researchers. Parents who notice these symptoms in their child may consider seeking rehab treatment for them. more...

• Mental health professionals struggle to address internet addiction

  While internet addiction has yet to be fully accepted by the wider mental health community as a diagnosable condition, the problem is very real to those who suffer from it. In fact, a growing number of individuals are seeking substance abuse help for their inability to step away from the computer. more...

• More children suffer recession-related mental disorders

  As the economic recession continues to drag on with few signs of improvement in the job market, drug rehab and mental health centers across the country are seeing an influx of patients who are suffering from recession-related depression. more...

• Many weightlifters abuse performance enhancers and illicit drugs

  A high percentage of male weightlifters use human growth hormone, or HGH, to improve their strength, according to a new study from Harvard researchers. Not only does abuse of this substance cause a range of health complications, the investigation also found that users are more likely take illegal drugs more...

• Anxiety may impair other mental functions

  While there may be some adaptive benefits to anxiety and stress, the long-term effects of these emotions may be less positive. more...

• Super Bowl betting may enable gambling addicts

  With the Super Bowl set to kick off in a couple weeks, many individuals across the country will make friendly wagers on the outcome of the game. However, this may pose a threat to the relapse prevention efforts of recovering gambling addicts. more...

• Bullying causes depression, eventually leads to substance abuse, according to new study

  Children who are bullied are known to be a greater risk of developing depression. However, a new study from University of Washington researchers has shown that girls who become depressed as a result of bullying are more likely to abuse drugs, putting them at risk for addiction and the need for substance abuse help. more...

• Evidence supports addictive nature of videogame playing

  Despite the fact that videogame addiction continues to be outside of standard psychological diagnoses, scientific and anecdotal evidence continues to mount, suggesting that individuals can become dependent on gaming. This type of addiction can cause major harm to a person's social and family lives if they fail to seek substance abuse help. more...

• States should maintain tight control over alcohol licensing, experts say

  Giving the private sector more control over the distribution of alcohol could increase the need for drug rehab centers and result in more alcohol-related fatalities, according to a new study published in the journal Addiction. more...

• Investing in drug rehab programs may help communities balance their budgets

  In this climate of intense fears of budget deficits, state and local governments across the country are looking for programs to cut. However, drug rehab treatment experts have warned that eliminating services that provide substance abuse help could be counter-productive when it comes to reaching a balanced budget. more...

• Experts worry that alcohol research sends mixed messages

  In light of recent scientific findings, which have indicated that moderate amounts of alcohol consumption may have health benefits, some medical professionals have recommended that their patients consume modest amounts of liquor. However, experts say that this may be sending the wrong message and could contribute to addiction and the need for substance abuse help. more...

• Few teens with mental disorders are treated

  Despite the fact that substance abuse help and other forms of rehab can improve the condition of those with addiction and mental illness, a new study has found that few adolescents receive treatment for major mental disorders. more...

• Videogame addiction may cause behavioral problems in teens

  As videogame systems become more common in U.S. households, more youths than ever are reporting gaming addictions. Now, a new study has shown that this may increase the risk of a range of behavioral problems, including drug use that forces adolescents to seek substance abuse help. more...

• Brain chemical involved in signaling hunger may also trigger drug cravings

  A chemical in the brain that signals feelings of hunger during times of starvation may also play a role in triggering drug seeking behavior, according to a new study from Canadian researchers. The findings may have major implications for the relapse prevention efforts of opiate addicts and other drug abusers. more...

• High number of traffic fatality victims test positive for drug use

  The number of individuals killed in driving accidents while under the influence of drugs increased sharply over the past five years, according to a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drug rehab programs may help addicts avoid becoming a part of this troubling trend. more...

• Bath salts provide legal high but also risk

  Chemically altered bath salts are growing in popularity among individuals who are looking for a legal way to become intoxicated. While they are sold as an ingredient to add to baths for a relaxing experience, reports have indicated that some people are snorting them to get high. more...

• Many surgeons experience depression, consider suicide

  Despite the fact that many surgeons experience depression and suicidal thoughts, few ever seek help from rehab facilities, according to a new study published in the Archives of Surgery. more...

• Officials battle increasing opiate use

  Drug enforcement officials continue to battle high rates of opiate addiction. Despite some progress in recent years, experts say that drugs like heroin and oxycodone are making a comeback , resulting in an epidemic of addiction. more...

