Researchers have clearly established that a chemical dependence on alcohol occurs when repeated alcohol use changes the brain’s chemical requirements. However, they have never fully understood how alcohol exposure produces its characteristic alcoholism-related effects. In a study published in late 2013 in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Science, researchers from several U.S. institutions explored the …
A personal story about disordered eating and body dysmorphia that tells the details of these dangerous illnesses and how difficult it can be to overcome them. I was 15. A group of dancers had gathered together to celebrate a monumental performance. There were pizzas, chips, cupcakes, soda—not diet. We were lithe and limber, light as …
Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Southern California recently undertook the largest-ever survey of drug, alcohol and tobacco use among people with severe mental illnesses. They found that people with significant psychiatric problems are far more likely to use alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. The survey, published recently in the online journal …
Heavy Alcohol, Drug Use Shortening Lives of Mentally Ill Read More »
It’s difficult to tell if a rebellious teen’s behavior is something she’ll grow out of. A new study provides evidence that teens with certain behaviors can go on to develop antisocial traits in adulthood. In most cases, adolescent rebellion is outgrown and teens will exhibit concern for others’ feelings, feel remorse for a wrong and …
When you hit your 40s you may need bigger print to read comfortably, a bigger belt size and even a bigger size shoe. But what you definitely do not need is a bigger serving of alcohol. In fact, medical experts say that as you age your aging body simply cannot handle alcohol consumption as it …
A new study of 17,000 Swedish residents with ADHD found a startlingly lower serious accident rate when male drivers were on their medication versus when they were not. The study found there was no such connection for female drivers. A UCLA researcher who studies attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder noted Friday that the findings, while important, can’t yet …
ADHD Medication Saves Lives on the Road, Study Finds Read More »
It all seems so easy; if something hurts, you just take a pill and soon your pain will fade away as if by magic. And even if your pain is severe or chronic, no problem—prescription painkillers are built to handle these heavier loads, and if you pay a visit to your family doctor he or …
The Problem of Reliance on Opioid Painkillers for Chronic Pain Read More »
