Heading 1

Medically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Wilson, Chief Medical Officer of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. GLP-1 medications have become part of a much bigger conversation than diabetes, weight loss, or appetite. More people are asking whether medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound may also affect cravings for alcohol, nicotine, or other substances. For someone in recovery, […]

Medically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Wilson, Chief Medical Officer of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. Semaglutide has become known for treating type 2 diabetes and supporting weight management. Now, researchers are asking a different question: could it also help reduce alcohol cravings? For someone struggling with alcohol use, that question can feel personal. Cravings can be loud, […]

Sports betting has changed quickly. What once required a casino, sportsbook, or private betting arrangement is now available from a phone, often within seconds. For many people, betting on a game stays occasional and recreational. But for others, especially when betting becomes frequent, secretive, emotional, or hard to stop, it can become a serious behavioral […]

Learn why co-occurring disorders—addiction and mental health—are so common, how they interact, and why treating both is key to recovery.

For anyone who doesn’t have a family member, colleague, or close friend who has served in the military, sometimes the only window into the unique challenges of a soldier’s life is from a big-budget blockbuster like 1917, Saving Private Ryan, or Platoon — or more detailed accounts found on the small screen, such as the miniseries Band of Brothers or The Pacific.

The common thread in all these stories? Deployments are stressful and, not surprisingly, they take a serious toll on your body, mind, and the relationships that matter most. As a result, many service members develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, depression, and alcohol misuse, which can follow them into retirement and provide a new set of challenges.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (often called GLP-1s) are best known for their role in diabetes and weight management. More recently, they have drawn attention for their potential impact on cravings, impulse control, and compulsive behaviors. At The Meadows, we are committed to responsible innovation and are carefully exploring this emerging area. GLP-1s are not intended for […]

Alcohol addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect. Some firefighters keep showing up to work, doing their job well, and handling responsibilities without obvious issues. From the outside, everything can seem normal. At home, though, it may be a different story. Mood changes, distance, and reliance on alcohol to unwind can start to show […]

It may be shocking to discover that the deadliest threat to active U.S. military members and veterans is not combat — it’s suicide. The United Service Organizations (USO) and other organizations are taking steps to prevent suicide among our soliders, especially those who are at higher risk due to military trauma, stress, or mental health concerns. If you have a friend or family member who is a current or former member of the armed services, it’s important to know the risk factors and how you can help prevent tragic outcomes. 

Cannabis is often viewed as low‑risk or “natural,” but for some individuals — especially those who use it often or use high‑THC products — it can trigger serious mental health reactions. One possible reaction is cannabis‑induced psychosis.  Clinicians describe these reactions in clinical texts such as The Other Side of Cannabis: Impact on Mental and […]

Addiction rarely stays contained to one area of life. What may begin as occasional substance use can gradually start affecting mental health, relationships, daily routines, and overall well-being. For many people, these changes happen slowly: Mood shifts become more noticeable, responsibilities feel harder to manage, and relationships may become strained or distant. Over time, substance […]