Addiction can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, robbing individuals and their families of joy, peace, and purpose. While the road to recovery is challenging, hope remains steadfast for those who…
Addiction is a complex challenge that impacts Christians and their families nationwide. Sadly, the stigma surrounding addiction creates significant barriers to seeking help, fostering isolation and shame. This stigma not…
Discipleship is a journey of growth, transformation, and spiritual enlightenment. It is a path that invites individuals to deepen their faith, discover their purpose, and build a life anchored in…
The intertwined issues of homelessness and addiction pose significant challenges not only for those directly affected but also for society as a whole. Both are complex and multifaceted, often feeding…
Life after addiction is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Rebuilding your life after addiction can feel daunting, but it also holds the promise of new beginnings and personal…
Two years ago, our organization identified a need to create additional housing for the women in our long-term discipleship program. As the program continued to thrive, the ladies of Pennsylvania…
Addressing the struggles of homeless individuals with substance use disorders is crucial to understanding the multifaceted challenges they face daily. Homelessness, coupled with substance abuse, creates a complex web of…
Homelessness and substance use disorder are deeply intertwined issues that often exacerbate one another, creating a cycle that is challenging to break. The correlation between homelessness and SUD is complex…
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become a deadly public health concern in recent years due to its high abuse potential and potency. While fentanyl can be an effective pain…
Heroin is a highly addictive illegal drug that can have severe consequences on the body, mind, and social life of its users. It’s a derivative of opium, a naturally occurring…
Addiction can take a toll on individuals and entire families. It destroys the health and well-being of everyone involved. Addiction affects not only the person struggling with it, but the…
Heroin, an opiate derived from the opium poppy, is still widely abused in the U.S., with about one million people self-reporting taking heroin in the past year and an estimated…
Opiates are widely used for pain management and relief. However, with the high risk of addiction that comes along with usage, it’s important to understand the impact that these drugs…
It’s very difficult for people to recognize the signs opioid addiction or opioid dependence in themselves. Part of addiction means that the brain maintains its denial in order to continue…
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that drastically affects one’s physical and mental health. The effects of meth on the brain not only physically damage an individual’s brain but also…
Substance use and mental health issues go hand in hand. In fact, between 40 and 60% of Americans who suffer from addiction have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis. Experts agree…
Fentanyl and cocaine are two very different drugs, though both are Schedule II controlled substances. Law enforcement agencies in several states have reported that cocaine is being laced with fentanyl…
Methamphetamine, otherwise known as meth, is one of the most dangerous drugs on the street market. It’s accessible and relatively cheap, largely because it’s so easily synthesized out of common…
Nicotine is considered one of the most addictive drugs there is, and almost a quarter of a million people suffer from a cigarette addiction or dependence on nicotine that is…
Life skills are a vital part of addiction treatment because they enable you to adapt to a drug-free lifestyle without any issues. Substance use disorders can ruin different areas of…
Nearly three-quarters of drug rehab centers in the United States have a faith-based component. For those seeking recovery from a substance use disorder, faith-based addiction rehab has numerous unique factors…
Whether used medically or abused, psychoactive drugs work because they interact within the brain to produce certain effects. A psychiatrist might prescribe an anti-depressant to help a patient feel better.…
Nicotine is second only to alcohol in terms of the number of people who are addicted to it. About 24 million people over the age of 12 in the U.S.…
Approximately three-quarters of all US drug rehab centers have a faith-based addiction treatment program. The efficacy of this kind of treatment has long been established. But is it only for…
Percocet is a narcotic analgesic that doctors commonly prescribe to treat acute pain and moderate to severe chronic pain. This medication is a combination of oxycodone, which is a derivative…
Fentanyl is one of the most powerful synthetic opioids in existence. Originally manufactured for use as a painkiller, fentanyl quickly made its way into the street market, increasing the risk…
Cigarettes are available in grocery stores, gas stations, and bodegas all across the US and yet nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet. It’s as addictive…
The numbers of drug overdose deaths go up every year. There are countless organizations and programs, both government and private, devoted to stemming the tide of addiction, and though some…
