Human beings are notorious for finding ways to justify friendships, even when it makes no rational sense for them to do so. In fact, studies indicate that individuals are more apt to remain in toxic friendships than almost any other sort of human relationship there is (this includes family relationships, romantic relationships, and the like.)…
Studies indicate that even the most casual of drug users consume substances because, quite simply, they make them feel good. Throughout history, human beings have been driven by our desire to feel good, quickly. It is one of the main reasons that pleasure can be such a powerful motivator for human beings today. Substances are…
The definition of addiction as the inability to stop consuming a harmful substance, no matter its effects on social, economical, or personal obligations is significantly different than that of physical dependence, though the two often go hand in hand. According to researchers, physical dependency often happens when drugs are used repeatedly, and can include a…
Research done over the past twenty years has shown a definitive correlation between substance addiction and mental illness. The National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that “mental health disorder patients are responsible for the consumption of 38% of alcohol, 44% of cocaine, and 40% of cigarettes.” Additionally, according to the report, those that may not…
While pursuing professional treatment for an addiction is almost always the best option for an individual suffering from even a mild drug or alcohol addiction, the very real question that usually accompanies a decision to pursue treatment is what costs are associated with it, and how expensive the final bill may be. In fact, some…
Mental illness and drug use seem to go hand-in-hand. Usually, mental illness leads to drug abuse as an attempt to self-medicate symptoms. However, using drugs also can lead to mental disorders by causing drastic changes in the chemistry of the brain. These brain changes can either cause mental disorders later in life, or cause latent…
Boredom was often a contributing factor in our drinking or using. We felt restless and discontent, so we filled our time with alcohol and drugs because we felt that it was the best way to pass the time. In early sobriety, it is imperative that we find healthy ways to fill our time and stay…
People rarely consider cannabis, or marijuana, to be a drug that requires treatment. However, the disease of addiction is indiscriminate. Although physical dependence does not develop, people can become just as psychologically addicted to cannabis as any other substance. A man or woman who has the disease of addiction can face major consequences and lose…
Alcoholism and addiction are generally spoken of as two different things. The differences, however, had more to do with social factors rather than the disease of addiction. When looking at the reasons why a person develops alcoholism and addiction, there are virtually no differences. Historically, the first recovery programs were designed for the treatment of…
Alcohol’s status as a legal intoxicant makes it no less dangerous than most illicit substances. Chronic consumption of alcohol can be devastating to the brain and body, leading to serious health complications or early death. Excessive alcohol consumption is the fourth leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The effects of acute alcohol…