Health Topics

Find information on health topics
so you can live your best life.

Substance Abuse

Information for helping those with alcohol and other drug abuse concerns.

Hometown Health Blog

Naloxone overdose intervention: When minutes count

Minutes count when someone overdoses on opioids. That's why it's important to administer the over-the-counter, overdose-reversal medication naloxone. Read what you can do to save a life.

Glenn Kauppila, D.O. By Glenn Kauppila April 18, 2024

Recognizing, addressing a loved one's alcohol use

Addiction to alcohol affects millions of people every year. Learn the signs that alcohol may be an issue for your loved one, and get tips for providing support for recovery.

Tyler Oesterle, M.D., M.P.H. By Tyler Oesterle December 19, 2023

Have you talked to your children about alcohol use?

Caring adults in children's lives have the power of influence. Get tips to help you talk with your children about the dangers of alcohol. It could save a life.

Tyler Oesterle, M.D., M.P.H. By Tyler Oesterle December 8, 2023

Tailoring substance use recovery for LGBTQ+ people

Substance abuse poses unique challenges for the LGBTQ+ community, with higher rates of substance misuse and addiction. Learn how tailored treatment can help, and get tips for finding an inclusive support group.

Holly Louwagie, L.A.D.C. By Holly Louwagie June 12, 2023

Help your teen navigate celebrations substance-free

It can be tough to talk with your teen about drugs and alcohol. It's essential to have these conversations long before events, such as graduations and weddings. These tips can get you started.

Glenn Kauppila, D.O. By Glenn Kauppila May 8, 2023

Binge drinking and your body

While there are some benefits of moderate alcohol use, there are no health benefits for heavy or binge drinking. Here's how it affects your body, including your brain, immune system and liver.

Reiser_Danica_L_M060182 By Danica Reiser April 14, 2023

How youth marijuana, alcohol use impacts life

Talking early with your children about the risks of marijuana and alcohol use may prevent the first use. Get tips to start a conversation about avoiding substance use.

Pravesh Sharma, M.D. By Pravesh Sharma January 17, 2023

What effect does alcohol have on your health — and your liver?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, national alcohol sales have increased more than 50%. Learn about the serious effects alcohol has on your well-being and body.

Omar Mousa MBBS By Omar Mousa September 3, 2021

Finding happiness, gratitude in sobriety

Addiction changes the brain in a way that limits your ability to feel happy. In time, and with sobriety, the brain heals and learns to send the right cues again.

June 25, 2018

Second chance: A new beginning after years of addiction

It was an ordinary trip for Randy Gruhlke to the store to fix his cellphone, when the clerk smelled his breath and was concerned by his behavior.

June 11, 2018

The problem with kids and cannabis

Young people receive a mixed message about how safe it is for them to use marijuana. So what's the problem?

February 19, 2015