The Science of Addiction: How Research Shapes Treatment and Recovery
Scientists have been studying addiction since the 1930s, and their discoveries have transformed how we understand and treat substance use disorder (SUD). Thanks to decades of research, addiction is now recognized as a chronic brain disease, allowing for evidence-based treatments that address all aspects of addiction. [National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).] How Science Defines […]
Breaking the Stigma: Addiction Recovery for Professionals
If you were undergoing surgery or facing a serious illness, your colleagues would likely check in on you and offer support. Unfortunately, this is not always the case when someone is struggling with mental health conditions or addiction. Many professionals hesitate to get help due to stigmas and concerns about its impact on their careers. […]
Understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition that involves repeated drug or alcohol use despite negative consequences. It is diagnosed on a scale from mild to severe, with severe cases often classified as addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), SUD occurs when substance use causes clinically significant impairments, […]
The Dangers of Binge Drinking
What is Binge Drinking? Binge drinking is a serious public health concern, that affects people of all ages. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women within a two-hour period. This pattern of […]
Understanding Co-occurring Disorders: Addiction & Mental Health
Starting recovery can be difficult, especially when mental health conditions like depression or anxiety occur at the same time. When someone faces both, it’s called a co-occurring disorder, also known as comorbidity or dual diagnosis. Understanding the connection between mental health disorders and substance use is important because these conditions can influence each other. If […]
How Parents with Alcohol Addiction Impact Their Children
Children with a parent who struggles with alcohol addiction often experience harm in ways that are not as visible as verbal or physical abuse. Growing up, children need balance between belonging and independence. When parents face addiction, this support is often missing, which can lead to long-term challenges, including: Codependency Perfectionism Impulsivity Codependency: The Struggle […]
What is Alcohol Poisoning? Signs, Myths, and How to Get Help
Understanding Alcohol Poisoning Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition that occurs when someone consumes an excessive amount of alcohol in a short time period. It’s a major risk of binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks in two hours for men and four or more drinks in two hours for women. […]
Beyond the Twelve Steps: Personalized Addiction Recovery Options
Addiction recovery is a deeply personal journey, and no single approach works for everyone. While Twelve Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous have helped many people, not everyone aligns with their philosophies and beliefs. If the Twelve Steps approach doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are many other treatment options available. Alternatives to the Twelve […]
Six Questions to Ask If You Suspect an Alcohol Problem
Identifying the Problem If you are worried about someone’s drinking habits or questioning your own, it can be hard to tell whether it’s an occasional overindulgence or something more serious. Asking the right questions can help you assess the situation and determine if professional help is needed. Questions to Consider About Alcohol Use These simple […]
Why it’s Difficult to Quit Drugs
Quitting drugs is not just a matter of willpower. Addiction is a brain disease that changes how the brain works, making it incredibly hard to stop using, even when someone truly wants to quit. Understanding why overcoming addiction is so hard can help you approach yourself or a loved one with more empathy and kindness. […]
