Citing the high risk of youth drug addiction and its widespread adverse impact, we at Project Healthy Minds seek to assist young adults through their challenging times. We provide information about the biological, psychological, and social causes that can often lead to addiction. We also describe the signs and symptoms that may help victims and/or their friends and family identify drug abuse. Furthermore, we elaborate on the various treatment modalities and resources available for getting the requisite help. We seek to build a community of like-minded youth undergoing similar problems and give them a platform to seek assistance from both peers as well as experts. In addition, we provide articles and videos that are easy to understand, interesting, and comprehensive. Our aim is to help the youth reach the recovery stage. Case studies of youth who have recovered can also help motivate and give perspective to young adults seeking help (for more examples, see the "Case Studies" page).

Path to Recovery

You must understand alcohol or drug addiction and its causes before you can overcome
them. The factors that lead to substance abuse and addiction are different for each
person. We explain how drugs affect your body, the reasons people turn to them, and how
to recover from alcoholism and other substance abuse disorders.

Quitting Drugs: Obstacles


Addiction is a disease of the brain. It makes one want to continue drugs even when harms become apparent, and it stops one from asking for help. Our brain works as a control tower, sending out signals that help us make decisions. Under the influence of drugs, these signals change, and affecting the choices we make. Drugs change the reward pathway's chemical composition, becoming more important than other pleasurable activities. However, over time, the pleasure derived from the drug reduces, thereby pushing the drug user to increase the drug's dosage.

 

Overcoming Addiction


This video discusses the difficulties on the path to overcoming addiction, the brain mechanisms involved, and various evidence-based treatment programs. It further explains how dopamine is activated by drug use, making the user feel good and likely to continue using the drug to greater extents. Addiction is largely misunderstood and mistreated. Most recovery programs believe that addiction is a biochemical issue and treat based on that. Several experts believe we are treating by hunch and not following evidence based treatments. Repeated detoxification and brief stabilization is clinically ineffective. The emphasis should be on fighting addiction and focusing on building a new life. Addiction seems irrational and illogical and family and friends tell you to stop using drugs. However, you are not your addiction. Do not identify with the addiction. We need to find a balance between our rational and logical, and impulsive and irrational parts of the brain. Reprogramming your brain is an important step towards changing your life.

 

Addiction and Recovery


Shawn Kingsbury recounts his story of addiction and recovery. Kingsbury was a promising athlete when he took a turn towards alcohol and drugs. After 18 years of addiction, prison, detoxification, and treatment facilities, he finally found sobriety and began rebuilding his life. As Kingsbury talks about how his family was devastated and how he lost his job, he illustrates the journey from addiction to recovery.

 

Transcending addiction


Jacki Hillios talks about why some people are able to transcend their addiction while others can’t. She describes what people need to escape the shame of their addiction and achieve sustained recovery. Hillios also talks about the difficulties associated with trying to remain sober, especially given long waiting times and the accessibility of many treatment options. In addition, she explains the lifestyle change needed to break free of addiction and reiterates the importance of peer support. Ultimately, Hillios demonstrates how the resilience of the human spirit intersects with social contextual factors, allowing those struggling with addiction to choose their own path to recovery.

 

Guided Meditation


An important and often underestimated technique used in recovery is guided meditation. Often enough, short guided meditation to help you relax and re-focus your thoughts can be a significant first step in aiming to achieve sobriety. The initial steps of guided meditation involve taking deep breaths, clearing your mind, and letting your body relax. Your goal is to feel your tensions fading away, giving you the motivation to focus on long-lasting sobriety and other positive changes in your life. The first step in many mental illnesses, including addiction, is a change in mindset, and guided meditation is a useful place to begin.