Over the years, researchers have developed a number of theories to explain why some people struggle with addiction and others do not. One of the best-known theories regarding the development of substance use disorders is the gateway hypothesis. Understanding the Gateway Hypothesis The gateway hypothesis has been around since the 1970s and states that certain [...]
Whether you've known for some time that your friend is struggling with a substance use disorder or you only recently became aware of the problem, it's wonderful that you want to show your support for their desire to seek treatment. Worrying about saying—or doing—the wrong thing is understandable, but to ease your concerns the team [...]
The Christmas carol may claim that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” but for the majority of people who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the winter months are anything but wonderful. While a small minority of people experience SAD in the spring or early summer, the bulk of sufferers struggle most during [...]
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on solving immediate concerns and helping people with substance use disorders develop the skills they need to stay sober. It’s much less intensive than other forms of psychotherapy, which means it can typically be completed as part of a 30-, 45-, or 90-day [...]
Addiction treatment plans are personalized to suit individual needs. In some cases, this may include the use of prescription medication to treat withdrawal symptoms, stabilize mood, and promote a solid foundation for recovery. Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction Medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction helps reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and control [...]
The average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but meeting this target can be difficult if you're in recovery for a substance use disorder. A study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that people in the early stages of recovery struggle with sleep problems at rates that are five times [...]
A quality substance abuse treatment program can help you start your journey to sobriety on the right track. As you're researching your options, remember that there are four key factors a program should provide to set you up for success: performing a detailed assessment of your needs, taking an evidence-based approach to treatment, addressing the [...]
Listening to recovery podcasts can be a wonderful way to support your sobriety while you're commuting, handling household chores, or exercising at the gym. About Podcasts Podcasts are on-demand Internet radio programs that are generally either the monologue of a single speaker or a conversation between a host and one or more guest speakers. You [...]
For individuals struggling with substance use disorders, 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous often play a vital role in the recovery progress. Taking the time to understand the benefits of a 12-Step approach can help you decide how to best structure your continuing care plan. 5 Key Benefits of 12-Step Programs The [...]
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 [...]
