If you are struggling with suicidal feelings, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Losing a loved one is never easy. Many people experience normal grief with a period of sadness, numbness, guilt, and anger. These feelings gradually subside and it is possible to accept the loss and […]
Grief Complicated by Addiction Read More »
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects loved ones, family, and friends. People who struggle with PTSD often experience flashbacks and vivid memories of the trauma they experienced, which can resurface at any time. Many who suffer from PTSD become irritable, anxious, and turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.
PTSD: Through the Eyes of a Child Read More »
Many people suffer from anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is a stigma surrounding mental illness. Sometimes, people will avoid a person with a mental health condition. They assume the person is unsafe to be around or could suddenly become violent. The stigma of mental illness can
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Many first responders struggle with mental health issues such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to trauma exposure and traumatic emergency response situations. Addiction and mental health issues often have a direct relationship with one another as co-occurring issues.
Remembering 9/11: First Responders and 9/11 PTSD Read More »
Addiction is any habit that you continue to do even though it brings harmful consequences to you. The brain changes chemically and physiologically when a person has an addiction. When an individual has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, his or her brain loses the ability to control the normal functions of their body. The
Hoarding: An Addiction or Compulsive Behavior? Read More »
Addiction is any habit that you continue to do even though it brings harmful consequences to you. The brain changes chemically and physiologically when a person has an addiction. When an individual has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, his or her brain loses the ability to control the normal functions of their body. The
Can Shopping Become an Addiction? Read More »
Drug and alcohol use covers up a person’s feelings. People who struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction often start using to cope with emotions and feelings such as stress, anxiety, or depression. After using drugs or alcohol for a long time, the brain becomes dependent on the substance to function. When a person who
Coping with Emotions When Treatment Ends Read More »
A person who repeats a behavior and is unable to stop despite negative consequences shows the characteristics of addictive behavior. When a person is hungry, he or she eats until they are full. If the person continues to eat they are not hungry or does not have the self-control to limit the amount of food,
Characteristics of Addictive Behavior Read More »
A person’s mental health condition can contribute to drug or alcohol abuse. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental disorder that causes depression, intense anxiety, and intrusive memories or flashbacks that interfere with life. Many people develop PTSD from childhood abuse, military combat, natural disasters, or sexual assault. First responders are at risk of
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse Read More »
A person who experiences trauma at any age might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Some trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and put a person at risk of developing a drug or alcohol addiction. Traumatic events can bring back painful memories or flashbacks, so people with PTSD often turn to drugs
Reasons Why Childhood Trauma Leads to Substance Abuse Read More »
