The California Drug Addiction Helpline is committed to helping those who struggle with drug addiction find treatment. These resources will provide readers with articles and up to date reports on issues regarding drug addiction and treatment. Check back often for new and exciting material.

Proposition 47 and the decriminalization of drug possession

Proposition 47 and the decriminalization of drug possession

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Until recently, a person discovered using illegal drugs in California faced arrest and possible jail time. However, in November of 2014, Proposition 47 was approved, reducing felonies that did not involve violence such as shoplifting and drug possession to a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is usually punishable by a fine and/or community service. The change in the law is estimated to result in 40,000 fewer annual felony convictions. The passage of Proposition 47 substitutes misdemeanor sentencing in place of felony for the following: Read more

The consequences of substance abuse during pregnancy

The consequences of substance abuse during pregnancy

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A study from The Journal of the American Medical Association estimated about 13,500 babies are born each year with symptoms depicting maternal drug abuse. The issue of substance abuse during pregnancy is more prevalent than commonly realized. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.4 percent of pregnant women aged 15 to 44 used illicit drugs. The rate of current illicit drug use in the combined 2012-2013 data was 14.6 percent among pregnant women aged 15 to 17, 8.6 percent among women aged 18 to 25, and 3.2 percent among women aged 26 to 44.

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Mental illness and addiction

Mental illness and addiction

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People of any age, gender, ethnicity or economic status are vulnerable to becoming addicted to drugs. Young people may try drugs initially due to peer pressure and the need to fit in with friends. Adults can become unintentionally addicted when they encounter difficulty discontinuing prescribed pain medication following injury or surgery. Read more

Mental illness, dual diagnosis and substance abuse

Mental illness, dual diagnosis and substance abuse

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The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reports that there is a definite connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances. Many patients with anxiety,   depression or other common mental illnesses turn to drugs or alcohol in the mistaken belief that these substances will ease their emotional distress. Read more

Is addiction a choice or a disease?

Is addiction a choice or a disease?

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Recovery from an addiction is not as simple as just exercising self-control. Society has allowed numerous stereotypes to govern its ideas of addicts and addiction. However, deeming addiction a choice, a collapse of morals and a weakness of character might not be a correct assessment. Read more