VA Central Iowa Healthcare System
3600 30th Street
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 699-5999
Intake: (515) 699-5861
Call
888-647-0579
to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor.
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Treatment & Detox Guide
It's easy to fall off the wagon during the holidays
Holiday time is party time, and no holiday is more associated with the drinking of alcohol than New Year’s Eve. For some people, it is especially difficult to cope with party invitations at this time of year. Those who are newly sober, and trying desperately to resist the temptation to relapse, often wonder how to….
NY reforms treatment of addiction, mental illness
The vast majority of New Yorkers struggling both with mental illness and substance abuse don’t get treatment for both conditions at the same time – a barrier that can result in relapse, discontinued treatment and, in some cases, suicide. It’s a problem that’s gone on for years because of a flawed Medicaid coding system, and….
Younger Alcoholic Men at Risk for Osteoporosis
Low bone mass, or osteoporosis, is a known consequence of alcoholism, especially in older alcoholics. However, a new study shows that younger male alcoholics are also at increased risk for osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis, no matter what the cause, are at an increased risk for fractures and poor fracture healing. “Our study indicates malnutrition, little….
‘I have to walk forward to keep where I am’
Every day starts at step one. I am powerless over alcohol. With alcohol my life is unmanageable. For 23 years, Randy has begun his day with the first step of Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 Step Program. “I always know I am one moment and one drink away from where I was,” Randy said. Randy took his….
Understanding the Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse
Many people underestimate just dangerous prescription drugs can be. While people want prescription drugs that can help them through their ailments or help them cope with other health issues, they often don’t realize that these drugs should be treated with as much caution as illegal or addictive drugs. Currently, pain relievers are one of the most commonly….