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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The American Psychology Association defines escapism as the tendency to escape from the real world to the safety and comfort of a fantasy world. Since life is innately stressful, coping strategies are essential to making it through each day. Escapism can be a coping skill when used positively; however, to ignore reality completely can be…
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Grief is the emotional reaction to a traumatic event, specifically to trauma, loss, or death. People experience grief in different ways and at different paces. Grief can be expressed spiritually, socially, physically, emotionally, creatively, or even through avoidance techniques, which may lead to negative coping skills and developments of addictions. According to the National Institute…
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According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recovery is a process of change where people strive to improve their lives to reach a healthier, happier existence. However, the road to recovery from addiction can feel confusing, lonely, and stressful. Finding ways to cope with these challenges is imperative to succeeding and sustaining…
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Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that affect one’s consciousness of their surroundings, as well as change their thoughts and feelings. They cause hallucinations or images and sensations that seem very real when they are not. There are two categories of hallucinogens, classic and dissociative. Classic hallucinogens include LSD, Psilocybin, and Peyote, which cause the…
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You may have heard the adage that recovery from addiction is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s true. Recovery isn’t over after detox or after treatment. It’s something you have to keep working on. After nine or 10 months of sobriety, it’s not uncommon for people to get complacent. The early months of recovery are…
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