The Coleman Institute Blog

The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the globe, bringing with it a devastating increase in overdose incidents. At the Coleman Institute, we are committed to educating our community about the dangers of opioids and the critical importance of recognizing an overdose as it unfolds. Knowing the signs of an opioid overdose can mean the difference between life and death, making this knowledge essential for everyone, particularly those who have loved ones struggling with opioid addiction.

In today's society where a glass of wine at dinner or a beer with friends is the norm, the boundary between enjoying a moderate drink and veering into excessive or “binge” drinking territory can be hard to recognize. Throughout celebrations, gatherings, and even stressful days, this distinction is crucial for those who may be at risk of developing an Alcohol Use Disorder. Identifying and addressing binge drinking and its associated risks for alcohol dependence or addiction can have a major impact on your physical health, mental well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.

Drinking alcohol can have a profound impact on your overall health. It not only influences your immediate behavior through intoxication, but also poses long-term risks to your brain, liver, and other organs if used excessively. From the moment it is consumed, alcohol begins a journey through your body, affecting every part and process it encounters.

One of the biggest roadblocks for people who want to stop using opioids is the fear of severe withdrawal. Many patients come to us after attempting to use other substances to try and mitigate their withdrawal symptoms. One of the substances we’ve heard about recently is kratom, which has gained popularity in recent years due to the belief that it can help patients deal with the symptoms associated with detox and withdrawal from opioids. But when a person attempts to self-detox by using a substance like kratom, they may be doing themselves more harm than good.

Opioid Use Disorder is a complex and debilitating disease that affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide. The path to detox and recovery can be challenging, but medication-assisted treatments (MAT) like Naltrexone Therapy can give patients an assist when it comes to curbing cravings and staying off opioids.