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Understanding the Risks: Substance Abuse in Pregnancy

Dealing with addictive substances when you’re expecting is really tricky. It’s not just about illegal drugs or booze, but sometimes even prescribed meds can mess with your baby’s growth. The risks are real: we’re talking premature birth, low birth weight, developmental problems, and babies being born with withdrawal symptoms, a condition known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

This issue isn’t just tough on the little ones, but it’s super hard on the moms too. Health problems can get worse, pregnancy gets more complicated, and sometimes, the shame and stigma attached to substance use makes it hard for these women to reach out for the care they really need.

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Domestic Abuse and Substance Abuse: Fuel to the Fire

In the intricate maze of societal issues, the intersections are often the darkest corners, places where one problem magnifies the impacts of another.

Domestic abuse, a sinister issue in its own right, often intersects with substance abuse, creating a maelstrom of intensified suffering. When alcohol, drugs, and violence intertwine, the implications for victims are devastating. Let’s embark on a deep exploration into how these two issues merge, exacerbating trauma, and seek insights into potential solutions.

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Oxycontin

Oxycotin, a powerful narcotic, is often prescribed to help individuals with acute pain. Unfortunately, when taken for too long or without the necessary supervision of a physician, it can lead to addiction and severe physical and mental effects.

Thankfully, The Ness Center of Louisiana is here to provide comprehensive care for those suffering from Oxycontin addiction. From detox and medication-assisted treatment ( MAT) to individual and group counseling, as well as residential living support, education, and employment placement services, The Ness Center is equipped to help those in need. If you or someone you know suffers from Oxycontin addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out and get the help needed to recover.

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Sobriety 101

Understanding the importance of leading a healthy and successful life, sobriety becomes fundamental to achieving these goals.

If you or a loved one are considering the path of sobriety but don’t know where to begin, this article is here to help. It serves as a starting point, providing helpful information on various topics such as recognizing addiction, managing cravings, building a strong support network, and more. Whether you are taking the first steps towards sobriety or seeking ways to maintain it, this resource aims to guide and support you on your journey.

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How to Support a Loved One Who Has Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe condition that can devastate an individual’s life. It can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm to the person suffering from it and those around them.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2019, an estimated 14.3 million adults ages 18 and older (5.7 percent of this age group) had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Of those adults, 8.6 million reported that their AUD was “severe.” Anytime someone has an alcohol use disorder or drinks excessively, they are in danger of health concerns and related risks like liver disease, depression, high blood pressure, accidents and injury, suicide attempts, and other substance abuse disorders.

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What type of doctor do I need for drug abuse?

Drug abuse is a serious issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It can be a complex problem to overcome, but with the right help, it is possible to recover and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Here’s a guide to finding the proper support to overcome drug abuse:

Recognize the Problem

The first step in overcoming drug abuse is recognizing that there is a problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, seeking help as soon as possible is essential. This may include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking professional counseling, or joining a support group.

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Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Reduce Pain Better Than Opioids?

The opioid epidemic has become a significant public health concern in recent years, with millions of people addicted to prescription painkillers.

As a result, there has been a growing interest in alternative pain management strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). But can CBT help reduce pain better than opioids? Let’s take a closer look. CBT is one of the most widely used psychological treatments for pain. Unlike opioids, it has no physical or chemical effects on the body. Instead, it focuses on changing pain-related thoughts and behaviors that can help reduce their intensity and frequency. Studies have shown that CBT can effectively reduce chronic and acute pain in various conditions, including headaches, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. In one study, participants with chronic pain who received CBT experienced a more significant reduction in pain intensity than those who received opioids. Additionally, they reported fewer side effects and improved quality of life. Furthermore, research suggests that CBT may be more effective than opioids in reducing pain in the long term. A systematic review found that CBT was superior to opioid treatment for reducing pain and improving function. The authors concluded that CBT should be used as a primary treatment for chronic pain instead of opioids. While more research is needed to understand the full implications of CBT in pain management, these results suggest that it may be an effective alternative to opioids for reducing pain.

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Finding the Right Help: A Guide to Overcoming Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is a serious issue affecting millions of people worldwide.

It can be a complex problem to overcome, but with the right help, it is possible to recover and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Here’s a guide to finding the proper support to overcome drug abuse:

Recognize the Problem

The first step in overcoming drug abuse is recognizing that there is a problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, seeking help as soon as possible is essential. This may include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking professional counseling, or joining a support group.

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Vivitrol: What You Need to Know

Vivitrol is a prescription medication used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. Unlike other drugs, like methadone and buprenorphine, Vivitrol is administered only once a month as an intramuscular injection. This makes it particularly useful for individuals needing additional addiction recovery and relapse prevention support.  Vivitrol works by blocking the receptors in the brain that opioids and alcohol bind to, thus reducing the pleasurable effects of these substances. This helps to decrease cravings and prevent relapse. It is important to note that Vivitrol is not a cure for addiction but rather a tool to aid recovery.

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