Can My Teen Recover from a Substance Use Disorder? Part II

One result of the abuse of an addictive substance can be a Substance Use Disorder, or SUD. SUDs are primarily psychological ailments, though they may have physical effects if the user’s brain has suffered damage from the substance abused. A SUD can prove harder to recover from than a physical injury, and though they usually can’t be seen, the scars they leave are real and often permanent.… Read the rest

Is Marijuana Truly Addictive? Let’s See What the Psychiatric Guide Says

By Laura Stack

The short answer is, “Of course it is,” though that’s way too glib.

We’ve already asked and answered this question in a previous blog; however, many people don’t understand how marijuana can be addictive. Sadly, according to recent surveys, the percentage of the population (both youth and adult) who consider marijuana harmful has decreased significantly in recent years.… Read the rest

The Increasing Prevalence of Marijuana Vaping

By Laura Stack

Vaping was supposed to be a good thing. We know better now.

Some clever person invented electronic cigarettes—little vaping pens that heated nicotine-infused liquid and released it as a vapor (technically an aerosol), rather than smoke. Initially, vaping was perceived as a safer way to ingest nicotine; indeed, it was going to help many people quit smoking cigarettes.… Read the rest