Growing up in a home where one or both parents have problems with alcohol or other substances often leaves a negative impression on a child – finances are stretched because of irresponsible spending; tempers are short; parental love, support, and guidance may be absent; physical, verbal, or sexual abuse may occur.

With the sound of looping Christmas carols on radio stations and in most department stores – and flashing multi-colored lights in every residential neighborhood – it’s hard not to notice the approach of the holidays. For some, the next few weeks will bring celebrations whereas others may dread the approaching holidays for the family conflicts, financial pressures, or loneliness that are more pronounced this time of year.

An estimated 90 people per day and 32,000 people per year die from suicide attempts with many more individuals attempting suicide and failing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even failed suicide attempts can produce extensive physical damage and deep emotional pain that may take a lifetime to recover from.

At the end of November, public officials in Alberta, Canada released a health warning about tainted cocaine. In 7 cases, cocaine users developed a condition called agranulocytosis, which impedes the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

Do you have a problem with drugs or alcohol and are ready to take the next step toward recovery? Are you a friend or family member trying to help an addict get well? Choosing a rehab facility can be a confusing, intimidating, and overwhelming process. The decision of facility can make or break the addict’s recovery process. When talking to the staff of the rehab centers that you are considering, you should keep the following points in mind.

Many addictive substances have entire subcultures – complete with specialized terminology to distinguish those “in the know” from outsiders – surrounding them. Learning these words and phrases can give you insight into the addict’s world and help you recognize and better understand their behavior. The terms below are only a small sample of the vocabulary associated with marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.

Substance abuse and addiction can devastate the life of an addict. But family and friends are also likely to experience extreme emotional pain as a direct result of the addict’s poor choices that led to addiction and the behaviors that they exhibit when controlled by the substance. As the drug becomes their top priority, they may abandon the people and activities they once loved. They may say nasty, hurtful things and, in some cases, become violent.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy estimates that more than 160,000 heroin addicts receive methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methadone is also used to treat other opiate addictions – but is it for you?

What is methadone?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit substance (as opposed to alcohol, which is legal) in America. However, marijuana use and abuse is not a new problem in our history and culture.

What is marijuana?

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that nearly two million Americans annually are pathological gamblers, according to diagnostic criteria. “Problem gamblers,” which means that they don’t meet the criteria for pathological gambling, make up a group of an additional 4-6 million. Like alcohol, millions of people have gambled without falling into addictive or pathological behaviors as a result of it.