Independence and personal freedoms are uniquely American values, and most people believe they have free will to make decisions in their best interests. However, one of the most insidious things about addiction is that it gradually takes over your life and becomes your primary motivation. While you might tell yourself you...
One of the trickiest things about the disease of addiction is how it encourages you to shift blame to others, never admitting to the full extent of your problems. However, drugs and alcohol only provide a short-term outlet for sweeping complex feelings under the rug. Once you start working on...
Healing from a substance use disorder is a lengthy, complex process involving many ups and downs. Choosing to quit drinking or using is an essential first step, but achieving lifelong sobriety involves more than abstaining from alcohol and drugs. One potential pitfall for people in recovery is “dry drunk syndrome,” a...
Do you struggle to speak up for yourself, fearing other people will label you as a bully? Have you ever felt that people in your life walk all over you or ask too much of you, without giving you anything in return? If you have trouble with issues such as overcommitment,...
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that change users’ awareness by acting upon the prefrontal cortex, a brain region responsible for perception, mood and cognition. Well-known hallucinogens include LSD, peyote, psilocybin (aka “magic mushrooms”) and ayahuasca. Meanwhile, dissociative drugs such as PCP, salvia and ketamine also fall under the category...
Fear is one of the most defining human emotions, but just because it’s perfectly natural, that doesn’t mean you should let it take control of your life. Sadly, many people who need help to reclaim their lives from a drug or alcohol addiction avoid seeking treatment because they are afraid....
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition in the U.S., affecting up to 18.1% of the population annually. As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, learn more about what constitutes anxiety and how to help someone you know with this condition. What Is Anxiety? The first step in helping a friend...
If you’re the mom or stepmom of a young adult son, you want him to experience the best in life and grow up to be a well-adjusted, happy person. That’s why it can be so heartbreaking and frightening to confront alcoholism as a parent. Addiction is a family disease, which...
“I’m depressed” is a common metaphor for “I’m having a bad week.” Which is unfortunate because it makes light of the 19 million Americans who really have depression — who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and experience despair as their everyday normal. May being Mental Health Month, this is...
If your family doctor prescribes your son Adderall to control ADHD symptoms and improve focus and concentration, you may be wondering whether this drug comes with any risk factors such as addiction or abuse. Read on to learn more about Adderall and how to keep your family safe from substance...
American culture has normalized drinking in social settings, and countless media depictions glamorize alcohol’s ability to help people have fun, make friends and relax. As a result, many young people grow up interested in trying it for themselves. According to statistics from the CDC, 29% of high school students have...
Blame and shame are hallmarks of substance abuse disorders. People in active addiction often experience intense guilt related to their behavior, while simultaneously feeling powerless to change it. In recovery, you will need to move past these emotions to begin healing and continue making positive progress. How does blame contribute...
