Addiction |

What is now popularly called a study drug began as medication prescribed for people suffering from attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. People use study drugs for their brain-enhancing and educational benefits. They are popular with older teens and young adults, especially college students. According to NeuroHealth, 26% of college...Read More

Finding out a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol is a very distressing situation. You know they need help, and you want to help them. But you feel confused and are not sure what to do. Trying to get a loved one into a treatment program can be intimidating. They...Read More

Spending time outside surrounded by nature can be calming. Whether you hike a forest trail, walk on the beach, or plant flowers in your garden, being outside will likely make you feel peaceful and refreshed. Although everyone benefits from spending time outdoors, it is especially beneficial for people in recovery from a drug or alcohol...Read More

Research suggests post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug or alcohol addiction are strongly linked. The results of studies published by the National Library of Medicine suggest that approximately 50 percent of people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder also have a substance use disorder. Also, people diagnosed with PTSD are three times more likely to suffer...Read More

An alcohol-induced blackout, commonly known as blacking out, happens when a person drinks too much alcohol. Unfortunately, this type of alcohol-induced amnesia is not an uncommon occurrence among drinkers. Alcohol-induced blackouts are dangerous and can cause the person to engage in risky or criminal activities without being able to remember anything the next day. What is...Read More

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes a co-occurring disorder as the coexistence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder.  As of 2018, approximately 9.2 million adults in the U.S. had a co-occurring disorder, an increase of over 1.1 million people over three years. Co-occurring disorders can develop separately...Read More

There is a clear link between childhood trauma and alcohol and drug addiction. Traumatic events children experience often follow them as they mature into adults, creating mental health issues that may cause them to use alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate. According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, more...Read More

A powerful tool, journaling plays an essential role in restoring good mental health to people healing from the chaos of drug or alcohol addiction. Journaling allows people to express their private thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It provides a way of processing emotions and dealing with memories. It allows intense self-reflection and a...Read More

Substance abuse and addiction among older adults is a growing concern and is often underestimated, overlooked, or underdiagnosed. In the United States, substance use disorders among people over 60 years old are one of the nation’s most rapidly growing health problems. As the population ages, the number of senior citizens struggling with substance use disorders...Read More

Being in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction comes with many challenges. Dealing with relapse triggers is one of them. Relapse triggers are emotional or physical cues that cause the person to want to drink or use a substance. They are a normal part of addiction recovery. Being aware that triggers will arise and...Read More