The co-occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Alcohol Use Disorder is relatively common. PTSD is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing a major traumatic event. Such events can include physical violence, sexual assault, combat, natural disasters, accidents, or death. In many cases, individuals experience such trauma directly. Some others, however, only […]
PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder Read More »
The addicted brain Drugs and alcohol change the way your brain works, physically and physiologically. The brain becomes dependent on the substances to function. When your brain is dependent on them, it needs more of the substances to make you feel comfortable. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical released
Why You Should go to Treatment for a Drug or Alcohol Use Disorder Read More »
Abuse and trauma Emotional abuse and trauma is often the root of addiction and substance use disorders. Bullying is a form of emotional and verbal abuse and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Batya Swift Yasgur, MA, LSW wrote an article on childhood emotional abuse and addiction for Medscape (2017) which states, “Emotional abuse during
Emotional and Verbal Abuse Linked to Substance Abuse and Addiction Read More »
Getting life-saving treatment Prescription and over-the-counter medications usually have a warning label indicating the harmful effects they have when mixed with other medications or alcohol. Benzos are safe and effective when taken appropriately or as prescribed. Mixing benzos with alcohol might make a person engage in more anti-social behaviors and become aggressive, hostile, and irritabile.
The Danger of Mixing Benzodiazepines with Alcohol Read More »
“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).” Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD often coexist with substance use and addiction. If you or a
Ending the Stigma of Men Getting Help for Mental Health and Addiction Read More »
How alcohol affects mental health Some people drink alcohol to cope with stress. Alcohol is a depressant and can elevate symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotional distress. Sometimes people have an underlying mental health disorder, which must be treated simultaneously with alcohol abuse or addiction as a dual diagnosis. The effects of
Health Complications Associated with Alcohol Abuse Read More »
Journaling promotes mindfulness and spiritual well-being Writing is an emotional outlet that people use in treatment and throughout recovery. During drug and alcohol use, the brain was affected and the substances took control of the body’s functions. The substance-controlled brain leads to the inability to remember important events, dates, and family gatherings. Writing boosts communication
Keeping a Journal in Addiction Recovery Read More »
The human body has organs that function together to keep a person alive. These organs need to stay healthy and are essential to survival. Addiction can lead to heart complications, liver failure, kidney disease, and changes brain chemistry. The brain is a complex organ that controls the way you feel, move, and talk. The brain
What Happens to the Body When it’s Addicted Read More »
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an active ingredient found in most cough medicines and is used as a cough suppressant. DXM is a legal drug that can be purchased by anyone, including preteens in most states. Over-the-counter medications, such as Vicks, Robitussin, and NyQuil contain DXM and are used to relieve a cold-related cough. Misusing medications containing
DXM: The Addictive Ingredient in Cough Medicine Read More »
There is a difference between addiction and dependence to drugs or alcohol. Addiction is a behavior that continues despite any harmful consequences. Drug or alcohol misuse can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. It can cause heart attack, liver failure, seizures, ulcers, hallucinations, psychosis, overdose, and early death. The substances take the brain
Is There a Difference Between Addiction and Dependence? Read More »