Opioid addiction is a crisis for those with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their families. In the United States, the opioid epidemic is a crisis because of the terrible toll…
Since people first discovered the euphoric effects of opium, derived from a species of poppy, opiates have been used both medicinally and recreationally. From opium comes morphine, codeine, and heroin.…
How do you decide what kind of addiction treatment is best for you? Practical considerations such as cost, insurance coverage, and location are key. However, the choice between inpatient and…
Many drugs now sold illegally for recreational use were originally used for other purposes. From religious rites to medical applications, substances derived from the coca plant have been used by…
Alcohol has been in use by societies as far back as the dawn of civilization. Fermented plant matter for medicine, religious rituals, nutrition, and enjoyment has been around for 9,000…
Faith-centered addiction treatment combines spiritual practice with evidence-based treatment. Faith-based practices can help you use your commitment to religion and spirituality to support your recovery. If you have a background…
The opioid crisis reached critical proportions in the 1990s with the extensive distribution of Oxy by physicians misled by false claims that it was non-addictive. The prevalence of synthetic opioids…
Cocaine, in either its powdered form or as crack, is abused by more than five million teens and adults annually in the US. The leaves of the coca plant, from…
Addiction to heroin, or any controlled substance, wreaks havoc within the life of the person abusing drugs and the lives of their loved ones. Unfortunately, one of the primary casualties…
What are bath salts? The synthetic form of cathinone, which in its natural form is derived from the khat (Catha) plant native to southern Africa, is known colloquially by the…
Sober companions are called recovery companions, sober friends, or sober accountability partners. These are people who have specialized training to help people coming out of residential rehab or shifting from…
As a new year dawns, feelings of possibility and hope abound. People often view a new year as a new chapter—an opportunity to rewrite the parts of the story that…
What is an opioid? Opioid is a term that is used to refer to opiates, which are drugs derived from the opium poppy, and opioids, synthetic drugs that emulate opiates…
Hydrocodone vs. oxycodone, or, to use their commercial brand names, Vicodin vs. Percocet, is in some ways a scientific hair-splitting if you consider how highly addictive both of these semi-synthetic…
Cocaine addiction is still a significant cause for concern in the United States. Many people think of the cocaine epidemic as peaking in the 1970s and 80s and the crack…
The opioid crisis is alive and well. Whether prescription painkillers, heroin, fentanyl, or other opioids, these drugs are dangerous and cost lives. Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioids.…
Crystal meth is a purified form of the stimulant methamphetamine. The dangers of crystal meth are largely related to how easy it is to manufacture, combined with its extremely addictive…
Cocaine — or at least the coca leaves from which this drug is derived — has been in use since 3,000 BCE in Central and South America when the stimulant…
There are moments in life that we don’t really notice when they happen. For example, when drinking stops being an occasional indulgence and becomes a problem. It’s often not until…
It’s important to understand the difference between methamphetamine and crystal meth. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II synthetic drug. On the other hand, crystal meth is a highly purified form of…
About seven out of 10 people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. No one is unaffected by trauma and some experience severe emotional and psychological fallout.…
Addiction does not always fit into neat categories. In fact, most people who suffer from a substance use disorder regularly take more than one substance. Polysubstance abuse refers to the…
Imagine a place where you could go to heal — a place that embodied everything you believe deeply about life, God, and spirit, and that reminded you in every moment…
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, meaning it is created in a laboratory. Like so many pharmaceutical drugs, fentanyl was originally intended exclusively for medical use. Unsurprisingly, this highly addictive opioid…
Depression affects millions of Americans every year – children, adolescents, and adults at all stages of life. The disease of depression can wreak havoc in the lives of sufferers and…
A poison is defined as any substance that can enter your body and is harmful to it. Toxins can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed, or injected. Poisoning always results in some…
There are countless addictive substances out there. If someone you know is suffering from drug abuse and addiction, there are resources available. One potentially serious drug on which someone can…
Fentanyl was first created by scientists in a medical lab for use in pain relief. In the approximately seven decades since, fentanyl has played a major role in the opioid…
Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from the coca plant. First synthesized over 100 years ago and used in common products like over-the-counter remedies and even Coca-Cola, cocaine soon became…
Heroin abuse and addiction still affect hundreds of thousands of Americans annually. Opium, derived from the opium poppy flower, had been used as a recreational drug for thousands of years,…
There are several dangers of opiates, particularly their highly addictive nature. In the 90s, they were marketed as non-addictive but are now one the leading causes of overdose cases in…
The use of benzos can be highly pleasurable at first. However, benzo addiction inevitably will negatively impact health, career, and relationships. Read on to learn more about the signs of…
What does a typical cocaine addiction treatment center offer its clients? Because cocaine is considered a highly addictive substance, and its misuse usually results in severe addiction, the ideal treatment…
Meth addiction is one of the hardest substance use disorders to overcome, which is why meth addiction treatment centers often offer a comprehensive range of treatments. These treatments include everything…
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, 12% of American children live with at least one parent with a substance use disorder. Addiction can affect every family member, making their…
In the past, people of all ages used cocaine because they believed it was safe for unregulated consumption. Cocaine, derived from the coca plant, could be found in over-the-counter medications,…
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that shares characteristics with amphetamines. However, because more of the drug reaches the brain with meth than other amphetamines, it is more powerful and far…
Faith-based treatment for addiction is an effective treatment for the devout, those seeking to return to the faith of their youth, and those seeking a spiritual path for the first…
The power of faith-based addiction treatment combines spiritual practices and evidence-based therapies. There seems little dispute about the efficacy of religious addiction treatment for those who are part of a…
There are numerous styles and philosophies used by addiction rehab facilities across the United States. One of the most common decisions is whether to attend a faith-based vs. standard addiction…
Drug addiction statistics ebb and flow, but overall, the numbers continue to rise, and over 20 million Americans are currently in the grip of a substance use disorder. Thanks to…
Spring break. Almost by definition, this post-winter time off is an opportunity to let loose and celebrate. Many usually think of college kids convening on Florida beach towns or Colorado…
Meth addiction touches the lives of over two million Americans every year. This drug, easily manufactured and sold illegally, is one of the most addictive and damaging in existence. A…
Methamphetamine chemically alters the brain, which can affect the way someone thinks and feels. The extreme toll that meth takes on someone that’s addicted to it makes it one of…
Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unchecked alcohol consumption contributes to almost 90,000 deaths in the U.S. each year? More than 4,000…
How do professionals decide if a patient should consider getting admitted into an alcohol addiction treatment program? An alcohol screening test helps determine if someone is struggling with an alcohol…
When it’s time to enroll in addiction treatment, what next? The hardest part is taking that step to accept that you need help. But the next step – finding an…
Alcohol addiction isn’t something that appears suddenly. Signs of alcohol addiction often sneak up on a person. There are subtle signs that worsen over time, and these are the signs…
Anxiety is something everyone experiences at least once in their life. It is the mind’s natural response to a situation that is stressful. Most people, however, find the anxiety disappearing…
Many components make up successful drug and alcohol treatment programs. For many people, family therapy is a part of that process. This treatment is when you work closely with your…
The most commonly abused prescription medications fall into three categories: depressants, opioids, and stimulants. Whether it’s a barbiturate prescribed for sleep or anxiety, an opioid used in pain management, or…
Cocaine’s stimulant qualities are what appeal to those who use it. Before anyone realized how addictive and dangerous the drug could be, it was in over-the-counter medications and even, briefly,…
Many people seeking help for an alcohol use disorder often ask why they can’t undergo the process without attending an alcohol detox center. This option may be possible for a…
If you’re worried about the signs of alcohol abuse and think you might be experiencing them, it’s time to reach out and get some help so you can live a…
Programs like AA and NA offer a 12-step, faith-based treatment. This model of addiction recovery has been around for longer than most other programs. Faith-centered treatment is also one of…
The dangers of binge drinking are significant and can include blackouts, reckless behaviors, overspending, liver damage, and other mental and physical health problems. Plus, they can sometimes put you in…
