Research shows a strong link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction. People who have been through traumatic experiences are more likely to use drugs or alcohol to cope with the pain of PTSD. In turn, those with substance abuse issues are more prone to developing PTSD due to increased trauma exposure. If you or…
Substance abuse may seem to have just come upon you. However, it’s much like a snowball effect, slowly increasing into a substance use disorder over time. The journey out of substance use may feel much longer. Recovery doesn’t happen in the short run. It takes commitment. To succeed, you need to establish goals for long-term…
Not only are depression and anxiety common issues for those dealing with substance abuse, but also they are the most common mental health issues facing everyone. Therefore, when someone is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, it’s not uncommon for depression or anxiety to accompany that disorder. Both anxiety and depression share a lot of…
Completing a substance abuse rehabilitation program is a fantastic accomplishment that requires commitment, dedication, and the ability to adapt to significant life changes. During treatment, patients work on developing coping mechanisms and support systems through individual and group therapy sessions. This work is not only meant to help an individual get sober and come off…
Living with a substance abuse disorder can feel like a life without control. Whether at work, home, or out with friends, addiction finds its way into all aspects of life as it takes priority over other obligations. Everyone has coping mechanisms and preferred vices for dealing with stress and unwinding at the end of a…
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released multiple public health alerts on opioid addiction and overdose in the years since the medication was introduced to medical markets across the country. It’s not hard to develop an opioid use disorder. Addiction is the result of several factors, including personal history, medical history, and…
Drug addiction tends to disrupt life in more ways than one. Those suffering from addiction are plagued by cravings, self-control issues, and the impulse to prioritize using their drug of choice over all other obligations. While some people require 24/hour care and monitoring when getting sober, there are those who can’t leave for a treatment…
While movies and fairy tales often depict the idea of family as a loving, nurturing space that shelters children from the harsh nature of the outside world, reality paints a different picture. Family isn’t easy. Sometimes, in fact, it can prove to be incredibly difficult, dysfunctional, and stress-producing. A slew of factors can contribute to…
Growing up is hard, and family isn’t always easy. As tensions build between family members, communication becomes more complex, and frustration can accumulate to the point where the household is no longer a healthy living environment. Sometimes, family tensions can become so strained that running away seems like the only option. It could also be…
Like many people, maybe you think having one drink too many is just harmless fun. But is it? While drinking alcohol is widely accepted in society, there is such a thing as drinking too much. Sometimes, the result is a hangover; other times, it’s poisoning. However, many of us may be unable to identify if…