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Addiction
Articles on the science of addiction, warning signs, and paths to recovery.
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Is Alcohol Addiction a Choice?
Alcohol addiction is defined by the medical community as Alcohol Use Disorder, a chronic biological and physiological disease. Alcohol addiction is not a choice., Alcohol addiction is a nuanced disorder that affects both the brain and body
Drug Addiction and Relationships
It is absolutely possible to maintain a healthy relationship with an individual facing drug addiction, although there are struggles to be faced together., Drug addiction often impacts more than just the person struggling with the disease
What Causes Drug Addiction?
Factors like age, genetics, peer pressure, life experience, co-occuring mental disorders and one’s environment may play a role in the onset of a drug addiction., Just as there is no single motivating factor behind drug use, so too is there
Is Drug Addiction a Choice?
Because of its effect on the brain, drug addiction is not a choice, rather, it’s defined as an illness of the brain, a disease., No one ever makes the conscious decision to become addicted to anything. Through a series of events, whether it
What to Expect from Substance Use Teletherapy?
The only difference between substance use teletherapy and traditional counseling is the comfort of completing your session from your own home., You’ve heard it countless times, but allow us to say it once more: the pandemic threw a lot of t
Convincing Teenagers to Attend Rehab
Convincing your teenager to attend rehab starts with strong parental support and familiarizing your teen with therapy and treatment they’ll receive in rehab., If your teenager, or teens in your family, are struggling with addiction, it’s un
How Long Does Alcohol Rehab Last?
Time spent in PHP and IOP alcohol rehab treatment depends on individuals needs, rehab programming and the nature of your substance use practices., Anyone facing addiction knows how intimidating that the situation can be. So many individuals
The Dangers of Marijuana Edibles
Marijuana edibles are increasing in popularity. It’s important to be aware of the health risks associated with edibles., Edibles are food products typically made with highly-concentrated cannabis or infused with marijuana. Edibles come in a
Abusing Substances During COVID-19 Isolation
The stress of COVID-19 can lead to substance abuse. Here’s how to tell if you’re abusing substances while in isolation., The week of March 15, 2020 alcohol sales increased 55% over the previous year. This huge spike coincides with stay at h
Substance Abuse During the Holidays
Drinking plays a big role in holiday celebrations, but heavy drinking can stray into substance abuse. Here are some triggers for alcohol abuse this season., Drinking plays a role in countless holiday traditions, from wine with dinner on Tha
Are Prescription Drugs Addictive?
Prescription drugs are usually safe when taken as directed, but there is the risk of misuse and even addiction. Learn how to prevent prescription drug addiction., Prescription drugs are vital medicine for many people. They treat illnesses a
Can Medical Marijuana Become Addictive?
Medical marijuana can help treat various conditions, but as a Schedule I drug, it has a high potential for abuse and subsequent marijuana addiction., According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most commonly abused d
Talking to Your Doctor About Addiction
Your doctor can be one of your biggest advocates during your road to recovery. Avoid risky prescriptions and help your physician help you stay sober., Although discussing one's addiction is not usually on the top of the list of enjoyable co
Side Effects of Heroin Use
The opiate drug heroin has both short and long term effects on the body and brain that negatively impact your physical and mental health., Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug made from morphine, found naturally in the poppy plant, but
The Negative MDMA Health Effects
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, has many harmful health effects, including insomnia, depression and decreased cognitive functioning. , 3,4–Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, much more commonly called MDMA, ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic, Schedul
Physical Labor and Substance Abuse
Working in the physical labor industry can take a toll on your body, and can sometimes be elated to substance use practices., If you have ever worked a job that demands you be on your feet all day long, that has you interacting with challen
Is Addiction a Disease?
Addiction, because of its impact of the physical functioning of the brain, is considered a disease in the medical and mental health community., To answer this question simply, yes, addiction is a disease. "But don't people choose to tak
4 Signs It's Time to Seek Addiction Help
If your life revolves around addiction, you can't quit using substances on your own or it's causing harm to others, it's time to seek addiction help., Oftentimes when it comes to seeking help for an addiction or substance abuse problem, tak
What is the Meaning of "Rock Bottom"
If you hit rock bottom, or the place that feels like it couldn't get any worse, recovery is still possible with an expert, holistic treatment plan., The phrase "rock bottom" is a term commonly thrown around to describe the lowest point of a
How Do Opioids Affect the Brain?
Answering "how do opioids affect the brain" is a matter of science and understanding how neurotransmitters influence feelings of pleasure and pain., There's an old misconception that drug abuse occurs because users are simply looking for t
Substance Abuse Early Warning Signs
Early warning signs of substance abuse include neglecting responsibilities, forgetfulness, physical symptoms, hiding habits and drinking in secret., Casual substance use can escalate into a substance use disorder or an addiction more quickl