Teen alcohol use is a significant problem in the United States. Nearly one-third of teens throughout the country have taken their first drink before the age of 15. More than…
Faith plays a huge role in addiction recovery. Even if you are not a religious person, leaning on God to help you recover is vital. Choosing a faith-based facility for…
Opioid detox is one of the most critical components of healing when you have struggled with addiction to prescription or illicit opioids. The withdrawal symptoms can be fairly uncomfortable, making…
Heroin addiction is one of the most severe forms of addiction. Because this substance is highly addictive, withdrawal from it can be intense. More so, many people can become addicted…
The start of a new year is always a good time to begin working on your life goals, and a commitment to kicking an addiction is one of the best goals you…
Prescription medications exist to help mitigate symptoms, provide relief, and allow people to heal. Physicians control them because many have side effects. Doctors must monitor their use, and most people…
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, affects millions of adults in the United States. Though we tend to lump people addicted to alcohol into a stereotype, there is no typical alcoholic.…
As the holiday season is upon us, how do people in recovery navigate the potential roadblocks and pitfalls that threaten their sobriety? Perhaps you have recently been discharged from alcohol…
Oxycontin, generically known as oxycodone, was approved by the FDA for medical use in 1995. The drug manufacturers’ assurances that it was not particularly addictive meant physicians prescribed it readily…
For 60 years, Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) has been providing evidence-based care to teens 18 and up and adults who struggle with addiction. Serving communities throughout Pennsylvania, several…
Heroin addiction continues to be a challenge in the United States, with upwards of half a million people affected each year. Heroin addiction help is available in professional rehab centers…
Someone who seeks serious pain management or wants to get high often turns to an opioid. These substances may include heroin, prescription pain medication, or morphine. Opioids impact the brain,…
Street-level crystal meth is one of the most devastating illegal drugs available on the black market. It takes a tremendous toll on both body and mind. Though some methamphetamines are…
The power and effectiveness of prayer in addiction recovery are being reaffirmed across the country in numerous recovery settings. In fact, almost three-quarters of rehab options in the US include…
Although a drug habit begins due to behaviors triggered by life experience, addiction is not a habit. It is an illness of the brain that is chronic and incurable. However,…
People who suffer from substance misuse, dependence, and addiction fall on an addiction severity continuum. Where someone falls on that continuum will not change the fact that they will need…
While most experts consider addiction to be a mental health condition, it involves the entire body as well as mind and spirit. Effective addiction treatment must involve the whole person…
Can opiate addiction treatment centers help fight the opioid epidemic? Yes, they do, every day. As in any battle for what is right, the journey to recovery must be one…
A recent estimate tells us that 700,000 Americans are suffering from heroin addiction. If you abuse this potent opiate and struggle to find the path forward, please don’t become a…
Two of the most significant barriers that keep people from seeking help for their addiction are feeling alone and overwhelmed. There is no need for you to feel either. You…
What life skills do you need to maintain sobriety after rehab? Re-entry can feel scary after inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment. There are indeed things you can do, thinking you…
As a society, we wholly depend on our youth to carry us forward. The saying, “The children are our future,” is not a cliché. It is the literal truth. At…
Cocaine has been around for over 150 years, and abuse rates to this highly addictive drug spiked in the 1980s. Today, cocaine addiction still affects over 5 million Americans. Between…
It will be no surprise that the majority of the most common substances teens abuse are the ones that are readily available to them. Teens may turn to substances to…
It isn’t always easy to know when someone has a drinking problem. When it’s someone close to you, it can be even harder. If you have seen a gradual change…
When someone with a substance use disorder leaves rehab, such as an inpatient addiction treatment program, what next? In rehab, you have withdrawn from the physical addiction and begun the…
When addiction strikes during adolescence, the risks of severe or long-term health consequences increase. Many teens in the United States self-report binge drinking and drug use. Furthermore, most adolescents with…
Perhaps you are a parent worried about your child or an educator aware of warning signs that a student is abusing drugs. Maybe you are a member of the clergy…
Concern about teenage substance abuse is all too common among parents, educators, and family physicians. The data supports an ongoing rise in the misuse of alcohol and drugs and addiction…
