Drug addiction has been a hot topic in the U.S. in recent decades, and rightfully so, given that it affects thousands of people every year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 841,000 people have died from a drug overdose since 1999. Over 70,600 people in the U.S. died from overdoses in 2019. Synthetic opioids are driving these numbers, the CDC says. Seventy-three percent of overdose deaths are caused by synthetic opioids. But for people living on the edge, using drugs recreationally or after an injury, it may not be clear when their drug use has become a problem — at least, not to them.

As with many things in life, self-awareness can be difficult, especially when it comes to such a sensitive topic. Family members and friends may wait before they step in, wanting to be sure about a loved one’s problem.

If you’ve thought “I have it under control,” “it’s only once in a while,” or “I don’t have to use, I just want to,” the following may be important to recognize.

Here are some signs that you may have a drug problem:

1. First and foremost, if you’ve ever thought you might need help, there’s a good chance you might. Click here for more information on how to do that.
2. Changes in behavior are not uncommon as drugs impact the brain. Depression, lethargy, aggression, irritability, dramatic changes in habits, personality changes, and criminal activity are all pretty clear signs a drug you’re taking is a problem.
3. Physical symptoms are also important to look out for. Sudden changes in weight, trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much can all be caused by drugs. More common symptoms most people might recognize have to do with your eyes. If your eyes are bloodshot or glazed over, a drug you’re taking may be the cause.
4. Continuing to take a drug prescribed to you that you don’t need anymore is also another sign that you might be reliant on it. Make you sure understand what your doctor recommends and be honest. If you have too much of a prescription left over, dispose of it properly through a drug take-back program or at a pharmacy.
5. If someone you trust expresses concern over your drug use, it may be time to accept that your use is affecting others, and you, in ways you might not recognize.

While it’s possible for some people to use drugs recreationally, they become a problem when they interfere with your life. Keep an eye out for impacts on your work, behavior, and relationships. 

According to Help Guide: “There is no specific point at which drug use moves from casual to problematic.” You and those who know you best will be able to see when it becomes a problem. It’s not a matter of willpower. It’s a matter of getting treatment. If you’ve experienced any of the signs in the list, it’s probably time to seek out some help, whether that’s starting with your doctor or a professional who can connect you to the proper services.

Moving a loved one to an assisted living facility has many challenges, especially if the person is a parent. Therefore, it is crucial to plan before moving in because this can make the transition somehow easier. Your aim should be to make their life more comfortable, safe, and more manageable. The following are some tips you can use to transition your loved one’s life smoothly.

Talk Things Out

Although a person may be anxious to pay attention to practical issues, it is essential to take time to talk with their loved ones about their hopes, fears, and needs. After understanding and addressing those issues, you can consider having a conversation that focuses on St. Augustine assisted living benefits.

Check the Finances

If you want to clear out any doubt about the kind of care your loved one can afford, it is crucial to ensure the finances are in order. Furthermore, this is a requirement of many assisted living facilities and retirement communities, since they require detailed documentation of assets and income based on their specific admission policies.

Consult Doctors

If your loved one has major health issues, you should consult a doctor to help you to decide which facility best suits your loved one. You can also consult a specialist who focuses on seniors for a complete evaluation.

Shop Around

There are many elderly care facilities available across the country. So, you should conduct thorough research on which facility suits your loved needs and their level of service. You can consider seeking referrals from friends, colleagues, and family members. After narrowing down the list, you can visit the facility with your loved ones and observe what they like based on its condition.

Planning is usually a brilliant idea before implementing anything. This also applies when moving your loved one to an assisted living center.

Life can throw curveballs at times. Maybe you or a loved one is facing an unplanned pregnancy or other circumstances that you weren’t expecting. While it may seem overwhelming at times, there are many things you can do to help get through this rough patch.

1. Remind Others You’re There For Them

If you have a friend or family member that’s in a challenging situation, let them know you are available to talk about it. Provide a safe space and a nonjudgemental ear to hear them out. They may not be looking for your advice, but rather they may simply need the opportunity to share their feelings with someone that cares. Conversely, if they want to be alone for a little while to process, that’s okay as well.

