Emotional regulation is our ability to turn the volume up or down on our emotions. We need emotions just like we need thinking and breathing, but when we let our emotions control us, we often run into trouble. Emotions may be excessive, counterproductive, or just inappropriate. For example, it’s normal to be sad over a…
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. They are typically prescribed for occasional use for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Unfortunately, you can develop a dependence on benzodiazepines in as little as two weeks of regular use. What’s more, they are among the most difficult drugs…
Learning healthy coping skills is one of the most important parts of addiction recovery. For many people who struggle with addiction, substance use was their primary means of coping with life’s difficulties. Whether the issue was stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, drugs or alcohol helped to relieve the distress. Recovery may appear daunting because you…
Opioid painkillers were never intended for long-term use. They work very well for people who have been badly injured, people who have just undergone a medical procedure, such as a surgery, or people with terminal illnesses. Unfortunately, many people believe they are the only way to treat chronic pain, such as back pain. Others just…
More than 16 million American adults had a major episode of depression in the last year, and that figure appears to be growing. Symptoms of depression include sadness or depressed mood, fatigue, sleep disturbances, such as sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight, slow movements, aches, inability to focus, feelings of hopelessness, and…
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a relatively new way of treating major depression. In TMS, a doctor or technician uses a powerful electromagnet to stimulate a part of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, or DLPFC. The DLPFC is responsible for many executive functions, such as helping yourself and others, making…
An intervention is essentially a last-ditch effort to convince a loved one to enter treatment for addiction. By this point, you’ve already discussed your concerns with your loved one and given her a chance to change. Despite your support and encouragement, you haven’t seen any improvement and so you feel like you have to try…
Occasional anxiety is a useful emotion. It alerts you to danger, it encourages you to prepare for important events, and it gives you energy and focus to perform at your best. However, if you always feel anxious, or you get too anxious, anxiety can be debilitating. Too much anxiety can interfere with your life and…
Group therapy is a common element of treatment for addiction and other mental health issues. A group typically comprises five to 15 participants and is led by one or two therapists. Sessions usually last an hour and a half or two hours. Group therapy can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with…
Different parts of recovery are difficult in different ways. Detox is difficult because it can be extremely unpleasant and sometimes dangerous. However, it’s also necessary to go through withdrawal to begin treatment and recovery. If you are serious about getting sober and staying sober, here are some reasons you should consider medical detox. You’re more…
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