Author Archives: Alta Loma

How Cocaine Addiction Affects Anxiety

anxious

Co-occurring disorders are not uncommon among those that have struggled with addiction. Often, individuals use drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms of a co-occurring mental health disorder. However, extended use of illicit substances can worsen symptoms rather than alleviate them. One such example of this is the effects of cocaine on anxiety. This popular […]

What is the Key to Keeping Dads Happy?

post natal

We tend to hear about the struggles of motherhood, like postpartum depression, but we rarely hear about the difficulties that fathers go through. Although culturally, fathers tend to be seen as the ‘working’ parent, it turns out that they can actually benefit from increased participation in caring for their kids. In fact, a new study […]

Why Are Kids Afraid to Talk to Their Parents About Their Mental Health?

depression

Kids tend to think that their parents expect perfection. Telling their parents about their mental illness symptoms would mean exposing their faults. Consequently, many kids suffer in silence to avoid ‘disappointing’ their parents. This is unfortunate, as no one should have to navigate mental health issues alone. There is no shame in struggling with mental […]

Intrusive Thoughts and Addiction Recovery

ocd

Individuals that struggle with mental health disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have intrusive thoughts. When these individuals are in recovery, intrusive thoughts can exacerbate the situation. Intrusive thoughts can have you thinking about relapse if you don’t know how to cope with them. Luckily, these thoughts are […]

What Concerns Would a Parent with a Mental Illness Have?

parent

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that 40 million Americans deal with anxiety disorders. Many adults contemplate whether or not to be a parent based on their mental illness diagnosis. By speaking to a therapist about the concerns you have around being a parent, you will see that having a mental illness should […]

What are Questions to Ask Your Employees to Check Their Mental Health?

employee

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of people having to take their work online. A recent survey by Mental Health America says that 42% of those employed say their current stress levels are either high or very high. When managers ask their employees questions about their mental health aside from “How are you […]

What Caused Actor Dax Shepard to Relapse?

dax

There is always a risk of relapse occurring, even if it has been years since you last touched an addictive drug. “Parenthood” actor Dax Shepard first became addicted to drugs at the age of 18. Since then, he has had two drug relapses throughout his recovery. With the help of his wife, actress Kristen Bell, […]

What Brain Cells are Related to Cocaine-Related Memories and Addiction?

brain

Abusing drugs like cocaine can ruin neural pathways in the brain, resulting in cravings, or the desire to repeatedly use the drug. Even though neural pathways are always reshaping themselves, a new study has shown that there is a specific mechanism that leads to cravings for cocaine. Going into treatment for cocaine use can teach […]

How Can Marijuana Negatively Affect How You Recover Post-Surgery?

Surgery

Patients may be afraid to tell their doctors that they used marijuana the night before their surgeries, for fear of being judged. However, it’s important to let your doctor know about your marijuana use, as it affects the use of anesthesia and how you recover. By seeking treatment for chronic marijuana use, you will not […]