• Military noncombatants face high PTSD risk

  As military personnel continue to be exposed to trauma in foreign countries, many are returning to the U.S. with symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder PTSD. However, a new study has shown that it may not only be the troops on the front lines who are at risk for this potentially devastating condition. more...

• Laws make it easier for some to seek drug rehab treatment

  Rehab facilities can help addicts recover from chemical dependency, but drug abusers are often reluctant to go for treatment. Families can have a difficult time getting addicted members to seek treatment. However, laws in some states may make it easier for families to provide the help that their loved ones need. more...

• Gambling addicts may struggle in the new year

  Gambling addicts frequently face tremendous challenges at the beginning of each new year. There are many factors that can jeopardize their relapse prevention efforts, including the stress of holidays and a number of prominent sporting events, which may be an attractive subject of wagers. more...

• Study: College health centers should screen more students for depression

  Despite the relatively high prevalence of depression among college students, university health offices frequently miss the diagnosis, according to a new study from Northwestern University researchers. This limits the ability of these offices to help students seek therapy from rehab facilities. more...

• Survey uncovers high prevalence of chronic pain among cancer survivors

  Chronic pain is highly prevalent among individuals with cancer, according to the results of a new survey published in the journal Cancer more...

• Smoking while driving may be harmful to young passengers

  Smokers who have avoided seeking substance abuse help for their tobacco habit may want to consider the harm they are potentially causing to those around them. A new study has found that smoking in the confined space of an automobile can be extremely dangerous to passengers, particularly children. more...

• Researchers develop new understanding of dopamines role in addiction

  New findings about the role that the brain chemical dopamine plays in reward-based learning may be helping researchers come to a better understanding of why some people are prone to opiate addiction and other forms of chemical dependency while others are not. more...

• Anti-drug abuse messages becoming more scarce

  As the number of adolescents and young adults who use drugs goes up, an increasing number are requiring substance abuse help. A new survey has found that a lack of exposure to effective anti-drug messages may play a role in the climbing rates of drug abuse. more...

• Hurricanes and other trauma may cause long-term effects in children

  Hurricanes can be extremely traumatic events, particularly for children, and may sometimes result in long-term psychological effects, such as post traumatic stress disorder, according to a new study from University of Miami researchers. more...

• Researchers make breakthrough in anxiety research

  A team of researchers may have discovered the area of the brain that is responsible for feelings of stress and anxiety, providing a potential target for the treatment of anxiety. When combined with therapy from rehab facilities, the theoretical medications could greatly improve an individuals chances of recovery. more...

• Canada develops new solution to combat gambling addiction

  Gambling addiction is a growing problem in the U.S. Millions of people have sought substance abuse help for their dependency, but still find relapse prevention to be a difficult task. Lawmakers are continually looking for ways to prevent problem betters from falling back into old habits. more...

• Drug rehab facilities report higher enrollment in 2010

  Despite some recent encouraging numbers in the battle against addiction, drug rehab treatment centers are seeing higher numbers of patients than ever before, according to a recent survey. more...

• Parents who smoke may be risking their child's heart health

  Parents who fail to seek substance abuse help for their tobacco habits may be putting more than their own health at risk. A new study has shown that secondhand smoke can cause dangerous elevations in blood pressure among children. more...

• Heavy drinking may increase Alzheimer's risk

  Most people are familiar with the short-term cognitive side effects of alcohol consumption. However, a new study from Finnish researchers has shown that failure to seek substance abuse help for alcohol consumption could have long-term neurological implications. more...

• Lawmakers highlight cost of addiction

  Opiate addiction and other forms of substance abuse continue to strain state and local budgets, as law enforcement officials struggle to keep pace with the number of offenders who continue to commit crimes related to their addiction. more...

• Experts debate symptoms of addiction

  Addicts at drug rehab facilities would most likely say that cravings for drugs are a strong component of their chemical dependency. For this reason, "cravings" was recently added as a symptom of drug addiction to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders, which is commonly used as the basis for diagnoses of all mental problems. more...

• New state legislation may increase risk of gambling addiction

  With many state's facing large budget gaps, some lawmakers are looking to expand gambling in their districts to increase revenues. However, some mental health experts worry that this could have a dangerous impact on individuals who are struggling with gambling addiction and jeopardize the relapse prevention efforts of those who have recovered. more...

