Why Treatment Works: Developing a Positive Attitude, Motivation and Commitment
Why Treatment Works: Developing a Positive Attitude, Motivation and Commitment The first step in recovery is recognizing that a problem exists, but that in and of itself isn’t enough to make your recovery successful. Many people also need some form of motivation to begin and maintain the process of recovery. Motivation – having a reason […]
Suicide and Mental Health
Suicide and Mental Health Suicide is a major public health concern. Estimates indicate that around 38,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States. Knowing what the risk factors are can help reduce the suicide rate. A combination of individual, relational, community and societal factors influence and contribute to the problem of suicide. […]
Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In recent years, the mental health profession has refined its diagnosis and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop as a reaction to traumatic events, including: experience in military combat, imprisonment, natural disasters, human-caused accidents, domestic violence and child abuse. Unfortunately, many […]
Addiction among Medical Professionals
Addiction among Medical Professionals As seen in the general population, a significant portion of healthcare professionals are impacted by addiction. Yet, it can be hard to spot those struggling with drug addiction, particularly in professional situations. Further, those in recovery from addiction often face discrimination in a number of ways, so getting ongoing support to […]
Please Don’t Try to Rescue Me
Please Don’t Try to Rescue Me I am going to take a break from my regular blog posts about the latest research and developments in addiction treatment to write about something personal. If you have read the book, “Ending Addiction for Good,” a book that quickly became a #1 Amazon bestseller, you know that I […]
Alcohol Causes Difficulty in Later Life
Alcohol Causes Difficulty in Later Life According to a new study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, people with a history of alcohol use disorder, which can include those drinking within recommended limits, are twice as likely to have severe memory problems in subsequent years. The study adds to the growing body of […]
Edible Pot: One Problem of Marijuana Legalization
Edible Pot: One Problem of Marijuana Legalization The Colorado marijuana industry has produced marijuana-infused edible products that are so tasty, people often cannot tell the difference between a brownie laced with THC and one without the psychoactive chemical. This is a growing concern as new reports show a rise in the incidence of accidental […]
Can I Use Marijuana to Help Me Taper Off Harder Drugs?
Can I Use Marijuana to Help Me Taper Off Harder Drugs? Many people who abuse alcohol and drugs also use marijuana. Some, when thinking about quitting, decide that “marijuana maintenance,” substituting marijuana for harder drugs, is a good way to be able to remain high without the negative consequences associated with drugs like heroin or […]
Alcohol: Are the Heart-Health Benefits Real?
Alcohol: Are the Heart-Health Benefits Real? Is moderate alcohol use generally safe? Are the purported health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption real? Or is all alcohol dangerous and to be avoided? These are questions with vague and controversial answers. There has been a great deal of contradictory information released about the pros and cons of […]
Addiction and Mental Disorders: Are They Related?
Addiction and Mental Disorders: Are They Related? Scientists have linked mental disorders to addiction, noting that addicts often have one or more co-occurring mental disorders. Consider these facts: Research has shown babies exposed to legal and illegal drugs in the womb, suffer slow intellectual development and affected behavior later in life, and have a higher […]