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 the body. Common types of self-harm include: Cutting with a knife or other sharp object [...]
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 in Addiction Recovery? Antidepressants are prescription medications that can be used to treat a wide [...]
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 risk, it's important to have a plan to minimize the negative effects of loneliness on [...]
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 diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and a substance use disorder, educating yourself on this dual [...]
Stress Can Be a Relapse Trigger Substance use disorders are chronic illnesses, which means your long-term treatment plan must include a strategy to manage relapse triggers. Everyone's experience is different, but stress is a very common trigger for relapse. Although some sources of stress can be easily avoided, it's impossible to create a stress-free environment. [...]
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 if it's not properly addressed. Depression as a Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorder Many people initially [...]
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 an increased risk of developing an addiction. Defining Trauma Trauma can affect many aspects of [...]
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 article outlines several ways to manage depression and anxiety without the use of prescription drugs, [...]
Throughout the United States, May is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month to bring attention to the role mental health care plays in a person's overall sense of wellbeing. Started in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA), the observance encourages a better understanding of mental health disorders and promotes access to screening and treatment options. [...]
The gender-based differences in addiction are hard to ignore. According the National Institute on Drug Abuse: Men have higher rates of binge drinking and alcohol abuse in most age groups. Men more likely to use almost all types of illicit drugs—including both illegal street drugs and misused prescription drugs. Men are more likely to need [...]
