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
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
Often times, family and friends find themselves feeling helpless when a loved one is battling addiction. While it is true that you cannot help someone who refuses help, there are ways to encourage them to want to get help for themselves. Because this situation is difficult, emotions tend to run high. The families of individuals … Read more
Co-occurring Symptoms Are Finally Recognized People who suffer from an addiction like alcoholism or substance abuse are often also experiencing another malady like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, high anxiety, or obsessive/compulsive disorder. They are stricken with what the mental health industry calls ‘co-occurring disorder’, formerly known as ‘dual diagnosis.’ If your family member or friend … Read more
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a unique form of psychotherapy that is designed to decrease the disturbing feelings associated with traumatic events. EMDR differs from forms of talk therapy because it focuses more on the negative emotions and symptoms instead of the actual event itself. EMDR has helped many people overcome a variety of … Read more
