Drug addiction is a chronic illness characterized by loss of control over substance use, leading to compulsive use despite consequences. People with addiction can look very different from one another, but there are some common signs that someone has developed an addiction. Learn more...
Ascensa Health at St. Jude’s Recovery Center provides family therapy, education and support to clients. Services are also available for anyone in the client’s support system who is affected by the client’s addiction to alcohol and drugs. Learn more about our services....
A new study that followed 1,100 recovering opioid users reveals that the risks associated with opioid relapse are different for men and women. Learn more. ...
At Ascensa Health, we provide affordable, high quality care that is individualized to address the specific needs of each client. We would like to share this story from one of our clients and celebrate their journey to recovery with you. "My journey at Ascensa Health has...
Ascensa Health offers Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction at no cost to clients who do not have health insurance. For more information, please contact the MAT Coordinator at (404) 534-2192 or matcoord@ascensa.org. Learn more about our services here. ...
This opinion piece is an evidence-based look into the recovery side of addiction, discussing the rates of individuals who have recovered in the US and the resources needed for their recovery. Read more...
Several risk factors contribute to increased rates of substance abuse and mental health conditions in the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more...
The coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on the crisis of mental illness and substance use disorders. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, approximately 1 in 5 Americans struggled with mental health issues, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. Read more....
Fareed Zakaria of CNN looks at why the pandemic has led to a sharp increase in opioid overdose deaths in the United States. Watch the video....
"Although deaths from opioids continue to command the public’s attention, an alarming increase in deaths involving the stimulant drugs methamphetamine and cocaine are a stark illustration that we no longer face just an opioid crisis." Read more...
The new year can be a motivating time to pursue recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction. This article shares tips for maintaining recovery and planning a healthier future. Six ways to stay sober...
A recent study found that people with substance use disorders (SUDs) are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its complications. The findings suggest that health care providers should closely monitor patients with SUDs and develop action plans to help shield them from infection and severe outcomes. Read...
Ascensa Health provides detoxification to anyone who is either uninsured or unable to afford treatment. Clients receive medically monitored detox treatment for stabilization of withdrawal symptoms. All withdrawal symptoms are resolved before a client moves to the next level of care. Find out more about...
Getting through the COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for everyone. People in recovery might feel like they’re especially vulnerable. This article lists helpful tips for taking care of your mental health during this difficult time. Read the article....
It is estimated that teens and young adults are one-tenth as likely as adults 25 years and older to get the recommended treatment for opioid use disorder. Many are misdiagnosed and overlooked, even after surviving an overdose. Read the article....
A new study by the University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center uncovered a genetic mutation that increases the risk of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. As a result, people with this mutation are more vulnerable to long-lasting, adverse effects of childhood trauma and stress,...
Relapse Prevention is an evidence-based practice that helps individuals with substance use disorder conceptualize what causes relapse. People can prevent or limit episodes of relapse by learning strategies to overcome their triggers. Read more about relapse prevention. ...
The first death from vaping-related illness was on August 23rd. As of last September 24th, there had been 805 lung injury cases reported. Find out what we know so far about this public health crisis. ...
At Ascensa Health at St. Jude's Recovery Center, we provide affordable, high quality care that is individualized to address the specific needs of each client. We would like to share this story from one of our clients and celebrate their journey to recovery with you. "I’m...
New laws in seven US states require that doctors offer or co-prescribe Naloxone when prescribing opioid painkillers to patients who are at high risk of overdose. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an opioid overdose reversing medication and is offered over the counter in most...
All relationships require healthy boundaries to remain safe, supportive, and successful. Boundaries are based on personal values. They provide guidelines that communicate to others what behaviors you feel are acceptable and unacceptable. Addiction is highly destructive to relationships with friends, family, and significant others. To learn...
Teenage drug use is on the rise. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) has developed teen-friendly prevention materials that can help start the conversation about drug use before it starts. Factual information about various substances is presented in teen-friendly language, including how...
Perhaps you have heard the term before, but you are not sure what effects a co-occurring disorder has on an individual. Maybe you or a loved one have been dually diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder and you need to know more about the condition. Co-occurring disorder...
Two nurses from Ascensa Health were highlighted in the recent Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities HIV Early Intervention Services Quarterly Report for their dedicated work to help HIV+ clients receive the care they need. About 80% of HIV transmissions are from individuals who...
At Ascensa Health at St. Jude's Recovery Center, we strive to provide clients with the tools they need to return to the community as self-sufficient, productive individuals able to maintain recovery. We would like to share this story from one of our clients and celebrate...