American Addiction Centers Blog
Effective Techniques for Managing Social Anxiety
April 14, 2025
Living with an anxiety disorder can be incredibly disruptive and negatively impact your quality of life. Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder where an individual will feel anxiety or an intense fear about situations that could involve feeling scrutinized, judged, evaluated, or where they might meet new people. This fear can be so […]
What Is National Recovery Month? In the United States, National Recovery Month is observed in September. While in the past, each year focused on a new theme, the permanent, overarching theme going forward is “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” The goal is to raise understanding of the disease of addiction, reduce stigma attached to […]
If You Are in Crisis, Seek Help Immediately! Someone experiencing a mental health crisis requires immediate help. Information is the most important component in dealing with a mental health crisis, but people often do not know where to turn. If you or someone else are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can: Call 911. Call […]
What Is International Overdose Awareness Day? Every year on August 31st, communities worldwide unite to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a time to remember the lives lost to drug overdose, support those affected by addiction, and raise awareness about this critical public health crisis. But it’s not just a day of sorrow; it’s a […]
Guilt and shame in recovery are common feelings for many people as they examine the impact their addiction has had on themselves and those around them.1 As you rebuild and repair relationships and your life, you should know that it can be very helpful to your recovery to know how to navigate these emotions.1 The […]
Depersonalization/derealization disorder is a mental health disorder in which a person feels detached from their own body, mental processes, or surroundings.1 Temporary episodes of depersonalization/derealization are common in the general population. However, the disorder only occurs in about 2% of the population, and affects men and women equally.1 Though there are not many published research […]
On July 25th, we commemorate National Hire a Veteran Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable skills and experiences that Veterans bring to the workforce. Honed through service to our country, Veterans possess highly desirable qualities such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities—invaluable assets in any industry. As these brave men and women […]
Mental Health in the United States Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and taking care of it is as important as taking care of your physical health. Did you know that more than 1 in 5 adults, aged 18 or older, in the United States live with a mental illness? That’s nearly […]
Understanding Methamphetamine Illegal methamphetamine is created in meth labs by combining a number of harsh chemicals like household cleaners and ingredients common in powerful cough medicines. Due to the ease of obtaining these ingredients, homemade meth became a massive problem in rural America, resulting in widespread addiction, a rash of overdose cases, and incidents of […]
Articles in the media show that use of crystal meth by young women has seen a steady increase in recent years.1 Meth has deleterious effects on the brain and body. But recent research shows that it may affect women differently than men. How Does Meth Affect the Brain? Methamphetamine causes the amount of the dopamine […]
The statistics on crystal meth use in the gay community are worrisome. In some parts of the country, this drug caused havoc among the gay population, especially in major metropolitan areas. How Did Crystal Meth Become So Popular With Gay Men? There are a few theories as to why gay men are at increased risk […]
Central nervous stimulants, like Concerta and Ritalin, have been prescribed for decades to help treat the effects of ADHD in adolescents and adults. Many people wonder “is there a difference between Concerta and Ritalin?” Read on to learn more about these medications, how they work, and what to do if you or someone you love […]
What Does Meth Feel Like? As a stimulant, meth increases activity in certain areas of the brain, and functions of the central nervous system are heightened as a result. For example, heart rate, body temperature, respiration, and blood pressure all rise under the influence of meth. Energy, attention, focus, pleasure, and excitement are enhanced as […]