2. Take Care of Yourself

Whether it’s you that is facing difficulties or someone else in your life that you are providing support for, remember to practice self-care. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to cry. In fact, bottling up your emotions has been shown to cause dangerous health problems. Seek out healthy stress-relieving activities such as meditation or light exercise.

3. Make a Plan

After you’ve gotten your bearings, put together a roadmap for how to deal with the circumstances and heal afterward, if needed. If it helps you, think of the process as several small steps instead of one huge undertaking. Evaluate all of the options that are available. If you need to seek help or advice from a professional, there are several available to help. Find a list of providers in your area online or, if you feel comfortable, get recommendations from others.

Remember that you will get through whatever is going on and there are bright spots ahead. Times can get stormy and test our resolve, but there is plenty to look forward to in the future. 

Throughout your life, you may encounter issues with sleep. This can be not getting enough sleep, or getting up in the middle of the night as well. You might use music, warm milk, meditation, or sleep medication to help with this. You can also think of another alternative, like CBD, or cannabidiol oil, derived from the Hemp plant, a part of the cannabis family. Studies show that CBD can be used for many benefits, including sleep, anxiety, and pain relief.

Experts state that 30% of adults have short-term insomnia and 10% of adults have chronic insomnia. This means that people, like you, might be trying to find ways to get better sleep. With CBD, you can achieve more rest as it works naturally with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS works to regulate the body’s overall function, as it connects with the brain’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive side effects to get you high. 

Studies have shown that taking the CBD capsule for sleep and anxiety improved by 66% and anxiety decreased by 79%. This demonstrates that CBD works well to reduce poor sleep symptoms, like anxiety, to improve the quality of sleep. You can use CBD as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals to improve your sleep.

Find The Right CBD Company

You can locate companies, like broad spectrum cbn, to purchase your CBD soft gel capsules. It’s best to find a company that follows the strict guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates the production and distribution of CBD. A reputable company has its products third-party tested to provide consistency and quality in each product. Take the time to find the best CBD today to improve your quality of sleep and life.

There are only so many daily tasks you can accomplish in one day. Most of them usually come from your job, but your social life, your household errands and even your personal projects or hobbies can take up a good amount of time. Follow these time management tips to use every minute wisely and open up more downtime. 

Let Others Make Your Meals

Cooking is essential for independent living and potentially entertaining on its own. Unfortunately, your daily responsibilities may exhaust you or consume too much time, making food preparation difficult. During these situations, you can either get delivery or pick-up from nearby restaurants. You can still eat while also saving your time and energy for other endeavors. If you are worried about your health, some food delivery Carlstadt NJ options follow nutritious meal plans or deliver ingredients for you to cook fast. 

Focus on Only One Task

Multitasking might sound like an efficient way to complete several goals in a short amount of time. However, you are only switching tasks, which wastes your productivity since it takes time to change from one action to another. Additionally, your performance can decrease when you do not fully concentrate. Avoid this problem by focusing on one thing at a time. Dedicate yourself until you finish, and if you cannot do so, spend at least an hour or two working on one specific goal. 

Avoid Meetings When Possible

Work meetings are a good opportunity to meet face-to-face with people and exchange information clearly and directly. They also take up valuable time and effort, so make sure this information is crucial enough to discuss in person. Otherwise, a simple email is enough. If you are an employee, point out a higher priority to your supervisor. You can also apply this tactic to non-work tasks, such as having food and items delivered home or emailing and texting people about non-urgent matters. 

Changing your daily routine can do wonders for your time management. Implement the right tactics to ensure you make more space for your duties and your free time. 

The number of cases of individuals who suffer from mental health conditions has increased dramatically over the last year. More than 80 million people in the United States alone suffer from depression, anxiety, or both. Either of these can be an extremely debilitating conditions, especially if it’s new and seems out of the norm for someone who is usually rather calm or has a positive outlook on life.

If you’re looking to regain control over your life, here are ten helpful tips to allow you to start managing and coping with your mental health.

Please note that these coping mechanisms are not meant to replace professional medical advice.

