The Coleman Institute Blog

Oscar* is 26 years old, has a girlfriend of five years and a one-year-old son. He has worked for a well-known delivery company for the better part of four years and has excellent insurance and benefits. Several months ago, he was physically dependent on fentanyl.

When Oscar called the Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine in Richmond, Va., he told me that he had ‘played around’ with opioids in his teenage years, taking a Percocet or two at parties, and of course, his friends always knew there would be hydrocodone to share whenever anyone had their wisdom teeth removed. He smoked a little cannabis and drank some beer, but rarely overdid it. He was the guy who always had a job and was always a very reliable employee.

An opioid-based drink called "lean" has skyrocketed in popularity among teens and young adults in recent years, with one study suggesting that nearly seven percent of college-aged students have tried the concoction. Also known as "purple drank," "sizzurp," or "dirty Sprite," lean has raised concerns among parents, doctors, and lawmakers due to its potential risks and the negative impact it can have on a person’s health. Here are five important things you need to know about lean and the dangerous effects it can cause.

Opioids encompass a wide range of substances, including powerful prescription medications like fentanyl, oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illicit drugs such as heroin or street fentanyl. Each opioid has unique characteristics, including varying half-lives and rates of metabolism, which affect the duration of its presence in the body.

Alcohol is a widely accepted and often celebrated substance, but it can also be addictive and harmful. If you are struggling with alcohol use, it may be difficult to recognize when it's time to seek help. However, acknowledging the problem and seeking treatment is the first step towards recovery. This article will explore the signs that indicate it's time to seek help for alcohol addiction and answer some common questions about alcohol addiction treatment.

Addiction is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a challenging battle to fight, but with the right mindset and tools, it is possible to overcome addiction. Here are ten motivational quotes to inspire and encourage those who are going through addiction treatment or considering it.