The Role of Trauma in Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and trauma are often closely linked, which is why high-quality addiction treatment programs offer integrated treatment to address both. Alcohol, as well as prescribed and illicit drugs, are commonly used to cope with negative emotions and symptoms associated with exposure to trauma. Commonly seen symptoms include (1):
American Society: How It Contributes to Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States today (1). In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported antidepressant drug use had skyrocketed by 400 percent over the last two decades. Antidepressants are the most commonly taken type of medication by people 18-44 years old. In 2008, 23 […]
When a Loved One Is Addicted: Helping vs. Enabling
Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction are serious issues facing over 23 million people across the United States alone. Of these millions of people, just a small percentage actively seek help to overcome their substance addictions. There are many reasons behind the resistance to get help. One of these reasons involves loved ones enabling […]
Social Pressures Often Reinforce Habits of Codependency
Codependency has many different definitions, but it is widely recognized as a psychological reaction that places the needs of others before one’s own needs, often to a detrimental degree. Codependency can include a variety of other psychological issues, including problems defining healthy boundaries, inability to express feelings, fears of abandonment and a strong desire for […]
Parents with Substance Abuse Problems: Effects on Children
Drug addiction doesn’t just affect individuals; it affects the entire family unit. Children can experience a variety of impairments as a result of their parent’s addiction, some of which can last for a lifetime. Getting these children back on a track of normal development often requires a multi-disciplined approach to their welfare. Parents who are […]
Anxiety on the Rise: Are Societal Pressures to Blame?
Anxiety is a word that’s often tossed around too casually, used to refer to everyday worries or minor stress. In reality, anxiety disorders can be intense and debilitating—people who suffer from anxiety describe it as a constant, gripping fear or a sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach. Studies reveal that at least 40 […]
The Effects of Binge Drinking in Men
Among people who consume alcohol, males typically drink more alcohol than women in the United States and across the globe, according to a study done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism(1). This level of consumption puts men at a greater risk for many different alcohol-related health effects, such as liver problems, cardiovascular […]
Alcohol and Breast Cancer: Study Reveals New Link
Doctors have noted five medical conditions that are of great concern to women: heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, depression and autoimmune diseases. Scientific research has identified particular risk factors for each disease, which helps inform women about steps they can take to protect themselves. Among the major health concerns they’re facing, breast cancer may be […]
How Do the Stages of Change Help Motivate Recovery?
One of the most essential—and challenging—aspects of addiction recovery is the need to change a person’s behavior to improve their health status. Behavior change interventions, which involve a combination of program elements or strategies, are especially useful in addressing lifestyle modification for those suffering from addictions. A change in patient lifestyle is necessary for successful […]
Amendment to Increase Availability of Anti-Addiction Drug
Heroin use has increased across the U.S. to epidemic levels in many cities. Some of the largest increases have occurred in demographic groups with historically low rates of heroin use, including women, the privately insured and those with higher incomes. As the use of heroin increases, there have also been dramatic rises in heroin-related overdose […]