Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease, which is characterized by drug-seeking behaviors. These compulsive behaviors continue to persist despite dangerous consequences. Furthermore, addiction leads to permanent changes within the brain. Addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a mental illness and a multifaceted brain disorder. Substance Use Disorders Impact Everyone SUDs may be […]
Author Archives: Alta Loma
Addiction, Recovery
Competitive Attitudes Influence Drug Use While Apathetic Attitudes Are Protective Factors
29
Apr
Apr
A new study recognizes that competitive and hostile people are more likely to use drugs or alcohol. Engaging in substance use depends upon risk factors like past life experiences, family history, and social environment. This study confirms that personality traits, such as competitiveness and aggression, are also risk factors for engaging in substance use. However, […]
Addiction, Treatment
Treating Compulsive Drinking: Why is Moderating Drinking Difficult for Some People and Not Others?
28
Apr
Apr
A specific circuit in the brain may be able to be targeted to treat compulsive drinking habits, according to research. The journal of Biological Psychiatry reported that there might be dysfunction in a certain pathway within the brain that normally keeps drinking habits in line. This important discovery can impact the millions of adult’s battling […]
Addiction, Mental Health
Not All Grief Involves Death: Grieving the Loss of a Significant Relationship
28
Apr
Apr
Most studies of grief focus on dealing with loss due to death and leave out grief experienced due to the loss of significant relationships. However, divorce, breakups, and cutting off major relationships can also lead one to experience the stages of grief. The Stages of Grief The stages of grief are not simple steps. One […]
27
Apr
Apr
A study done by the University of Bristol and published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found a relationship between the diagnosis of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) at the age of 18 and harmful or heavy drinking among this population three years later. The research utilized data from a long-term health study named Children of […]
26
Apr
Apr
People who endure traumatic events can experience issues when something in their environment triggers distressing memories associated with the event and their connected thoughts and emotions to these memories. Triggers may set off a re-memory, or flashback, that transports the individual back to the event of the original trauma. What Are Triggers? Personally formed through […]
26
Apr
Apr
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a complicated and multifaceted mental health condition. It is not just being shy, and instead involves: Avoidance of meeting new people Inability to leave one’s house for fear of communicating with others Turning down offers for social […]
25
Apr
Apr
Veterans are a population of Americans at risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) due to their substantial susceptibility to having chronic pain and psychological issues. More than 50% of all veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration experience chronic pain, compared to 30% of all Americans reporting chronic pain. The difference between veterans and […]
25
Apr
Apr
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes how journaling positively impacts one’s health. Journaling helps people in a variety of ways, including keeping a food and activity diary for those individuals dealing with diabetes or other physical diseases dependent upon diet and exercise. Furthermore, keeping a diary allows one to pinpoint reasons for […]
Mental Health, Recovery
How Can Finding a Career and Financial Success Cause Stress in Early Recovery?
24
Apr
Apr
Employment is a goal for everyone in society. We want to contribute, to earn a living, and to be successful. However, during early recovery, finding employment, maintaining a career, and achieving financial success may become a difficult and frustrating journey. Unfortunately, these feelings of angst and adversity may lead to a relapse or return to […]
