Addiction is a complex condition. It affects the whole person and often infiltrates every area of their life. Substance use issues can interfere with the ability to live, work, and play. Left untreated, it claims thousands of lives, breaks up families, and steals joy away from people who would otherwise…
May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. It was created to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Organizations work to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental health issues and their families.…
Pain is a natural reaction to illness or injury, alerting us that something is wrong. Usually, when the illness or the injury is healed, the pain goes away. When pain persists for at least three months or longer, it is considered to be chronic. The underlying causes of chronic pain…
Among American adults, the prevalence of substance abuse and addiction in the LGBTQ community is significantly higher than that of the general population. A major reason for this is that historically, people who identify as LGBTQ have experienced greater discrimination and other familial and societal challenges than those who identify…
Prescription drug abuse is one of the most dangerous drug addictions today. Opioids, which are highly addictive, are often prescribed to treat chronic pain. The client may have had a painful surgery, they may be suffering from complications from an accident, or they may be suffering from the painful side…
When dealing with an addiction, the struggling individual might be the last person to admit that they have a problem. Often, their family and friends will express concern first and might even stage an intervention. While family members or friends may not be physicians or licensed mental health professionals, the…
Grief is an emotion that occurs after loss, especially the loss of a loved one. Symptoms of grief may be denial, shock, guilt, or anger. The trauma experienced from a loss of this kind can be all-consuming and debilitating, causing some individuals to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope…
