The term Pink Cloud Syndrome is often used by addiction recovery professionals to describe a state of euphoria and overconfidence that can occur early in sobriety or during the initial stages of recovery. It’s characterized by an unrealistic sense of optimism and an inability to accurately perceive the challenges ahead. While it may feel pleasant…
Alcohol is a prominent substance in society, holding a complex position in human culture. While moderate consumption is socially acceptable and even encouraged in some contexts, the misuse of alcohol can lead to heavy consequences. Two common terms used when describing alcohol misuse are alcoholism and alcohol abuse – although often used interchangeably, these terms…
The ball has dropped, and the new year has begun – now is the perfect time to reflect on our lives and set new goals. According to a survey, 38% of people make New Year’s resolutions, but only 9% keep them for the remainder of the year. For new year goal setters, 81% put mental…
Ketamine, also known by its street name “special K,” has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The amount of the drug seized by law enforcement has grown by more than 1100% – with 127 pounds seized in 2017 and 1550 pounds in 2022. Unfortunately, much of the ketamine found on the streets is…
Driving along the curvy and winding roads of Kentucky will give you a luxurious view of fields of bluegrass, mountains, and miles of fences containing beautiful herds of horses. Home to the Kentucky Derby, the state of Kentucky is known for its love of these equine treasures – so it is no surprise that equine…
The holidays can be a challenging time to stay sober, especially with social pressures and nostalgic memories of drinking during past celebrations. But you’re not alone. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are interested in drinking less or staying sober this holiday season. A survey found 34% of people want to cut back on alcohol in…
Have you been feeling stressed or anxious lately? Journaling is a simple practice that can do wonders for your mental health and well-being. Keeping a journal helps you gain awareness and insight into your thoughts and feelings. The act of writing also has a therapeutic effect, helping to calm anxiety and reduce stress. The key…
The numbers are staggering. According to recent CDC reports, over 15 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder. Of those, nearly 30% are considered “weekend alcoholics” or binge drinkers – consuming over 4 drinks for women and 5 for men in one sitting. While it may seem harmless to overindulge on the weekends, weekend alcohol…
The numbers don’t lie – alcoholism is a serious problem. Excessive drinking leads to over 140,000 deaths in the US each year, cutting lives short by an average of 26 years. For adults 20-49 years old, 1 in 5 deaths are due to excessive alcohol use. The economic costs are huge, too. In 2010 alone,…
According to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), methamphetamine use is on the rise in the U.S. Between 2015 to 2019, frequent meth use (over 100 days per year) increased by 66%, and meth use combined with cocaine went up 60%. Overall, meth use rose 22% in those 4 years. From…