1. Seek Help From a Professional

The number one most important thing you can do when managing any mental health condition is to seek help. You never have to go through any difficult time alone, nor is it a good idea to try and figure it out on your own. Seeking help from a professional therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist is always recommended.

2. Group Therapy

Sometimes we have circumstances in our lives when paying for therapy isn’t always an option. Thankfully, there are several free resources available through group therapy. There are thousands of support groups that range from all different types of mental health conditions. The best part is that most of them are now virtual so you can access support right from your home.

3. Meditation

Anxiety and panic attacks can be incredibly difficult to manage. When we focus on our breathing, it allows us to bring our focus and attention back to our bodies to slow our breath down. There are several free apps available right on your phone that can help guide you through different meditation practices, especially if you’ve never tried meditating before.

4. Learn a New Skill

Learning a new skill can show drastic positive changes towards your overall mental health. Taking a new online course or taking your career to the next level boosts your confidence and gives you a sense of purpose. Having a purpose is what can fuel us when we are feeling low about our current life situations.

5. Feel Your Feelings

When we suppress our feelings, we aren’t allowing ourselves to work through the problems. We simply ignore them. Whatever you are feeling in the moment, allow that to pass through you. Crying releases endorphins that can calm you down and bring both your mind and body back to a level state. It may feel exhausting afterward, but by relieving your feelings, you are making room within yourself for the good.

6. Get Your Body Moving

Whether you are at the gym or going for a walk around the block, try to get your body moving. Physical activity releases more of those feel-good hormones that can bring your state of mind back from high anxiety or a rather low point. Yoga is always a great means of movement because it also adds an element of meditation by focusing on your breath.

7. Do Something That Fills Your Cup

When you’re in a state of depression or anxiety, it’s hard to get yourself motivated to do anything. A great way to avoid this is by making a list of all the things that make you happy. That way, when you’re in this state, you won’t have to think about what to do next. You can refer back to your list of the activities that fill your cup. Read a chapter from a good book or listen to your favorite playlist. It doesn’t have to be life-changing or groundbreaking. Even something small can make all the difference in your day.

8. Call on a Friend

Sometimes we simply need to talk it out. Support doesn’t always look like someone trying to fix our problems. Support can also mean someone answering the phone and listening. If a friend lives nearby, ask for them to come over for a short visit. We’re human beings who thrive on social connections.

9. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps someone challenge their negative thought patterns through various techniques, usually guided by a therapist.

There are several different ways to achieve this type of reflection and meditation. One way is to plant your feet on the ground and your hands on your lap. Say out loud the sensations you are feeling, whether that be the cold tile beneath your feet or the suede on the armrests. It’s meant to bring you back into the present moment. There are free apps on your mobile device available for this type of therapy as well.

10. When In Doubt, Write It Out

If you aren’t sure what you are feeling, try writing it out in a journal. Writing is incredibly therapeutic as it allows you to take time to reflect on your emotions. As you write, try to ask yourself questions such as:

• What were you physically doing when the emotion first took place?
• What time of day was it?
• Who was around you when it transpired?
• Are there any ways you can disrupt the pattern in future situations?

Coping with depression and anxiety isn’t always easy, but it’s also not impossible. The most important thing to remember is that no matter what, you never have to go through it alone. You have a support system from your family, friends, support groups, and professional doctors or therapists who all want to help.

Experts such as those at http://oceansrecovery.com/ will say that group therapy helps addicts because when they see others succeed, they are more motivated to succeed as well. Group therapy is a common therapy used with substance use disorders, as it provides many benefits that effectively treat those that are struggling. 

A common reason it works is that it relies on simple human behavior and the need to be in group settings. Humans like being together and feeling supported by others going through the same thing. Learn more about the benefits of group therapy here.

Stages of Addiction and Group Therapy

The science on the study of human behavior and addiction shows that there are 6 categories an addict will be in when it comes to understanding their motivation for change. It starts with just thinking about changing, to planning on avoiding a recurrence of the addiction. 

Those categories are:

• Precontemplation
• Contemplation
• Preparation
• Action
• Maintenance
• Recurrence 

Those categories come with the stages of treatment. During the later stages of treatment, an individual is more motivated to attend group and succeed than when they are just contemplating getting better.

