When you admit to yourself that you have an alcohol and/or drug problem, that’s the first step. And it is a big one, make no mistake. But just telling yourself you know something isn’t going to remedy the problem. You need help to do that – and you won’t get it if you don’t seek …
Asking for Help with Addiction: It Isn’t Shameful Read More »
According to Mental Health America, depression affects more than 19 million Americans per year. Depression often co-exists with other conditions such as anxiety. Clearly, depression and anxiety are widespread problems in this country, and anyone who suffers from the conditions understands why. Persons suffering from depression and anxiety are often prescribed medications in conjunction with …
Depressed or Anxious? Tips to Help You Deal with Depression and Anxiety Read More »
Stress is a major trigger for alcohol and drug abuse, especially among recovering addicts. Even non-dependent drinkers often look to alcohol as a way to “decompress” or “take the edge off,” which ends up leading to even more stress. So finding healthy, positive ways to relieve stress will decrease your chances for relapse as well …
What do you do when you’re bored? Most people reach for a book or the remote control or rustle through the cupboards to find a snack, but many people turn to drug and alcohol use to bide the time. When life seems dull and monotonous, drug addicts and alcoholics often start thinking about getting high …
People with a history of childhood trauma often carry those issues unconsciously forward into adult relationships. A pattern of childhood neglect, emotional or physical abuse, or a story involving sexual molestation or rape creates difficulties for adults as they attempt to make long-term bonds in committed relationships. It is not uncommon to find such an …
“Things will never get better.” “I’m worthless.” “I’ll never be happy.” If these statements sound familiar, you may be struggling with depression. One of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, depression afflicts nearly 7 million Americans annually. Almost one-third of these cases are classified as severe, and they are the ones in which feelings of hopelessness …
Compulsive shopping, also known as shopping addiction, is an unofficial mental health disorder characterized by shopping or spending behaviors that function in roughly the same ways that alcohol or drug use function in substance addiction. It belongs to a larger of group of unofficial disorders known as behavioral addictions or process addictions. These addictions occur …
Specific phobia is a medical term used to describe a persistent, irrational fear-based reaction to things or situations that have a minor or nonexistent potential to cause harm. Various people can develop this type of response to almost anything. However, some phobic reactions occur much more frequently than others. Women and girls develop specific phobias …
Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of excessive shyness, sensitivity, or sense of inadequacy that hinders full involvement in social and/or interpersonal aspects of everyday life. Avoidant personality disorder in women develops at roughly the same rate as men, and it affects people from both genders in essentially …
Dysthymia is a psychiatric condition that belongs to a larger group of conditions known as depressive disorders. People with the disorder have somewhat less severe forms of some of the symptoms found in people with major depressive disorder (major depression). However, by its very nature, dysthymia lasts for extended periods of time, and its overall …