Tag Archives: Addiction

Consequences of Not Having a Work-Life Balance

work-life-balance-beach-pebbles-balanced-on-top-of-one-another

Work plays an important part in your lives, not only for the economic resources and benefits, but because work is an essential part of a person’s identity, self-esteem, and self-worth. The more you excel at work, the more you may feel satisfied and self-assured. However, a work-life imbalance leaves you vulnerable to family conflicts, burnout, […]

Gender Differences in Addiction

Illustration of gender medical icon

Substance use disorder does not discriminate. It can happen to a person of any age, socioeconomic bracket, race, or gender. However, trends in addiction are vastly different between men and women. Significant measurable factors such as the rate of usage, likelihood of developing an addiction, and consequences of substance abuse are all impacted by gender.  […]

An Overview of Stress

Depressed man covering his face red filter effect

In the course of your daily life, it is normal to experience one or more demands that place mental, physical, and emotional pressure on you. Stress is how the brain responds to danger, obstacles, or demands, and the circumstances that lead to stress are many and varied. Stress is common and impacts each person differently. […]

Chemical Dependency: What Is It and How Is It Different From Addiction?

Illustration of chemistry laboratory instruments set

The terms addiction and chemical dependency are often used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between the two. Addiction is classified as a chronic illness that, although treatable, can result in compulsive behaviors. However, chemical dependency is when the body needs a substance to prevent symptoms of withdrawal.  What Causes Chemical Dependency?  Chemical dependency […]

Adapting to a Blended Family

Homemade Relaxation Leisure-blended-family

Blended families are formed when two people start a life together and bring children from previous relationships. Each blended family encounters its own set of problems and requires its own unique solutions because of the complex mix of the members of the blended family.  Adjusting to a new family dynamic can take time, but with […]

Can Coffee Consumption Lead to Caffeine Addiction?

A person's hands holding a coffee cup and pouring cream into it.

Caffeine is, by far, the most heavily used drug in the world, with 75% of it being ingested via coffee. In fact, one cup of coffee has about 100 mg of caffeine, with the average US adult drinking about 2 cups per day. Caffeine is generally harmless in moderation, but overconsumption can lead to addiction. […]

Misuse of Prescription Stimulants

Approximately 16 million adults in the United States used prescription stimulants in the past year. Drugs such as Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are generally used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. These medications stimulate the brain and central nervous system to give you a temporary boost of energy and increase alertness. When used […]

Crime of the Century: HBO’s New Documentary on the Opioid Epidemic

As of 2019, nearly 500,000 people have died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids. HBO explores this opioid epidemic in their latest documentary, The Crime of the Century.   The opioid crisis has taken a toll on communities all across the United States, from major urban cities to small-town America. Tragically, the number […]

10 Powerful Books about Addiction and Recovery

books

Millions of Americans currently suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, yet many of those people feel alone or misunderstood. Although they are not a replacement for drug and alcohol treatment, books about addiction and recovery are a great reminder that you are not alone. Reading about the personal experiences of others who have struggled with […]

The Value of Healing Through Volunteering

volunteering

While the notion that taking time to help others may seem to detract from the personalized nature of addiction recovery, there is a great amount to be gained through volunteering and community service, and altruism can indeed reap personal, powerful rewards. Volunteering is an act of service that can help an individual reshape their dynamics […]