Why Group Therapy Works

Group therapy works for a number of reasons beyond the basic human need to interact with other humans experiencing the same thing. Patients in group therapy experience skills development, learn how to think things through better with cognitive behavioral therapy and develop tools that will help them to succeed.

The kinds of skills that addicts will pick up will be the kinds that help them to break from addiction. When an addict is in later stages of addiction where reckless behavior is in play, they often don’t know what to do to get out of it. They just want what they want and can’t think clearly enough to make a sound decision. The result is often trouble for them.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is therapy where the patient is taught how to think through their problems in a more clear way. Here, they learn how to remove the negative thoughts from their minds. Those negative patterns are the ones that lead them back into addiction. 

Tools that addicts learn in groups involve the tools required to deal effectively with other humans. Here they learn how to interact with each other, take turns, and keep emotions stable during difficult conversations. It’s easier for them to do that when they are in a group setting where they are all experiencing similar things. Many enjoy going to group well after they leave a full-time treatment for that reason. 

Other tools addicts learn in-group is the substitution of addictive behavior with positive behaviors. They won’t know how to do this on their own, because their lives have been consumed with consuming. That behavior needs to be replaced with hobbies, events, activities, jobs, housing, and things that will help them to lead more responsible lives.

People in the group can help them to learn what others are doing to replace addiction with positive behaviors. When these tools are applied in the real world, the patient has a higher chance of success at treating their addiction and avoiding relapse.

Seek Support 

If you or someone that you love needs treatment for addiction, support is the greatest predictor for success. Experts like those at http://oceansrecovery.com/ will say that that is how and why group therapy works for those in addiction treatment. Begin the journey to recovery today and find your success with the help of experts and group therapy for addiction.

Different cancers can progress at very different rates. There are cancers that can affect parts of the body that are not even associated with the cancer itself, or so it will seem. Some patients will experience referred pain in different parts of their bodies because of a type of cancer that seemingly is from a completely different section of the body itself, which can make a lot of cancers more difficult to identify.

An oncologist Newport Beach can help patients pinpoint the exact location of the cancer and all the other factors that might influence how this cancer is going to manifest itself. A lot of people might make some assumptions about how the cancer is going to progress.

It is important to note that every case of cancer is different, even for the same patient. The people who have had cancer previously might get it in a way that is different the second time around. Their bodies will be different, and they will be older. A lot of new factors could make the case of cancer more complicated for them. They will also know what to expect this time, which could make things a little easier emotionally for returning patients. 

One sector that has benefited from technology is the health sector. The relentless pace of automation has ushered in a new era in the medical field. One that is characterized by quality health services for patients suffering from a wide range of medical conditions. Even though there are considerable gaps in the health fraternity, remote patient monitoring or RPM has significantly transformed how patients with chronic illnesses receive treatment. It has set them on a new path of hope and a renewed sense of possibility.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

You might be wondering what is remote patient monitoring. Simply put, RPM is a virtual health tracking approach that uses the latest technologies to allow for better communication between a doctor and a clinician with their patients. The patient is expected to fill in data about their current state of health and transmit it to their doctor. This approach is especially beneficial to those suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart complications, and high blood pressure. Since remote patient monitoring tools are used, the accuracy of information relayed is primarily guaranteed.

What are the benefits of remote patient monitoring for patients?

There is no running away from the fact that RPM has significantly improved the health of individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. With ease in communication, both the doctor and the patient are informed about the state of affairs as far as health is concerned. To better understand this subject, here are some benefits that characterize Remote Patient Monitoring:

• Peace of mind and daily assurance-Nothing is more assuring than knowing that a medical officer is constantly checking your health. It gives the patient courage, which is highly necessary if any meaningful recovery is to be realized.
• Improved education, support, and feedback: Since most communication happens on a real-time basis, the patient can learn more about their condition by asking questions and giving timely feedback.
• Improved quality of care-RPM allows patients to access quality health care since there is accurate data concerning their health condition. Risky health conditions can also be tackled before they snowball into something severe and challenging to treat.
• Better access to health care-Remote Patient Monitoring reduces human traffic at the medical facilities. Medical officers have ample time with their patients, hence improving the quality of healthcare service extended.

