What Not to Say to a Loved One Struggling With Addiction
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands Having a friend, family member, spouse or other loved one struggling with addiction can be a challenging situation to navigate. Even more difficult is knowing how to be supportive when you have not experienced a mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) personally. Nonetheless, your […]
How Oppression Can Lead to Addiction
There are an incredible number of risk factors associated with the development of substance use disorders, such as addiction. However, one risk factor rarely discussed is oppression. Oppression is traumatizing. It can cause individuals to feel shameful or guilty for who they are. It can strip an individual of their human dignity and sense of […]
The Signs of a Substance Addiction
Substance use disorder, also known as drug or alcohol addiction, is a condition that affects the brain, body and spirit. The chemicals in substances alter the brain’s ability to control behavior and emotions. Once the neurotransmitters (the cells in the brain that send signals to other parts of the brain) are reshaped, a person’s capacity […]