Addiction is one of the most serious problems today and needs to be addressed when the first signs of addiction are recognized. In many instances, drug and alcohol addiction can rear its head as early as childhood. Before you begin the process of addiction treatment, it is important to understand the connection between childhood trauma…
Meth is a highly addictive substance that can have detrimental effects on the body. This artificial stimulant is normally found in the form of a crystal that is either blue or white. When smoked, injected, or snorted, meth gives people a feeling of euphoria. But as individuals continue to use it, they increase their tolerance,…
Struggling with a drug use issue is challenging on its own, but when coupled with a mental health disorder, it can compound the effects. Many people who are dealing with substance abuse also have mental health disorders. You may wonder, does one issue lead to the other, or do people simply have both conditions? That…
Going through alcohol withdrawal may seem overwhelming to face. There are several fears that people have when they think about going through this process. For some people, it’s just the fear of the unknown. Others may have anxiety because they’ve heard stories about people going through alcohol withdrawal. Whatever your reasons may be for hesitating…
If you or someone you know is a veteran, you might be concerned about addiction. Possibly you’ve heard that veterans are more susceptible to addiction, but you’re not sure why. Furthermore, you don’t know what to do to protect yourself or the veteran you love. First, understanding the connection between veterans and addiction is critical…
Many people who drink alcohol might not consider that their alcohol use could be alcohol dependence. They may use alcohol to “unwind” after work or a stressful moment, to celebrate holidays and big events, or to do what everyone else is doing when they spend time with friends or family. Frequent alcohol use in these…
It is common for a person to develop an addiction to more than one substance. For instance, a user may develop an opiate and alcohol addiction at the same time, struggling with each condition in different ways. Treatment for polysubstance abuse usually includes a dual diagnosis with different levels of care for each type of…
Risk Factors and Treatment Options Addiction is a complex brain disorder and people with addiction experience a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes them to crave something despite the issues it can cause in their lives. Studies have shown that the brain of those with substance abuse experience changes that affect judgment, learning, memory,…
Addiction or substance abuse occurs when there is a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects the feelings of reward, motivation, and memory. The alcohol/drug or “reward” causes the body to develop cravings. Over time, those cravings can increase and cause a person to need more of that substance to get the same feeling or…
What is Addiction? Substance abuse or “addiction” happens when there is a chemical imbalance in the brain, which affects the cognitive ability to control urges. It also alters the feeling of reward, motivation, and memory. The body starts to develop cravings for the alcohol, drug or other “reward” in order to function normally. When people…