Two people holding hands and trying to deal with the opioid epidemic

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic and How to Protect Your Loved Ones

Opioids are a natural pain reliever derived from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, and are used to treat intense pain caused by a number of issues. The opioid epidemic began in the early 1990s when doctors began prescribing opioids for pain without fully understanding their addictive capabilities and potential for abuse. Today, drug-related deaths caused…

A doctor authoring facts about prescription drugs

Facts About Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are some of the most dangerous substances in the United States. Despite coming at the recommendations of medical professionals, these substances often have high abuse and addiction potentials. In fact, there are more people struggling with prescription drug abuse than there are users of meth, cocaine, and heroin combined. These facts about prescription…

A person who may need to think about their cough syrup abuse

Cough Syrup Abuse

Your medicine cabinet may cause the death of a loved one in your home due to cough syrup abuse. It may surprise parents and caretakers to know that medicine cabinets filled with seemingly harmless OTC (over the counter) cough syrups, can be life-threatening. A substance use treatment center in Portland Oregon can help with cough…

A distressed woman wondering, "What is kratom?"

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, isn’t illegal — yet. You can buy it at some smoke shops and nutritional supplement stores. There, you might find it as a tea or powder-filled capsules. Precisely what is kratom, and why is there controversy about its use? Do you need to know more about synthetic marijuana addiction treatment? If…