As COVID-19 maintains its grip on America, fears are growing that the pandemic is creating a health crisis of another kind: a relapse into addiction by people battling substance abuse. Any recovered addict will tell you that their battle with substance abuse is one they fight every single day, and that certain triggers can make that struggle even harder. The greatest of these, agree experts, is perhaps social isolation. Safety requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have not only encouraged isolation but demanded it. (more…)
At the age of 22, Jay Arruda was banned from any family gatherings because of his addiction. He’d hurt so many of his relatives far too many times.
His addiction to oxycontin and fentanyl had taken a toll on the young man, who sold most of his possessions and stole from whomever he could to help pay for the drugs. (more…)
With an addiction to opiates and whatever drug she could find, Bianca Oliverio was given an ultimatum that would change her life forever. Either get into recovery or leave her family home for good—mom and dad had seen enough. (more…)
The effect of alcohol gave Mike Brown that extra little bit of courage. Having a few drinks helped him socialize, helped him face otherwise awkward and difficult situations. (more…)