The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) finds that genetic makeup can account for half of the risk of developing a substance addiction. A genetic predisposition coupled with an unhealthy environment such as a high-stress workspace may greatly increase your chances of developing a substance addiction. If a parent or relative struggles with addiction, it’s […]
Category Archives: Addiction
01
Sep
Sep
Addressing mature topics with younger children can be daunting, but when a parent, sibling, or close relation struggles with substance addiction, the need to explain addiction may present itself. Explaining addiction to a young child may seem impossible, but providing them with the information and support they need in the early stages of life creates […]
31
Aug
Aug
It’s no secret that alcoholism is a problem. For one thing, it increases violent tendencies, risky sexual behaviors, and drunk driving. The list, however, does not end there. Alcoholism can also lead to a plethora of health problems and even death. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “excessive drinking” can lead […]
29
Aug
Aug
Art therapy offers an active form of treatment that engages both mind and body. The practice works well with talk therapy, 12-step programs, and other traditional treatment options for individuals overcoming addiction, allowing participants to approach healing creatively. Art therapy has proven to be beneficial for individuals coping with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance addiction, […]
28
Aug
Aug
According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually abused every 73 seconds, and 54% of survivors are between the ages of 18 and 34. Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other mental health disorders caused by sexual violence can lead to panic attacks, self-harm, and substance abuse. Survivors of sexual […]
27
Aug
Aug
Members of the LGBTQ+ community face regular discrimination from the heteronormative and cisgender populations. The stigmatization of the community can lead to long-term mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). What are the risks facing the LGBTQ+ community? The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that “sexual minorities,” or non-heteronormative […]
21
Aug
Aug
For years, researchers have tried to determine the genetic causes of addiction and develop technologies or medications that diminish inherited predisposition to Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Often these researchers include sets of twins in their studies. Identical twins share 100% percent of their genes, while non-identical twins share 50% of their genes. Twins raised in […]
20
Aug
Aug
As you progress in recovery, you may reflect on your behavior while using substances and feel extreme guilt. Friends and family members may also share their negative experiences with you, letting you know how you acted and how those actions made them feel. Confronting negative behavior is unpleasant but necessary for your personal growth. Listen […]
14
Aug
Aug
Reserving time to focus on yourself is critical in early recovery. As you progress, however, you can switch autopilot on and dedicate more of your time to others. Your family loves you, and they understand that you needed to focus on yourself when you started in recovery. Now that you are mentally and emotionally stronger, […]
14
Aug
Aug
Known as Wolfgang Gartner, producer Joey Youngman was at the top of his game, performing at festivals like Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra, Electric Forest, and Creamfields. Despite his decade-long success, Youngman was also struggling with ecstasy addiction. While Youngman may have had his drug addiction challenges, he still says that he has an “optimistic […]
