by Cristina Utti, MA, MFA | Mar 11, 2016 | Addiction
The United States of America is in the midst of a public health crisis. All across the States, about 85 million people are affected by addiction, whether addicted themselves or in relationship with an addicted loved one. An estimated 45,000 people died from drug...
by Cristina Utti, MA, MFA | Mar 4, 2016 | Addiction
There are many myths about addiction that continue to plague our society. The one truth about addiction is that it begins as a behavioral problem and ends up as a biological one. This is what makes it so difficult to understand and to treat. Here are some common myths...
by Cristina Utti, MA, MFA | Mar 2, 2016 | Addiction
Opioid drug use has become an epidemic in the United States, with close to 15,000 deaths attributed to prescription drug use in 2015. Last year, the Governors’ Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse reported the use of heroin and other opiates as the number one...
by Cristina Utti, MA, MFA | Feb 24, 2016 | Addiction
Living with a family member who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol is heartbreaking and exhausting. Emotions such as anger, worry, defeat, loss of hope, betrayal, anger, and sadness can start to make us feel like we have no control over our own life. Sometimes, we...
by Cristina Utti, MA, MFA | Feb 15, 2016 | Addiction
Recovery from an addiction is not always smooth sailing. Researchers have found that 40 to 60 percent of people who get clean will relapse at least once. Relapse does not have to happen, but if it does, forgive yourself, learn from it, and move on. Do not get stuck....
by Cristina Utti, MA, MFA | Feb 12, 2016 | Addiction
Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and is most often used to manage anxiety and panic attacks. It works by slowing down the brain, therefore producing a sense of calmness. Effects usually set in within twenty minutes and provide relief for up to a few...
