While few people are extremely extraverted or introverted, a slight majority of people see themselves as extraverts. A simplified but reasonably accurate description of the difference between the two is that extraverts get energy from being around other people while introverts get energy from being alone. As a social species, it makes sense that we… Continue Reading 3 Challenges Introverts Face in Recovery
There’s a common belief that drugs and alcohol make you more creative. This is perhaps understandable, since many of the great writers, artists, and musicians have used drugs and alcohol, too often to the point of addiction and self-destruction. Also, drugs and alcohol make people feel more creative. However, studies have shown feeling more creative… Continue Reading 4 Ways to be More Creative without Drugs or Alcohol
“Dry drunk” is an AA term. It refers to someone who has quit drinking but hasn’t worked the steps. Symptoms of dry drunk syndrome may include irritability, cynicism, fear of failure, and resentment–especially towards anyone who encouraged her to quit drinking as well as people who can drink moderately. Often, people with dry drunk syndrome… Continue Reading What is a “Dry Drunk”?
Most movies about college life emphasize the partying common in college life. These movies don’t appear to be much of an exaggeration. One study found that more than 80 percent of college students drink alcohol, and almost half reported binge drinking within the past two weeks. To many students, drinking is just what you do… Continue Reading 3 Ways to Have Fun at College without Alcohol
Safe injection sites, or supervised injection sites, are a harm reduction strategy that’s gaining attention in many US cities. Right now there are at least 100 safe injection sites worldwide. Most of those are in Europe, Canada, and Australia. The idea of safe injection sites and other harm reduction strategies is to minimize the damage… Continue Reading Do Safe Injection Sites Work?
With the holidays coming up, you be looking for gift ideas for a friend or loved one recovering from addiction. Generally speaking, people recovering from addiction like the same things as everyone else, although anything related to drugs or alcohol is clearly off limits. However, you might want to give something that lets her know… Continue Reading 5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Someone in Recovery
Hypnosis has been around for centuries and has long been a staple of TV and movie plots. You may also have seen stage shows in which unassuming audience members were made to believe they were chickens or Robert De Niro. As entertaining as these depictions are, they are not an accurate representation of hypnotherapy, or… Continue Reading Can Hypnosis Be Used to Treat Addiction?
As the holidays approach, one hazard to beware of is the anniversary effect. The anniversary effect is when a certain time of year reminds you of a difficult experience. For many people, the first holiday season without a loved one can renew the pain and grief that had started to subside. Or it could be… Continue Reading Holidays and the Anniversary Effect
It’s common for people to say they’re depressed when they’re sad. Also, when most people think of depression, sadness is the first thing that comes to mind. We sometimes use these words interchangeably, but sadness and depression are not the same thing. Depression continues to be a misunderstood condition and it’s one that affects about… Continue Reading How is Depression Different from Sadness?
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. They are typically prescribed to treat acute anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia related to stressful events. They work well when used for very short periods. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines are also extremely addictive. Even two weeks of regular use can lead… Continue Reading Signs of Benzodiazepine Dependence