The Meadows IOP Logo
Menu | 833-755-7570
The Meadows IOP Logo
Call Now |

Category: Addiction

Informative articles on drug addiction, alcohol addiction and process addictions.

Alcohol & Co-Occurring Disorders

Posted on by MBH

When someone struggles with alcohol addiction, it is almost always inextricably connected to another battle: a battle for the mind. Often referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, alcoholism and co-occurring disorders are in at least 50% of cases, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), like two sides of the same coin

Why are co-occurring disorders so common? Simply put: Physical health and mental health are intricately connected. Chemical imbalances, which occur when the body and brain become alcohol dependent or addicted, exacerbate mood swings, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The pervasive nature of these conditions can often lead you to self-medicate.

Overdose Awareness: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Stacie Collins

Drug overdose deaths have reached an unprecedented high in the US, with an estimated 107,622 drug overdose deaths occurring between April 2020 and April 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is a 30% increase from the previous year, an alarming fact that has many contributing causes. Recognized on August 31 every year, Overdose Awareness Day is designed to draw attention to this ongoing tragedy and inspire action to prevent more deaths.

Rising Alcohol-Related Deaths Prompt New Efforts

Posted on by Stacie Collins

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% spike in alcohol-related deaths, which had already been increasing by 2% each year, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). While the stress of the pandemic was a clear contributor, The New York Times reports that some states made it easier for consumers to access alcohol during lockdown seasons, increasing the likelihood of heavy drinking.

As alcohol abuse problems haunt communities across the US, lawmakers explore ways to combat the alcohol crisis brought on by the pandemic.

Colorado by the Numbers

Posted on by Stacie Collins

When you think of Colorado, it’s understandable if images of the Rocky Mountains, ski resorts, and national parks come to mind. The 38th state in the Union, also known as the Centennial State, is noted for a wide range of landscapes that include not just mountains but forests, canyons, mesas, and deserts. While cities like Aspen and Vail are popular winter playgrounds for the rich and famous, outdoor activities abound all across the state in both summer and winter. Then there’s Denver, aka “the mile-high city,” which is the state capital and Colorado’s most populous city.

Xylazine (aka Tranq Dope): What You Need to Know

Posted on by Stacie Collins

What is xylazine? It’s a new drug being mixed with fentanyl that has very dangerous side effects. It’s often called “tranq dope” or “zombie drug” because it’s a non-opioid sedative. Because it’s not a narcotic, its effects can’t be reversed with a dose of naloxone (Narcan), meaning that overdoses can easily end up being fatal. Beyond that, it causes the death of soft tissue, leading to gruesome, blackened wounds that can warrant amputation.

Addiction and Mental Health by the Numbers

Posted on by Stacie Collins

If there has been one benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the increased awareness given to mental health and addiction issues in the United States and around the world. In fact, a survey by CNN and the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in 2022 found that 9 in 10 Americans believe there is a mental health crisis in the US. Unfortunately, this increased awareness has only come as the pandemic exacerbated an already ongoing and worsening mental health crisis in our country.