Author name: Stephanie Ballard PhD, LPCC, CADC

When a person struggles with addiction, it is difficult to convince him or her to seek out addiction treatment unless that person is able to admit the need for help. Denial can be a strong defense mechanism for keeping addiction going. An intervention for substance abuse is planned carefully with the help of loved ones [...]

Endorphins are morphine-like chemicals produced by the body that help diminish pain while triggering positive feelings. Sometimes referred to as the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals, the body also has natural painkillers when released from the pituitary gland of the brain during exercise, emotional stress or pain. Learn more about the important role of endorphins in addiction.