The fentanyl crisis is a significant part of the nation’s opioid crisis. This synthetic opioid is one of the strongest opioids in existence. However, for anyone struggling with this deadly…
Since it was first extracted from the coca plant in the mid-1800s, cocaine has been used and abused by people seeking a stimulant rush. For many years, experts failed to…
Studies show numerous positive results from faith-based rehab programs. Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) offers a faith-based rehab that supports those who seek God’s grace to overcome addiction. At…
Addiction recovery is greater than the sum of its parts, and there are many “parts” to a healthy recovery. Starting with medically supervised detox, a recovery journey involves rehabilitation, therapy,…
If you suspect that you or a loved one is addicted to an opioid, like prescription narcotics, or opiate, like heroin or morphine, it’s the right time to look into…
When you are ready to begin your recovery journey with Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) and pick up the phone to call us at 888.546.2579, you have started the…
Methamphetamine or meth is a powerful synthetic stimulant that the FDA has classified as a Schedule II substance because it is highly addictive. Drug manufacturers make it in kitchens, basements,…
The consumption of alcohol is legal in the United States over the age of 21. Unfortunately, this intoxicating substance is also very commonly abused, creating a dangerous cocktail when combined…
An alcoholic is defined as a person who suffers from alcohol use disorder. This disease was at one time known as alcoholism, which originated from a person’s intense and uncontrollable…
There are various signs and symptoms of a drinking problem. Some are easy to recognize, while others are more subtle. In addition, the severity of a person’s drinking problem can…
Unfortunately, we are living in an opioid epidemic. Countless people have battled an opioid addiction. In many cases, this addiction starts with prescription medications. Opioid medications remain the first-line treatment…
Among the various issues facing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania today, the opioid epidemic is among the worst. Both legal and illegal opioids have the potential to cause serious damage to…
If you are someone who is suffering from substance abuse issues, you are probably looking for help. Countless substances can be addictive, and some of them are legal, such as…
Between movies, celebrities, and nighttime activities, it can be hard to avoid drug and alcohol exposure. The constant danger of substances, such as alcohol and narcotics, can make it difficult…
If your loved one has recently begun their journey toward sobriety, your support is crucial. While normal family activities will still occur, your loved one needs your patience and consideration.…
Has a loved one’s behavior changed for the worse? Is he or she avoiding you for no apparent reason or refusing to participate in activities that he or she once…
The past year has been challenging for those dealing with drug and alcohol addictions with the current pandemic. According to the US government, respondents to a survey in May 2020…
Traditional wisdom suggests two basic types of addiction. Either a person is born with the potential for addiction due to genetics, or they develop an addiction with extended substance abuse. Often,…
For those in recovery from substance use disorder, the holidays present enormous challenges. The media promotes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve as a prime time for happy families. But…
Those who struggle with social anxiety disorder feel uncomfortable in large crowds or with people they don’t know. As a result, holiday celebrations become sources of frustration and anxiety. Office…
Online learning is more stressful for some families than it is for others. And when teenagers are the ones learning online, problems often become more frightening than they would otherwise.…
Structure plays a huge role in recovery from addiction. As a result, when children must transition from a regular school day to online learning, it can throw parents in recovery…
Addiction isn’t always about drugs and alcohol. Substance use disorder is the one we hear about most, however. As a result, when someone mentions having a friend or family member…
Do you worry that your loved one may experiment with self-medication? Generally, this is the act of taking a chemical substance or prescription medication without a doctor’s direct order. If…
Addiction affects everyone who interacts with the person who has a problem. When you love a person who has a problem with alcohol or drugs, you want to help them…
Many doctors prescribe benzos to address addiction and other mental health conditions. In addition, those going through alcohol withdrawal may use the medication to help ease symptoms. COVID-19 has caused…
The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times for someone on the recovery path. This issue is especially problematic in earlier years. Enjoying a sober Thanksgiving is…
Entering addiction treatment can be a confusing time for both the person entering and their loved ones. You want to be there and help your loved one in any way…
Halloween can be a risky holiday for many people. If you are using to spending time with your friends drinking or using your favorite drug, but now you’re in recovery,…