Contents PrefaceIntroductionDrug Misuse and AddictionPreventing Drug Misuse and Addiction: The Best StrategyDrugs and the BrainAddiction and HealthTreatment and RecoveryAdvancing Addiction Science and Practical SolutionsReferences Preface How Science Has Revolutionized the Understanding of Drug Addiction For much of the past century, scientists studying drugs and drug use labored in the shadows of powerful myths and misconceptions…

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Mark Zastrow, Science Writer Adding video gaming to the list of recognized behavioral addictions could help millions in need. It could also pathologize a normal behavior and create a new stigma. Science fiction is replete with notions of losing oneself inside a digitally generated alternate reality. But for millions around the world, that dystopic vision…

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Brief Description Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Even people with severe and chronic substance use disorders can, with help, overcome their illness and regain health and social function. This is called remission. Being in recovery is…

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What is drug addiction? Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long lasting. These changes in the brain can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who use drugs. Drug addiction is also a relapsing…

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What is comorbidity? Comorbidity describes two or more disorders or illnesses occurring in the same person. They can occur at the same time or one after the other. Comorbidity also implies interactions between the illnesses that can worsen the course of both. Is drug addiction a mental illness? Yes. Addiction changes the brain in fundamental…

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SafeSpace Winter Events Child, Disrupted Documentary Screening Thursday, February 7, 2019, 7–8:15 PM PST Menlo-Atherton High School Performing Arts Center 555 Middlefield Road Atherton, CA 94027 The award-winning short documentary Child, Disrupted features interviews with experts in the fields of neuroscience, occupational therapy, addiction, psychology, and sociology regarding the reality behind the effects of excessive…

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Getting the proper rest: Limit screen time by placing phones and computers in a separate room at a designated time, minimize stimulating activities before bed, and establish a sleep routine to ensure 8-10 hours of sleep per night.  Keeping a journal to prevent recurring thoughts can alleviate stress triggers. Eat healthy with a balanced diet:…

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SafeSpace in Local Middle Schools Our high school youth advisory board is working with the SafeSpace Managing Director, Lesley Martin, to help deliver mental health awareness and educational programs to local middle schools. Hillview Middle School already has a team of 12 students working with their school and with SafeSpace on mental wellness programs. Our…

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