Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help for Mental Health Concerns
The term stigma is used to refer to unfairly negative attitudes or beliefs that result in prejudice and discrimination. With regard to mental health disorders, stigma involves the idea that such illnesses are shameful, embarrassing, and weak. This can cause [...]
Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse: Getting Help for a Dual Diagnosis
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be heartbreaking to watch, and the impact of a loved one's addiction adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. It is common to feel powerless in the face of your loved one's [...]
How Anxiety Disorders Increase a Person’s Addiction Risk
Anxiety Disorders & Addiction It is normal for a person to feel anxious in certain circumstances, such as before a first date or job interview. However, some people struggle with anxiety that is more prolonged and difficult to control. Anxiety [...]
Self-Harm and Substance Abuse Are Often Connected
It's common knowledge that people who struggle with substance use disorders often suffer from mental health challenges. However, the link between self-harm and substance abuse is frequently misunderstood. Understanding Self-Harm Self-harm refers to any behavior that intentionally causes injury to [...]
Antidepressants and Addiction Recovery
Often, people who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Treating these underlying conditions is an essential part of the substance abuse recovery process. How Are Antidepressants Used [...]
Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays
If you're not feeling particularly festive this year, you're far from alone. Even without the added stress of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the holidays can be a time of loneliness for many people. To avoid putting your newfound sobriety at [...]
Helping Your Bipolar Loved One Stay Sober
A Dual Diagnosis The symptoms of bipolar disorder can often be masked by active substance abuse, but these conditions are two separate mental health issues. For a lasting recovery, both must be treated simultaneously. If your loved one has been [...]
Is Depression Derailing Your Recovery Progress?
Although everyone has good days and bad days, depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness that interfere with day-to-day functioning. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and can pose a significant threat to your recovery [...]
Trauma and Addiction: What’s the Connection?
It's difficult to say with certainty what causes some individuals to develop a drug or alcohol addiction. Substance use disorders are chronic biologically based illnesses with complex environmental triggers. However, exposure to trauma—especially during the childhood years—is strongly linked to [...]
Managing Depression and Anxiety Without Medication
When it comes to managing depression and anxiety, there's no right answer. For some people, medication is a vital part of keeping their condition under control. For others, lifestyle changes let them work towards naturally improving their mental health. This [...]
