Addiction and incarceration are two critical issues that intersect in profound ways, affecting individuals, families, and societies at large. The relationship between substance use disorders and the criminal justice system is both complex and cyclical, often perpetuating a cycle of poverty, marginalization, and recidivism.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has helped millions of people overcome addiction, offering a community-based approach rooted in mutual support and the 12 Steps. However, while its effectiveness is well-documented for many, it’s not universally suitable. Understanding why AA may not work for everyone and exploring alternative recovery methods can help individuals find the right path to sobriety.

The festive holiday season, while often a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, can also be a period of emotional struggle for many. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in these feelings of loneliness, stress, and sadness.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. These experiences include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; witnessing domestic violence; parental separation or divorce; and living with a family member struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, or incarceration. ACEs have been linked to a wide range of negative outcomes in adulthood, including chronic diseases, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and even premature death.

There will always be those who go too far when drinking, but not every person Uptown on a weekend is blackout drunk. I expected to encounter the worst of the worst that night, yet the majority of people I interacted with were incredibly kind and engaging.

“If queerness is about honoring who we are, then recovery can also be about honoring who we are at the deepest level.”

If you think of mental illness and conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar and OCD, you wouldn’t be alone. All too often we frame mental health as a negative and forget that health is more than just the absence of illness.

Hear from Boston Children’s psychiatrist-in-chief on how today’s mental health crisis has roots in our childhood. It's a challenge that, left unmet, will find its way into the workforce, impacting employees' well-being productivity.

Edward Scolnick led the development of dozens of medicines while at Merck; his current mission pits him against time and the mental illness of millions, including his son.

Addiction and suicide are deeply interlinked, often driven by shared factors like mental health struggles, social isolation, and a lack of adequate support systems. People suffering from addiction frequently grapple with overwhelming feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness, and these emotions can be amplified by the destructive nature of substance abuse.

Time has long been recognized as a powerful agent of healing, often encapsulated in the adage, “Time heals all wounds.” While this statement might oversimplify complex emotional, physical, and psychological recovery processes, the essence of its truth lies in the remarkable ability of time to provide space for growth, reflection, and renewal.

Addiction and trauma are deeply intertwined, with each often serving as both a cause and consequence of the other. Understanding this relationship is crucial in effectively addressing substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors, as unresolved trauma frequently underpins the development of addiction.

Rebuilding credit after financial setbacks can feel daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with a structured approach, patience, and consistency. Your credit score is a key financial tool that determines your ability to secure loans, rent apartments, or even land certain jobs. If your credit score has taken a hit due to missed payments, high debt, or bankruptcy, here’s how you can take proactive steps to repair it.

Recovering from substance addiction is a courageous journey, requiring physical, emotional, and psychological strength. Among the many areas of life affected by addiction, financial security is often one of the most challenging to rebuild. Addiction can leave individuals with depleted savings, mounting debt, damaged credit, and gaps in employment. However, with determination and a clear plan, it is possible to regain financial stability and even thrive.

The effects of parent drug abuse on young children, ages 6 to 12 and younger, are detrimental and lasting.

Living a balanced lifestyle is crucial for recovering addicts. After enduring the physical, emotional, and social toll of addiction, creating a life centered around stability, wellness, and fulfillment becomes essential. Balance is not just about physical health; it encompasses mental, emotional, and social aspects. Achieving a balanced lifestyle can help former addicts maintain sobriety, build resilience, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth, which are all essential to recovery.

Addiction and boredom are deeply intertwined, with boredom often acting as both a precursor to and a consequence of addiction. For many individuals struggling with substance use or behavioral addictions, boredom represents a significant emotional trigger that can lead to cycles of relapse and recovery. Understanding this relationship is essential for individuals in recovery, as well as for those supporting them.

What to know about the opioid drug responsible for a surge in overdoses.

Fentanyl is a heavily regulated legal medication, prescribed largely for pain relief in cancer patients, postsurgery and for people with chronic pain who have developed tolerance for other opioids.

Until recently, doctors said moderate drinking was healthy. Now, research is increasingly finding that any level of alcohol is dangerous. Even moderate drinking is linked to higher levels of heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, and certain cancers.

The science of addiction reveals a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that drive individuals to engage in compulsive behaviors despite negative consequences. Addiction is now recognized as a chronic, relapsing disorder that alters brain function and chemistry, particularly in areas responsible for motivation, reward, and self-control.