person struggling with meth abuse

Recognizing Meth Abuse

Crystal methamphetamine is often thought of as one of the most dangerous substances in America’s street drug market. Consistent use takes a very serious toll on the human body, and its addictive properties are incredibly fast-acting. Once you recognize your abusive patterns and potential addictions, you can begin to take steps to address them. A…

a man at a psychologist's appointment

How Do Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Addiction Interact?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be a challenging condition to manage and live with. It is common to turn to substances to cope with the depressing and isolating effects of pervasive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Understanding this disorder and its connection to addiction may help to prevent further complications with this complex mental health condition. Alternatively,…

therapist taking patient notes in addiction counseling

The Importance of Addiction Counseling

When you’re battling addiction, it’s easy to feel alone and lost at sea. Substance abuse disorders can cause periods of self-isolation, which only exacerbates the addiction issue at hand. The good news is that you don’t need to fight your addiction alone. Finding allies in supportive family members and friends can help, but the best…

woman holding hand against glass wall

How Can Trauma Responses Be Managed?

Traumatic life events impact people around the world every day. Whether from war, domestic abuse, or witnessing a natural disaster, the experience of trauma is common. Subsequent emotional and behavioral responses to past wounds can be destructive to a person’s mental and physical well-being. Getting professional help may be an important step in preventing the…

surf therapy

What Is Surf Therapy?

People in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse have plenty of options for rehabilitation, from traditional residential programs to newer all-natural approaches. Holistic therapy programs have never been more popular, and in coastal cities, surf therapy is no exception. Research has suggested that surf therapy can be extremely helpful for individuals with substance abuse issues,…

drinking on thanksgiving

Risks of Drinking on Thanksgiving

For people worldwide, holidays are an important time to celebrate and spend quality time with the people they love. On Thanksgiving, in particular, large families may gather for the first time all year, and it can be a bright and cheery event with lots of great food. Unfortunately, it’s also common that holidays like Thanksgiving…

addiction and bipolar disorder

How Bipolar Disorder Impacts Addiction

Recovery from addiction and substance abuse disorder is a difficult mountain to climb for anyone, but for people who are simultaneously battling an additional mental health disorder, it can seem impossible. It’s easy to fall into that mindset, but the truth of the matter is that most people struggling with addiction also have mental health…

long term effects of opioids

Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Opioids

Opioids are prescribed for pain management all over the country every single day. These drugs can be helpful for many to alleviate pain caused by a variety of injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, and other maladies, but their strong addictive qualities mean that they can do a lot of harm as well. Opioid addiction is quickly…