Adoption & Addiction in Young Adults and Teenagers: Is There a Connection?
Adopted children and teenagers face a significantly higher risk of developing substance use disorders due to a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, early life trauma, attachment issues, and challenges in identity formation. Recognizing these factors and understanding the warning signs are crucial for adoptive parents to provide proactive support. Specialized treatment programs that combine evidence-based […]
Understanding & Overcoming Barriers to Addiction Treatment in the LGBTQIA+ Community
The LGBTQIA+ community faces significant barriers to addiction treatment, including higher rates of substance use due to minority stress, systemic roadblocks within the healthcare system, and pervasive stigma and discrimination. These challenges are compounded by a lack of culturally competent care, issues within traditional recovery support, and financial and geographic limitations. Despite these obstacles, there […]
Understanding the Difference Between C-PTSD and PTSD
This article explains the key differences between C-PTSD and PTSD, highlighting that PTSD often stems from a single traumatic event, while C-PTSD results from prolonged, repeated trauma, leading to more pervasive disruptions in emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. It also discusses the symptoms of each, the impact of childhood trauma, and various treatment approaches, emphasizing […]
Why Is Cocaine Use on the Rise?
Cocaine use is on the rise globally due to increased production and supply, economic factors like affordability, and the normalization of drug use through social media and pop culture. Demographic shifts show higher use among young adults and those with less education, while pandemic-related stress and improved cocaine purity also contribute to this trend. Understanding […]
Narcissism and Addiction: Is There a Connection?
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and addiction are strongly linked, as underlying insecurities and emotional dysregulation in narcissistic individuals often lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism can contribute to addictive behaviors, with vulnerable narcissists seeking to self-medicate negative emotions and grandiose narcissists using substances to maintain their inflated self-image. […]
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) & How Does It Aid in Recovery?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy developed to treat severe psychosocial disorders, including borderline personality disorder, and has expanded to help with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. It enables individuals to regulate intense emotions and manage self-destructive behaviors by striking a balance between self-criticism and the motivation for change. DBT achieves this […]
The Maintenance Steps of AA: Steps 10 Through 12
The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program’s Steps 10, 11, and 12 are crucial for maintaining sobriety and fostering spiritual growth. These “Maintenance Steps” involve daily self-inventory, consistent prayer and meditation, and helping others. Engaging in these practices reinforces recovery and contributes to long-term sobriety. In the journey of recovery from alcohol and substance use, the Alcoholics […]
Hippie Flipping: The Risks of Mixing MDMA & Psilocybin
The article discusses “hippie flipping,” the practice of mixing MDMA and psilocybin mushrooms, and warns of the significant risks involved, including increased anxiety, physical health problems, and potential long-term psychological effects. It highlights the unpredictable interactions between the two substances and emphasizes the importance of seeking help if someone experiences negative consequences. Ultimately, the article […]
Steps 8 and 9: Making Amends in Recovery
Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous are crucial for recovery, focusing on making amends and repairing relationships damaged by addiction. Step 8 involves listing those harmed and becoming willing to make amends, while Step 9 entails making direct amends where possible, except when it would cause further harm. This process fosters accountability, reduces shame […]
The Prevalence of Gambling and Gaming Addiction Among High School & College Students
Gambling and gaming addiction are growing concerns among high school and college students, with high rates of engagement in sports betting and problematic gaming behaviors. These addictions, while distinct, share risk factors like family history and mental health conditions, and can severely impact academic performance and mental well-being. Effective intervention involves understanding the signs, utilizing […]
Recognizing the Spectrum of Traumatic Experiences
Trauma significantly impacts mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially for individuals in drug and alcohol recovery, making it vital to recognize the spectrum of traumatic experiences for healing. The article explores various types of trauma—acute, chronic, and complex—and their associated symptoms, including emotional dysregulation and difficulties in relationships, as well as neurobiological effects on the […]
9 Tips to Cut Back on Alcohol: Your Guide to a Healthier You
This guide provides nine actionable tips for reducing alcohol consumption, emphasizing that it’s about reclaiming control and fostering a healthier lifestyle rather than deprivation. Key strategies include setting clear goals, tracking consumption, identifying triggers, exploring alcohol-free alternatives, practicing mindful drinking, building a support network, managing cravings with nutrition, taking breaks to reset tolerance, and leveraging […]
