Understanding Physical Dependence vs. Addiction
Physical dependence is a term that many do not fully understand. While this condition mirrors some characteristics of addiction, the state of physical dependence also differs from addiction in several key ways. If you are struggling to stop using drugs and alcohol despite negative consequences, you might be facing physical dependence. Physical dependence is not [...]
What You Should Know About Prescription Drug Abuse
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 effects of an illness, like […]
How Grief and Substance Abuse Are Connected
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 or develop other mental health [...]
Can an Obsession Lead to An Addiction?
An obsession is different than an addiction. An obsession is an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind. However, an addiction is an illness that affects the brain, causing a person to engage in compulsory substance use or addictive behaviors, such as gambling.
Manage Impulsivity Before It Leads to Drinking and Drug Use
Impulsivity can be a lot of fun in the right moments. For instance, let’s say you’ve put your time into your job and you feel like you’re caught up with everything. On the way to work on one sunny and beautiful day, you have the idea to call in sick, call a friend, and go […]
How to Help an Addict: 3 Things You Can Do Right Now
Substance abuse is an ever-growing concern, with nearly 19 million United States adults suffering some type of addiction. Unfortunately, for many people struggling with addiction, the problem is further complicated by co-occurring disorders. Combined, the two issues frequently lead sufferers to make rash decisions. These negatively impact friends, family, home life, work commitments, and many [...]
Types of Addiction
People are familiar with addiction to drugs and alcohol. These are the first thing people think about, not realizing many types of addiction don't involve abusing a substance. Addictions can be substance addictions, behavioral addictions, or impulse control disorders. There are some things that all addictions have in common. All involve cravings for the substance [...]
What are the Symptoms of Addiction?
In 2017, more than 70,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose; many of them had an addiction disorder. Most will have also had family members wondering what they could have done differently or how they missed the signs. What are the symptoms of addiction? What Is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic condition that [...]
