woman sitting on the bed

What Are the Four Stages of Addiction?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as a chronic, relapsing disorder that is marked by the tell-tale behaviors of compulsive drug seeking and continued use despite adverse consequences. Addiction also induces long-lasting changes in the brain. Today, scientists have a deeper comprehension of the cycle of addiction and how various brain regions are…

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,…