It’s sad to report that prescription drug abuse has become a major issue in the US. In some states, it has become an epidemic. It’s an epidemic that is affecting both the users and our communities. For the user, the side effects of painkiller abuse can be treacherous. If an addict is reluctant to seek…
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When someone has been abusing alcohol for a long time, they routinely develop a dependence or addiction to it. This means that alcohol has altered the individual’s brain chemistry, making it necessary for them to drink to function normally. Addiction isn’t necessarily about wanting a ‘high.’ Rather, it’s often about avoiding painful withdrawal symptoms. The…
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Argyle, Texas, May 7, 2020—Headlines scream continuously about COVID-19 – the number of cases, unemployment rates, vaccine progress, etc. Included in those headlines are stories focusing on the vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19. Among those in that population are people with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). These individuals and their families, friends, colleagues and neighbors…
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Argyle, Texas, May 18, 2020—Headlines continue to focus on COVID-19 and one topic being spotlighted more frequently is the negative impact the virus is having on mental health. The global pandemic and ensuing economic downturn have negatively affected many people’s mental health. A recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that nearly half…
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Argyle, Texas, June 1, 2020—As many as 75,000 Americans could die because of drug or alcohol misuse and suicide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis conducted by the national public health group Well Being Trust. This staggering number could become a reality due to the growing unemployment crisis, economic downturns…
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Denial is the enemy of an alcoholic. If you have an alcoholic that’s close to your heart, you might find yourself in a quandary. You want to try to help, but you are afraid of upsetting the person in question. If you are wondering how to help an alcoholic, the information below might give you…
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You’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction. You might think that you have things under control, but your friends or family disagree. Maybe you’ve tried quitting before and relapsed shortly after leaving rehab. Here’s what you need to know about getting effective drug addiction treatment. Substance abuse whether it’s drugs or alcohol doesn’t just…
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There is much said about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and the way that our traumas can significantly harm us. In a season with collective experienced trauma, could we also pay attention to how some of our trauma experiences can grow us? Traumas can, like a forge, temper us, make us stronger and more resilient in the…
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Grief is not always associated with death. It can be losing tradition, experiencing feelings of isolation and an inability to experience closure. Click on the graphic to learn more about grief and when it is time to consider finding help from a mental health professional. About Author: Lisa King, MS, NCC, LPC, is the Intensive…
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When you stop using drugs or alcohol, you frequently encounter physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. They range from moderate to life-threatening, depending on the drug you’re using, the duration of your use, and the dosage of the drug. In fact, the presence of these symptoms may alert you to the development of an addiction. But…
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