Tag Archives: Addiction

An Overview of Stress

Depressed man covering his face red filter effect

In the course of your daily life, it is normal to experience one or more demands that place mental, physical, and emotional pressure on you. Stress is how the brain responds to danger, obstacles, or demands, and the circumstances that lead to stress are many and varied. Stress is common and impacts each person differently. […]

Chemical Dependency: What Is It and How Is It Different From Addiction?

Illustration of chemistry laboratory instruments set

The terms addiction and chemical dependency are often used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between the two. Addiction is classified as a chronic illness that, although treatable, can result in compulsive behaviors. However, chemical dependency is when the body needs a substance to prevent symptoms of withdrawal.  What Causes Chemical Dependency?  Chemical dependency […]

Adapting to a Blended Family

Homemade Relaxation Leisure-blended-family

Blended families are formed when two people start a life together and bring children from previous relationships. Each blended family encounters its own set of problems and requires its own unique solutions because of the complex mix of the members of the blended family.  Adjusting to a new family dynamic can take time, but with […]

Can Coffee Consumption Lead to Caffeine Addiction?

A person's hands holding a coffee cup and pouring cream into it.

Caffeine is, by far, the most heavily used drug in the world, with 75% of it being ingested via coffee. In fact, one cup of coffee has about 100 mg of caffeine, with the average US adult drinking about 2 cups per day. Caffeine is generally harmless in moderation, but overconsumption can lead to addiction. […]

Misuse of Prescription Stimulants

Approximately 16 million adults in the United States used prescription stimulants in the past year. Drugs such as Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are generally used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. These medications stimulate the brain and central nervous system to give you a temporary boost of energy and increase alertness. When used […]

Crime of the Century: HBO’s New Documentary on the Opioid Epidemic

As of 2019, nearly 500,000 people have died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids. HBO explores this opioid epidemic in their latest documentary, The Crime of the Century.   The opioid crisis has taken a toll on communities all across the United States, from major urban cities to small-town America. Tragically, the number […]

10 Powerful Books about Addiction and Recovery

books

Millions of Americans currently suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, yet many of those people feel alone or misunderstood. Although they are not a replacement for drug and alcohol treatment, books about addiction and recovery are a great reminder that you are not alone. Reading about the personal experiences of others who have struggled with […]

The Value of Healing Through Volunteering

volunteering

While the notion that taking time to help others may seem to detract from the personalized nature of addiction recovery, there is a great amount to be gained through volunteering and community service, and altruism can indeed reap personal, powerful rewards. Volunteering is an act of service that can help an individual reshape their dynamics […]

John Mulaney Working to Overcome Addiction

Just like many of us, celebrities all too often fall into the trap of substance abuse. In a 2019 interview with Esquire, comedian John Mulaney detailed his struggle with addiction. “I drank for attention,” he mentioned in the Esquire piece. “I was really outgoing, and then at twelve, I wasn’t. I didn’t know how to […]

Family Dynamics Around Addiction and Recovery

Addiction of any kind and the recovery process affects family dynamics in multiple ways. People assume different roles throughout the process and grapple with the addiction on an individual basis. The best route is not always separation as that can leave the individual suffering from substance abuse without the resources to recover and at risk […]