Tag: substance abuse

Where to Find LGBTQ-Focused Treatment in LA

Of the nearly four million people in Los Angeles and the greater LA metropolitan area, almost five percent identify as LGBTQ. Compared to the general population, the rates of substance use disorders and mental health disorders among the LGBTQ community are significantly higher. Open discrimination has resulted in many people choosing to avoid seeking the […]

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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 [...]
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What Is an Addiction Specialist?

In the early stages of recovery or while looking to help a loved one, you may have come across the term "addiction specialist." This professional plays a special role in substance abuse treatment programs. For those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, addiction specialists can be invaluable resources on the road to recovery. If you're [...]
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Addiction in the LGBTQ Community

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 as heterosexual. Individuals who identify […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Getting High Might Feel Good But It Isn’t Pretty

Many people choose to get high for the same reasons that they drink alcohol. Using marijuana to get high might help you feel short-term relief from symptoms of mental health issues like anxiety or depression. You might have stress at work or home, and you smoke weed to cope. Or, on the weekends, you might […]

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How Celebrating Stress Awareness Month Can Benefit Your Mental Health

April has been observed as Stress Awareness Month since 1992. This nationwide, collaborative effort aims to increase public awareness about the causes and effects of stress, which is considered by most in the healthcare field to be an epidemic in the United States. Stress is generally defined as any factor that causes physical, emotional, or […]

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Understanding Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance abuse is a chemical dependency that is characterized by the uncontrollable use of addictive drugs or alcohol. A dependency on addictive substances impacts the mind and body and can have dangerous long-term consequences. Health problems like seizures, internal damage, difficulty breathing, tremors, and brain damage are just some of the harmful and life-threatening effects. [...]
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