• Young adult woman volunteer high fiving a child participating in national prevention week activities

    National Prevention Week: Raising Awareness About Substance Use and Mental Health 

    842 words|4.2 min read|

    National Prevention Week (NPW) is a nationwide observance held every year in May. For 2025, NPW will take place from May 11–17. This important week [...]

  • Cannabis leaf on green traffic light.

    Legalization and Increased Use of Cannabis in PA: Is It Linked to a Rise in Other Substance Use? 

    820 words|4.1 min read|

    The legalization of cannabis has been a hot topic across the United States, including Pennsylvania. While medical marijuana has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2016, [...]

  • Gas station often where the gas station drug is sold

    The Rise of “Gas Station Heroin” and Why Seeking Treatment is Crucial 

    639 words|3.2 min read|

    In recent years, a dangerous substance known as “gas station heroin” has gained attention due to its availability, potency and potential for serious health consequences. [...]

  • A man looking at himself in the mirror struggling with narcissism

    Are Addicts Narcissists? Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Addiction and Narcissism 

    1098 words|5.5 min read|

    When discussing addiction, one question that often arises is, “Are addicts narcissists?” The association between addiction and narcissism is frequently misunderstood. The relationship between these [...]

  • Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Nasal Spray Dependency

    636 words|3.2 min read|

    Nasal sprays are a common remedy for congestion caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections. While they provide quick relief, overusing certain types of nasal [...]

  • Can You Get Addicted to Gabapentin? Understanding the Risks

    726 words|3.6 min read|

    Gabapentin, also known by its brand names such as Neurontin, is a prescription medication that has become increasingly common in treating a variety of medical [...]

  • Sick man on sofa at home and blowing nose.

    How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and Withdrawal

    631 words|3.2 min read|

    It can be challenging to distinguish between someone experiencing a common cold and someone going through withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. While the symptoms may [...]

  • The Dangers of Snorting Adderall: Understanding the Risks and Effects 

    898 words|4.5 min read|

    Adderall is a widely prescribed medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While it can be very effective for those who [...]

  • Mature psychologist working with group of people at psycho session in office

    Fish Scale Cocaine: Why Its High Purity Makes It So Dangerous 

    845 words|4.2 min read|

    Cocaine is a powerful and dangerous stimulant, and fish scale cocaine, known for its high purity, is among the most hazardous forms. Fish scale cocaine, [...]

  • A Brief History Behind Drug Trafficking in America 

    971 words|4.9 min read|

    Drug trafficking in America has a complex and often troubling history, interwoven with global events, socio-political developments and evolving drug policies. Since the 19th century, [...]

  • Will Methadone Get You High? 

    633 words|3.2 min read|

    Methadone is a widely used medication in the treatment of opioid addiction. At Silvermist Recovery in western PA, we incorporate medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which includes [...]

  • What Are Triggers in Addiction? 

    363 words|1.8 min read|

    Understanding triggers in addiction is a key part of maintaining sobriety. At Silvermist Recovery in western PA, we help individuals identify and manage their triggers [...]

  • What Are the Negative Effects of Snorting Adderall?

    780 words|3.9 min read|

    Prescription medication always comes with warning labels and instructions from your primary doctor regarding the best way to take the medication to reduce negative side [...]

  • Is There A Difference Between Adderall and Ritalin?

    870 words|4.4 min read|

    Adderall and Ritalin are most commonly used to treat the same neurodivergent disorders – but they are made from different chemicals that affect different individuals, [...]

  • Does Cocaine Stay in the Body For Long?

    698 words|3.5 min read|

    Cocaine is a stimulant drug with short-term effects – that is, a high that wears off quickly – and a high potential for abuse and [...]

  • How Does Heroin Affect Your Body?

    925 words|4.6 min read|

    If you or someone you know has used heroin, you may not know all of the pertinent facts about this opioid. Read on to get [...]