The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) was recently released, publicizing how people living in the United States reported their experience with mental health, substance use, and treatment related behaviors in 2022. Learn more...
The findings in this report provide a clearer characterization of the factors associated with recovery among adults and how future efforts can foster a whole-health approach to sustain recovery from mental health and substance use conditions. Read the report...
Scientists are searching for effective alternatives to treat pain and are looking to develop prescription medications that do not lead to addiction. Learn more...
People with substance use disorders often experience mental health disorders. Treatment is most effective when both needs are treated simultaneously, as we do at Ascensa Health. More information...
Now that Narcan (the opioid overdose reversing nasal spray medication) is available over the counter, it is important to know how to use the lifesaving medication. Learn more about the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan. Learn more...
Breakthrough research shows genetic markers for substance abuse and could lead to more effective ways to prevent and treat drug and alcohol use disorders. Learn more...
People can heal from an addiction—especially when they get the support they need to relieve withdrawal symptoms, navigate triggers, and make positive changes. This video explores why many people find it difficult to control or stop drug use and how research conducted and supported by...
In 2022, the majority of clients (44%) at Ascensa Health were seeking treatment for alcohol addiction. Dr. Anna Lembke of Stanford Medical School explains detox from alcohol addiction, the bio-psycho-social model of addiction and how to effectively treat alcohol addiction. Watch now...
This summer, every state rolled out 988 as the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number to call for mental health crises, similar to how people can call 911 for medical emergencies. Read more...
As of July 1, 2022, fentanyl test strips, which can detect a lethal synthetic opioid you cannot taste, or see, or smell, will be legal in Georgia. Georgia is one of more than 20 US states that have moved to decriminalize controversial fentanyl test strips. More...
Join us for our 60th Anniversary Voices of Recovery Luncheon on September 27, 2022 at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate our history and vision for the future of recovery in Atlanta! Learn about our decades of dedication to addiction treatment and hear an incredible recovery story...
Young adults who experienced trauma in childhood are more at risk for misusing prescription opioids, according to new research from the University of Georgia. Read more...
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...
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...
National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the...
We are excited to announce that we have re-branded! St. Jude's Recovery Center is now doing business as Ascensa Health. We have a new name, but we are the same company offering the same services. Ascensa Health at St. Jude’s Recovery Center will continue to offer...
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,...
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. ...
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...
One of the main barriers to autonomy is stable employment. As a leader in addiction treatment, Ascensa Health Residential Treatment Programs provide essential and innovative support services to help clients maintain their recovery. For 57 years, Ascensa Health has helped homeless and uninsured individuals with...
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...