Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. At least 16 million American Adults suffered from a depressive episode in the past year, and depression is likely underreported. Awareness about depression and mental health in general has been growing in recent years as a result of public information campaigns and celebrities speaking out about their…
Addiction can be sneaky. Just when you think you’ve got one addiction beat, another one can creep in. There are several reasons for this. A big one is that right after you quit a substance, you tend to have abnormally low dopamine levels for a while. That’s because most addictive substances give you a significant…
Everyone has different problems and needs in addiction treatment. Recognizing and addressing those needs is the key to a successful recovery. There are many factors that influence what you need from treatment, including addiction history, co-occurring disorders, health issues, and family situation. One important factor is whether you are male or female. Here are some…
No one who has experienced withdrawal would think it was something to be grateful for. Depending on the drug, you might experience anything from irritability and cravings, to diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and hallucinations. The fear of withdrawal keeps many people using substances long after it stopped being fun. Withdrawal has ended many attempts at recovery…
Recovery capital is whatever you have working in your favor to help you stay sober. An easy way to think of is that anything that makes you happier, healthier, and more connected to others is recovery capital. The more recovery capital you have, the easier it will be to stay sober. Recovery capital can be…
It’s not easy to quit drinking. Alcohol is difficult to avoid, and you will often end up around people who drink. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. In addition to proven methods like therapy and social support, there are now three medications that can help make staying sober a little easier. Antabuse Antabuse,…
Drug and alcohol use in the LGBT community is higher than in the general population. Exactly how much higher is difficult to say, since the exact size of the LGBT community is unknown and studies on substance use rarely ask about sexual identity or orientation. Despite great strides in LGBT rights in recent years, widespread…
A quality addiction treatment program has several characteristics. It employs qualified and experienced medical and counselling staff, it uses evidence-based treatment methods, it has clean, safe, and comfortable facilities, and it incorporates aftercare for when you leave. Another important factor, perhaps the most important, is that a great program will create an individualized treatment plan…
We all want to help the people we care about. When you see a friend or loved one struggling with addiction, you don’t see an addict; you see someone who needs help. You want to be there, to help her through a hard time. Unfortunately, the wrong kind of help can make the situation worse.…
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the US. Most Americans drink at least occasionally without having a problem, but about seven percent develop alcohol use disorders. Public awareness has made considerable progress in recent decades but many myths still persist about alcohol addiction. Here are some of the big ones. People addicted to…
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