We leap for joy when we hear of someone’s remission from cancer. However, we keep a quiet and judgmental countenance when it comes to alcohol remission. Why is there such discrimination against those struggling with alcohol and not against those coping with heart disease? Do we fail to understand that alcoholism is indeed a disease? […]
Drug and Alcohol Addiction: Not Your Average Disease Read More »
Drinking heavily and doing drugs are casual habits that can quickly become uncontrollable for many people. For couples, spending a night “blowing off steam” can turn into a devastating cycle of abuse, anger, resentment, and violence. Substance abuse can harm your relationships with your loved ones. There are many ways that you can help stop
Most individuals who struggle with addiction acknowledge that living a satisfying lifestyle outside of inpatient care requires constant attention. Living a satisfying life in recovery also requires avoiding temptation. It is a difficult challenge, especially when alcohol and drugs can be nearly everywhere. You can learn to enjoy your abstinent lifestyle, however, by taking a
Everyone gets the blues now and then. When those feelings of melancholy and despair linger for weeks, not days, it can be a sign of something more serious. Depression affects 1 in 10 Americans. However, the depression rate among those struggling with addiction is even higher. Furthermore, 21 percent of those suffering from depression report
When you pull the trigger on a gun, it releases a bullet at a rapid speed that races until it runs into something that stops it. A trigger is, then, an appropriate word that describes when someone who has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction finds themself in a situation where they are tempted to
You have undoubtedly heard the different things people say about addicts. It is possible that before you or a family member developed an addiction, you may have thought them yourself: “People with addictions are lazy.” “People with addictions are weak.” “People with addictions are hopeless.” Unsurprisingly, almost all the stereotypes you hear about addicts are
What is an Addict Like? Addressing Addiction Stigmas Read More »
There are many social obligations that involve alcohol. For example, maybe you are going on a first date. Or, maybe you have to go to a holiday party for work. Maybe you must attend a high school reunion, or you are simply out to dinner with new friends. It can be difficult to say no
If you are trying to quit drinking, congratulations! Although some who struggle with drinking are able to quit alone, others find it difficult. It also can be dangerous to quit on your own, depending on how much and how often you drink. By getting professional help, you can experience an easier recovery with better-managed detox
Detoxing From Alcohol — What to Expect and How to Make It Easier Read More »
If you or a loved one have struggled with addiction, undoubtedly there have been times when you wished for a magical cure for the condition. You hoped for something that would make the pain go away, and understandably so. Addiction is not an easy thing to navigate. It is hard for the person struggling with
Can you get mental disorders from drug use? In some situations, the answer is yes. Drug and alcohol use can worsen preexisting mental health disorders. In addition to this, drugs and alcohol can cause the onset of these disorders. Some people use drugs to hide their underlying mental health concerns because they do not know
