We tried to escape reality by using drugs or alcohol. Now we have an addiction, a chronic and debilitating health condition from which it feels we cannot escape. It may feel like there is no way out, we may feel trapped in our circumstances. But that is where recovery comes in. We can change that…
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Happiness is directly associated with better health, including longer life spans and lower blood pressure. “Happiness” is an umbrella term encompassing contentment, satisfaction, optimism, gratitude, hope, joy, etc. Being happy doesn’t just make us feel better about our lives; it also brings about many health benefits. Therefore, happiness can make us healthier, as evidenced by…
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A new study published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information has found that Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are critical for health in adulthood. The greater amount of negative childhood experiences a person has, the more likely they are to experience poor health as an adult. These Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) may lead to heart…
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Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human features to non-human things. It is a way for the mind to change its perception. Thinking of negative emotions as people can help one feel less angry or sad, by assigning them human characteristics. This act of imagination promotes compassion, forgiveness, and understanding of the emotions themselves, changing perceptions…
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Some people may view addiction as either physical or psychological, when it is, in fact, a combination of both. Since the brain and the body are intricately connected, it seems obvious that addiction is both physical and psychological. However, there is a difference between physical dependence in which the body adapts to the drug, and…
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Addiction is a chronic disease, such as heart disease, and therefore is treatable. However, treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol is not a cure, although it can be successfully managed. Treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol enables sufferers to offset the negative effects that the substances have on their brain and behavior. Recovery…
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A myth is a false belief or idea about something, and unfortunately, they are pervasive when dealing with addiction. Myths are damaging to those suffering from addiction, their families, and society in general. It is essential to understand that addiction is a disease and to treat it as such. When given a chance, recovery from…
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Social support and interaction have long been known to be a significant factor in a variety of addiction recovery programs, as well as treatment approaches. A new study utilizing rats has found that social interaction has an extreme effect on addiction-related behaviors. The research suggests that social interaction creates specific changes within the brain that…
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According to a research study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there are five major reasons for teen and youth relapse. The study focus-grouped a sample of teens and youth between the ages of 12 and 24 who were participating in substance abuse treatment programs and asked them questions about addiction and relapse…
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Fear is the emotion that tells us that we are in danger. Fear can make us feel uneasy, overwhelmed, panicked, and stressed. Fear relates directly to thoughts and concerns of the future. It can paralyze, diminish, and suppress a person from advancement in their lives. Nowadays, fear can be unfounded, particularly when we fear that…
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