• Optimistic teens less likely to suffer depression

  Teenagers who remain optimistic throughout their adolescence are less likely to develop depression or abuse drugs and alcohol to the point of needing substance abuse help, according to a new study from Australian researchers. more...

• Report: More female soldiers are affected by trauma

  As the war in Afghanistan continues, many soldiers are returning from service after having suffered severe trauma. While depression and post traumatic stress disorder can occur in anyone with these experiences, a new report from the Veteran's Affairs Administration has found that women may be most affected. more...

• State lawmakers look to drug courts to control prison population

  In an effort to reduce the number of nonviolent drug offenders who have been incarcerated and bring down the cost of housing them, many state lawmakers are proposing drug rehab programs for those who struggle with opiate addiction and other chemical dependencies. more...

• Communities continue to struggle with opiate addiction

  Despite strong relapse prevention efforts, local drug enforcement officials continue to report troubling signs in the battle against opiate addiction. Some communities are saying that the problem has reached epidemic levels, and are calling for increased drug rehab programs to help residents fight their addictions. more...

• Researchers find area of the brain that may play key role in development of PTSD and anxiety

  A team of scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles may have a potential drug target in the brain that could be used to prevent the development of post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders in individuals who have gone through a traumatic experience. more...

• Light therapy may help seniors kick the blues

  Light therapy may benefit older individuals who have been diagnosed with major non-seasonal depression, according to a new study from Dutch researchers. more...

• Medication may boost smokers' chances of quitting

  Environmental cues that have been associated with drug abuse can jeopardize the relapse prevention efforts of any recovering addict, particularly those who are trying to stay tobacco free. However, a new study has found that medications can help addicts avoid these memory-associated cravings. more...

• New tool helps identify trauma sufferers

  A new web-based tool developed by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine may help diagnose post traumatic stress disorder among individuals who have experienced trauma. more...

• Opiate addiction remains prevalent in some areas of the country

  While some U.S. communities are seeing their rates of opiate addiction diminish, others are less fortunate. The problem continues to stubbornly hold sway over many people in some parts of the country, and refuses to be eliminated. more...

• Girls who mature early may be at higher depression risk

  Girls who enter puberty early may be at a greater risk of developing depression later in life and needing help from rehab facilities, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Medicine. more...

• Study: Many individuals have a difficult time unplugging

  Internet addiction is growing in prevalence, and users may begin to show many symptoms that are similar to drug abusers, according to a new study from University of Maryland researchers. more...

• Playing the lottery may lead to addiction

  The recent drawing of the $380 million Mega Millions jackpot sent individuals from across the country to their local convenience stores to purchase a lottery ticket. While most considered it simply to be a fun way to take a shot at winning big, experts say that it can encourage gambling addiction in others. more...

• Substance abuse help may enable smokers to keep New Year's resolutions

  Every January, millions of people across the country pledge to quit smoking. However, due in part to ineffective relapse prevention efforts, many fall back into tobacco use. Despite this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that quitting is worth the effort and comes with many benefits. more...

• Depressed women with diabetes are more likely to die from heart disease

  Women who suffer from depression often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their problems. However, a new study from Harvard University researchers has found that failure to seek substance abuse help for their emotional problems may increase the risk of death from heart disease, particularly when they also have diabetes. more...

• A positive attitude during traumatic experiences may reduce PTSD risk

  Despite suffering significant trauma, keeping a positive attitude on the battlefield may help soldiers avoid developing post traumatic stress disorder later in life, according to a new study from Michigan State University researchers. more...

• Researchers find possible clinical use for hallucinogenic drug

  A little known psychedelic drug may be useful in drug rehab programs, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University researchers. more...

• State launches new resource for gambling addicts

  Gambling addiction in families can put a major strain on relationships. Those who fail to seek help for the condition may soon find that their loved ones have run out of patience and are considering severing all ties. more...

• Obesity risk may be linked to alcoholism

  Alcoholics who fail to seek substance abuse help for their condition may be putting themselves and their future generations at a greater risk for obesity and the negative health consequences that come along with the disease, according to a new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. more...

• Depressed smokers may be less likely to quit

  Individuals who suffer from depression may be more likely to abuse drugs as a means of coping with their mental state. This can put them at a greater risk of addictions that require therapy from drug abuse programs. more...

• Prescription drug abuse continues to grow

  Addiction to painkillers and other prescription drugs is quickly becoming one of the greatest substance abuse problems across the country. However, a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that the problem is particularly bad in the Northeast. more...