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…

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…