What is an addictive personality? According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a prolonged disease of the brain, affecting the reward centers, and thus, behaviors, drive, retention, and cognition. Researchers believe that a blend of environment, genetics, and family history contribute to one’s risk of addiction. When these factors show up in…
Going to the doctor can be an intimidating experience. You’re completely vulnerable, and many of the questions you must answer in writing are extremely personal. There’s even a named disorder for fear of doctors — roughly three percent of the general population suffers from Iatrophobia or fear of going to the doctor. Fear of disclosing…
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is one of the most destructive substances to the body. While all substance abuse and addiction wreak havoc on the human body, few are as devastating as meth in the same period. The Chemistry of Methamphetamine Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that…
Since many drugs are often referred to by their street names, you might not know the difference between a hit of Tina and a gram of Amy. When drugs slide under the radar by pseudonyms, they can penetrate both deep crevices and unassuming social hotspots in a wave of destruction. Though they are often lumped…
If you’re wondering how to deal with an angry drunk, keep reading. Alcohol is often associated with anger, aggression, and abuse. In fact, a recent study shows that alcohol is involved in about half of all violent crimes, more than any other drug. The phrase “angry drunk” is extremely common for a reason. But which…
So, you’re sober and damn proud of it. Or maybe you’re trying your very best to get back on the straight and narrow. Perhaps you have a buddy that needs to be. Whatever the case, you may be finding yourself with a less than desirable social life, because guess what, alcohol is everywhere. Literally everywhere.…
If you’re a casual drug user, you may be wondering where to draw the line between recreational use and addiction. Scientists are continually learning more about what causes addiction, and while they don’t have it completely figured out, it’s clear that there are physiological, social, and environmental influences. In this article, we’re going to define…
The suffering of a loved one can sometimes be so painful to endure, that we forget to remember it’s not our own affliction. When we care for someone deeply, their pain becomes our own. Without realizing it, we align their successes with our happiness and their failures with our sadness. This interdependent relationship…
Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely challenging. After quitting drinking, a person with mild withdrawal symptoms can include headaches and nausea. More serious effects include seizures and hallucinations. One of the more common and most difficult alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and one that causes many alcoholics to relapse, is insomnia. Insomnia is characterized by poor sleep quality,…
When seeking help for substance abuse or addiction, there are several different methods of counseling and treatment. Counseling seeks to identify the root causes and triggers for addiction while helping develop tools for coping in stressful situations. Addiction is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. If addiction runs in your family, you have a…
