One in three Americans will face a substance use disorder (SUD) in their lifetime. Recent research highlights the alarming effects of developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol during adolescence. Key Findings of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder A study from the...
Empower Health Blog
The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Opioid Abuse
The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Opioid Abuse Research has long shown a link between opioid abuse and childhood trauma. A 2009 study in the Journal of Addictive Diseases found that among 113 people seeking treatment for opioid abuse: 20.4% had experienced sexual...
The Critical Link Between Alcoholism and Suicide
A recent study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry reveals that individuals suffering from alcoholism are at a significantly elevated risk of suicide. How much higher? Fifty percent. Key Findings from the Christchurch Health and...
Substance Use Disorder: How Shame and Stigma Block Treatment
Individuals struggling with substance use disorder are often misunderstood and criticized by society, making it difficult, if not impossible, for many to seek help, according to a recent report in Psychological Science in the Public Interest. The report, authored by...
Researchers Discover Key Neurons Influencing Alcoholism
Understanding the Role of Neurons in Alcohol Consumption It has long been known that some people are more prone to alcoholism than others. Researchers at Texas A&M recently made an interesting discovery that may provide at least a partial explanation. The...
Alcohol and Pregnancy: The Severe Costs and Long-Term Impact of FASD
Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Researchers have long known that no amount of alcohol is safe for a pregnant woman to consume, as it can harm the infant. Its use during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a condition...
Alcohol Abuse Continues to Surge in Massachusetts and Around the Country
Approximately 20% of Massachusetts and U.S. adults report engaging in abusing alcohol at least once a week, typically consuming about seven drinks per binge session. This consumption far exceeds the legal intoxication threshold, defined as a blood alcohol...
Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters
Written by: Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while many people hear or read references to it, who does it apply to? It can be easy to dismiss for those who may not have, or acknowledge that they have, a mental health...
Empower Health Group Awarded Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Behavioral Health Care and Human Services Accreditation
Empower Health Group Earns Prestigious Accreditation Empower Health Group of Massachusetts has achieved a significant milestone by earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Behavioral Health Care and Human Services Accreditation. This prestigious...