The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone, including people with substance abuse disorders and other mental health issues. Symptoms of anxiety and depression may worsen during this time. This can be a very difficult time for people in recovery from addiction.

Addiction is often referred to as a disease of isolation because it impacts a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Most substance abuse treatment takes place in a social setting such as group therapy.

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Marijuana is legal in California, but that doesn’t mean that it’s accepted by employers. Some workers use CBD oils as a way to get the same benefits without the high, but that could backfire in a drug test.

CBD is the acronym for cannabadiol, a compound found in cannabis, and has gained popularity over the last few years for its therapeutic properties. Advocates claim to see positive changes when dealing with muscle and joint pain,

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Everyone with a CDL needs to know about the following new development from DOT: As of January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) is establishing the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). This new database will contain information about drug and alcohol violations. All violations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) controlled substances (drug) and alcohol testing program for holders of CDLs will now be recorded in a central database.

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The decision to send a family member or loved one to rehab for drug or alcohol addiction is never an easy one. The family may have many fears and concerns about rehab itself, about the process of finding a rehab and about getting the person into treatment. Both TAP and TARP have trained professionals in substance abuse assessment and referral who can assist by providing information about the types of substance abuse treatment available, the cost of treatment,

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TAP and TARP have noticed significant changes in the needs of our alcohol and drug abuse clients in recent months. A number of factors seem to have led to changes in how and why patients seek our services, their presenting problems, the treatments and follow-up services that best serve their needs.

The increase in opioid use, legalization of marijuana, insurance for 18-25 year old dependents, workplace drug testing, DUI laws, and the lowest unemployment rates in recent history –providing jobs to many who previously were unable to find work–have changed the number and nature of those seeking assistance through TAP and TARP.

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Alcoholism and drug addiction is a chronic condition, much like heart disease or the condition of diabetes. This means that there is no cure for the disease, but it instead is managed or kept in a state of remission. When a person who suffers from alcoholism or drug addiction is sober or not using mood-altering chemicals, they are considered to be in “Recovery.”

It usually requires professional treatment for people to recover from chemical dependency,

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The U.S. Congress and many state legislatures have begun to address a national problem by considering legislation to stop unethical alcohol and drug treatment programs from preying on vulnerable individuals and families seeking treatment.

In December, 2017, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations began hearing testimony about predatory practices by substance abuse treatment programs. In 2018, New York passed a measure that makes it a crime to offer or to accept any payment from an individual or entity that provides substance abuse treatment services in exchange for patient referrals and admissions.

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