Healthy mental habits are crucial in addiction recovery. Viewing the world, yourself and your experiences in extremes of “always good” or “always bad” can derail your progress and exacerbate your challenges. Understanding the implications of this cognitive pattern and learning to reframe your thoughts can significantly improve your resilience...
Long-term, heavy drinking causes your body to become accustomed to the presence of alcohol. Abruptly quitting or significantly reducing your consumption can trigger a range of withdrawal symptoms that can vary widely in their intensity and duration, from well-known severe complications like delirium tremens to lesser-known but equally distressing...
With the continuing state of crisis in the world at large, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is taking steps to recognize those who have experienced long-term emotional responses to loss. The COVID-19 pandemic, war, natural disasters, and gun violence have all contributed to the overwhelming feeling of despair. To...
What is Ecstasy? Ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, is a mind-altering drug that affects a person’s perception of reality. It has a similar structure to stimulants and hallucinogens, so taking the drug can change a person’s level of energy and often distorts a person’s sense of time and...
While adoption can give a child a permanent home and a sense of belonging, the trauma that led to the need to be adopted can lead to bigger problems if not properly addressed. There is a link between adoption trauma and addiction that needs to be closely examined, particularly...
Your chronic pain may affect just about every aspect of your life. It’s probably hard to get through the day without thinking about it and you are undoubtedly becoming very frustrated. You may even be ready to give up. However, there are a lot of positive options available instead...
About one-fifth of teens will use prescription medicines inappropriately by their senior year in high school, about half will use marijuana, and about two-thirds will try alcohol. Ten percent of alcoholic drinks in the U.S. are consumed by underage drinkers—some as young as 12. How do you know when...
Knowing the heroin overdose signs and symptoms could mean the difference in that person’s health and well-being. You could even save their life if you recognize the symptoms and act quickly. What is Heroin? An opioid drug made from morphine, heroin is a natural substance taken from the seed pod of...