Devices used in remote patient monitoring

To make remote patient monitoring process a success, some devices apply. They include:

• Mitra microsampling devices-This is a handheld device designed to allow for remote blood sampling.
• Continuous Glucose monitoring device-This device comes in the form of a sensor hidden under the skin. It allows for glucose testing without necessarily having to prick the finger.
• Mixed reality surgical devices-This refers to a combination between augmented and virtual realities. It facilitates virtual interactions while creating a level of presence.

As discussed in this article, digital transformation has positively impacted the health sector. Besides improving healthcare services for patients, medical practitioners have equally benefited from the numerous technological advancements that have seen them expand their knowledge base. As the world of technology continues to grow, you can only expect that better days are coming.

Are you concerned about your kids’ academic knowledge slipping during days off from school, or wondering how you can support your child’s learning at home? Helping your kids develop mentally, emotionally and academically in the home is just as important as teaching them good life skills. Consider working these three ideas into your usual home routine to help support your child’s intellectual development.

1. Focus on Reading and Exploring Ideas Every Day

Perhaps the single biggest change that could make a significant difference in your child’s learning at home is reading every day. By reading all sorts of books together, you can help your child learn advanced concepts, explore new ideas and expand his or her mind. As a bonus, reading can quickly become a healthy hobby for your child!

2. Attend Local Educational Institutions and Activities Together

If you live in an area with access to libraries, museums, historical societies and other types of educational institutions, consider making the time to take your child to those institutions regularly. If you don’t have those resources near you, ask whether your school offers any enriching extracurricular activities your child could enroll in. These activities could perhaps be done virtually from home, or may only be a short walk or drive from your house.

3. Set Aside Dedicated Homework Time Each Afternoon

Finally, it’s not uncommon for children to struggle with completing homework or getting up the motivation to do their homework. If this sounds like your child, it may help to set aside a dedicated time frame in which homework must be completed every afternoon. For example, if your child returns from school at 3:00 pm, you could set homework time from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Helping support kids’ learning at home may seem like no small task, but just a few easy tweaks can be a step in the right direction. Try these three ideas to help your child learn, develop and grow at home every day.

Having a nursing degree is an accomplishment all on its own, but have you considered taking up further studies to continue growth and development in your career? 

If you haven’t, here are some reasons you might want to think about. There are plenty of opportunities to move up in your career in the industry, but first, you will need to pursue these opportunities to reap the benefits. Getting your masters in nursing online is one such way to do it. 

Expand Skill as a Nurse and Leader

If you would like to be able to take on more leadership roles in your job as a nurse, then getting a masters degree is one way to do it. With the knowledge you earn, you can be entrusted with bigger responsibilities inpatient care, including assessment and examination, direct diagnosis, development and management of treatment plans, and even medication prescription. 

You can even be now in the position to be a mentor or teacher to other nurses, who may be a lot newer to the role. The additional education you earn from your graduate degree makes you a more credible person in authority for the job.

Get Better Diversification in Roles 

Apart from taking on more responsibilities in handling patients, a masters degree in nursing also opens up more avenues for you to practice other roles. 

With your masters degree, you can become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a nurse-midwife, or a teacher. As a nurse practitioner, meanwhile, you can be assigned to more acute and primary care settings. 

Get Better Hours

Nursing definitely takes a lot of dedication and commitment. The hours are just as demanding as the workload. While it is definitely a rewarding endeavor for those who really belong to its calling, it certainly can feel punishing as well.

A masters degree in nursing makes you eligible for more managerial roles, which means more traditional work hours at 40 a week. If you’re ready to make the shift in role and workload, your graduate degree could be your ticket to it.

Higher Pay Grade

Not only do you get better hours, but you also become eligible for higher pay. This comes with the higher role that you are now handling on account of you being a graduate degree holder. The opportunities, therefore, can only get much better with your masters degree.

There are plenty more benefits and advantages you can enjoy when you take up further studies for your nursing career. Give it some serious thought and consideration if you’re ready to take the next step.