Did you know that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are three times more likely to develop substance addiction? Since the co-occurrence of these conditions is so high, we must understand the best way to treat addiction and PTSD together. Addressing the problem and finding solutions requires an understanding of the complexity of trauma. Understanding … Read more
Substance addiction and domestic violence are closely related. The lines of causality go both ways. A history of abuse in the family may precondition people to use and abuse substances. Similarly, addiction may increase the likelihood of violent behaviors in the home. Often, these two maladaptive behaviors form a vicious cycle that is hard to … Read more
It’s a known fact that quality sleep is important for our overall well-being. People in recovery especially must reinforce healthy sleep patterns because quality sleep helps the brain detox and heal. Since substance addiction is a brain disease, quality sleep like one component of the antidote that brings recovery. Unfortunately, because substance addiction may undermine … Read more
You have probably heard health professionals speaking of substance addiction as a brain disease. Why is it viewed this way? Does the brain change with repeated substance use? The answer to this important question has profound implications for how the brain needs to be cared for during recovery. Treatment approaches that seek to improve the … Read more
Recent addiction research has proven that it is a disease of the brain. However, many people don’t yet know or acknowledge this fact. Even if you agree with this model, you may wonder why this disease is more powerful than other illnesses. Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease that impacts neurological pathways. Therefore, recovery … Read more
Many parents are concerned about the risk of their children developing substance use disorder (SUD) given the widespread access to substances in communities and the legalization of some drugs in the U.S. While people might think legalization is simply a yes or no dichotomy, there are several forms this kind of legalization can take, each … Read more
Adolescents who use alcohol heavily and early in life have a greater likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder than those who don’t, which can cause long-term impairment to their growth and development. Screening tools for substance abuse can help identify and intervene at the earliest possible stage to disrupt this progression. Effective screening and prevention … Read more
Did you know that low self-esteem and substance use disorder (SUD) are interrelated? Low self-esteem is a powerful risk factor for developing SUD, especially in younger people like teens. SUD often comes with co-occurring mental health disorders, and while low self-esteem isn’t a mental health disorder itself, it may be a symptom of some. Treating … Read more
You may have heard the terms “dual diagnosis” or “comorbidity” when it comes to talking about alcohol use disorder. These are phrases commonly used to describe co-occurring mental health conditions for people who also have an alcohol addiction. The link between alcohol dependence and mental health is complex because both conditions can cause, play off … Read more
Many working professionals develop substance addictions due to their inability to cope with work-related stress. The most common work-related stresses include long work hours, heavy workload, job insecurity, toxic relationships at work, and conflicts with co-workers or employers. If you or a loved one is in such a situation, it may be time to work … Read more
