Recovery is difficult, especially early recovery. It can be difficult to see past the guilt, shame, and depression that we can become engulfed in. It can be easy to resign into misery. Our view on life has been altered by drinking and drugs. “Practicing an attitude of gratitude made all the difference.” Becoming sober and … Read more
Since 1987, April has been deemed Alcohol Awareness Month, sponsored and funded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. The month is dedicated to raising public awareness for alcohol abuse as well as encouraging communities to take action regarding prevention and alcohol-related issues. Every year, the NCADD and other supporting organizations reach … Read more
According to a 2017 study by JAMA Psychiatry, one out of every eight Americans struggles with alcohol abuse. These statistics are staggering, given the public health opioid crisis also taking place in the country. Not everyone that ingests alcohol will abuse it, but it is important to know the facts and the risks associated with … Read more
After prolonged use of alcohol, your body becomes accustomed and relies on it to function “normally”. Alcohol is a depressant and the brain will eventually stop naturally producing the chemicals that alcohol contains. Withdrawal symptoms during the alcohol detox phase are your body’s attempting at regulating and adjusting after you quit drinking. If you’ve chosen … Read more
According to recently released numbers by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 64,000 Americans died in 2016 due to drug overdoses, with the sharpest increase occurring among deaths related to opioids. The opioid epidemic is now declared a public health emergency in the United States, with the amount of opioid related overdoses quadrupling since … Read more
Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness every year. Since 1949, Mental Health America has led the observance of Mental Health Awareness Month in May as an effort to spread the word and provide resources to those impacted by mental illness. Mental Health in America According to MentalHealth.gov, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, … Read more
Mental health and substance addiction often go hand in hand. According to the Journal of American Medical Association, 50% of individuals with a severe mental health condition also have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. Those suffering from mental health illnesses are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol in an effort to self-medicate. Comparatively, those … Read more
Trauma and Addiction Psychological trauma occurs when a person experiences a particular stressful event or situation in their lifetime. Sometimes, these individuals find themselves unable to cope with the feelings associated with trauma. This is why there is such a connection between trauma and substance addiction, as people turn to substances to numb these feelings. … Read more
Individuals who have experienced trauma and struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder encounter challenges every day. Fortunately, there are treatment programs specifically designed to help these people regain control of their symptoms and lead normal, healthy lives. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious condition that is debilitating to the lives of trauma victims. What is PTSD? … Read more
An individual battling a substance abuse issue or addiction along with a mental disorder is suffering from a co-occurring disorder. A co-occurring disorder, previously referred to as dual diagnoses, can be any combination of mental illness and substance abuse or addiction. This includes anything from alcoholism and anxiety, cocaine addiction and eating disorders, post-traumatic stress … Read more
