Overcoming the Trauma of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse, and the trauma it can cause, may leave a person feeling out of control, angry, frustrated, depressed, or anxious about the future. The psychological impact of abuse can linger for months and even years, preventing them from recovering and achieving success in their life. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is alarmingly common; more than 200,000 cases are reported each year in the United States. However, the majority of incidents go unreported, often out of fear, shame or guilt.
The Double Demons of Depression and Addiction
It is estimated that upwards of six in every 10 individuals with a drug abuse problem also have an associated mental health condition. This is known as dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. There’s always a reason people start using drugs, and oftentimes it’s a pre-existing mental condition. It may be something as simple as curiosity that gets the ball rolling, but for some, there is a deeper reason to use drugs. Interestingly, it is a two-way street, as addiction may heighten the risk of developing a mental illness as well.
Alcohol Abuse: How Do I Know If I’ve Crossed the Line?
Alcohol abuse is not always clearly understood by many clients. Many assume only the most extreme habits of alcohol consumption are to be considered alcohol abuse. As such, heavy drinking and other unhealthy drinking habits like binge drinking are often cloaked as “social drinking”. Find out what alcohol abuse is and learn about how we, at Destination Hope, treat it.
What Is The Science Behind Addiction and Why Does It Affect Some People More Than Others?
The truth is anyone can become an addict whether they are a hero working on the front lines or a teen who succumbs to peer pressure. Risk factors make addiction more likely to take place in some people. It is a combination of biology and environment that make some people more susceptible to addiction.
Why Mindfulness Mediation Works for Recovery
When caught in the midst of addiction, it can often feel like you are on a roller coaster. The ups and downs are extremely disruptive and difficult to control. For many trapped in the addictive cycle, it can seem nearly impossible to exercise real self-control. Intense emotions in response to any number of situations quickly lead to using again, regardless of how much you may want to stop. It is often this cycle of using, trying to quit, failing, and using again that leads people to seek out professional help in the form of rehabilitation.
The ABCs of Choosing a Treatment Plan
Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and seeking treatment takes courage. The ideal treatment option depends on your age, physiology, medical history, and whether you have other pre-existing mental or physical health conditions. Before treatment, you should understand the ABCs of choosing a treatment plan, plus what to expect from your clinician and from yourself. The primary objectives of addiction treatment include education, detoxification, and developing positive coping strategies.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) 101 – A Guide
Acute stress disorder (ASD), also called acute stress reaction or shock, is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and responds to traumatic stressors. It arises in response to the experience or witnessing of a painful, terrifying, or emotionally stressful event which could involve the threat of death, actual death, injury or violence. It is estimated that up to 20% of people exposed to traumatic events can develop ASD and up to half of those can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later.
What Not To Say To Someone In Recovery
When individuals go into treatment, their friends, co-workers and loved ones have a natural desire to make contact and be supportive. However, some questions and comments are not helpful and can, in fact, have a detrimental effect on the process of recovery. Although you may only be asking out of concern and want the individual to know you care, you should avoid questions that only serve to peel a scab off a wound that is still in the process of healing.
COVID-19 and Depression
While business begins to return to normal within the next few months, we must continue to be cautious. Though restrictions are slowly lifting from the pandemic, its effects are still coming to be understood. A recent survey conducted by Harvard, Rutgers and a variety of other universities across the nation has found that twenty seven percent of people in the United States are exhibiting signs of moderate to severe depression, three times the amount that showed signs before Coronavirus. As healthcare professionals, this is extremely concerning for us. With a higher rate of depression comes greater risk of self-harm or…
The Uses and Dangers of Prescription Opioids
Pain takes many forms including minor aches, temporary bouts of sharp pain, or chronic pain. For those pains beyond the norm, doctors may prescribe medication that is stronger than typical over-the-counter pain relievers. Opioids are a class of prescription painkillers that help blunt severe pain and can be very helpful for those recovering from physical trauma including surgery. Opioids, such as methadone, have also been used to treat those with an opioid addiction. However, using any opioid medication may also carry risks.