Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) are often experienced at the same time. The link between PTSD and addiction can be strong, making it complicated to treat clients who are dealing with both disorders. However, our understanding of the best ways to help people experiencing the aftermath of trauma and struggling with…
Addiction constitutes reliance on the substance in the body and mind. Physiological dependence occurs when someone doesn’t feel normal unless they use a certain drug. Other signs of this type of reliance include withdrawal symptoms when quitting. Having a physiological dependence, however, rarely happens in isolation. The physical effects of the substance also impact the…
Whenever a person takes a drug produced outside of FDA regulations, there is no way to be sure of its contents. Fentanyl is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs—even a small amount of it can be fatal. There have been reports of Xanax, a prescription medication, being sold illicitly with fentanyl in it. This…
Drinking alcohol is normal in many circles, but not everyone can drink in moderation. If you find yourself dating someone with a drinking problem, your willingness to address the problem might save their life. End-stage alcoholics evoke pity and disgust from others, but early-stage alcoholics are often charismatic, entertaining, and quick-witted. When a person struggles…
Do you believe that you or someone you care about needs seasonal depression and addiction treatment? It can be difficult to tell whether or not someone struggling with their mental health needs professional help, especially if it involves seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, it is essential to figure out if someone’s just experiencing typical winter…
The relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse is well-established. According to the National Center for PTSD, up to three-quarters of people who survive abuse or a violent, traumatic experience report problems with drinking. Healing from trauma can be challenging enough, but when alcohol is added into the mix, things can get even…
Drinking can be fun in moderation and as a social activity. However, for some people, drinking alcohol can be dangerous. Many people take prescription medicine of some kind, and quite a few prescription drugs do not mix well with alcohol. Sometimes, people intentionally mix prescription drugs with alcohol to enhance their level of intoxication. This…
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, has a stereotype of being a diagnosis mainly given to war veterans. But there are many women who have experienced trauma that causes symptoms of PTSD just as if they have been through war. In a trauma therapy program, women can benefit from feeling safe, respected, and honored in telling…
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant with a high risk of dependence and addiction. In addition to the extremely severe side effects and health concerns associated with meth abuse, it is not uncommon to discover the existence of a co-occurring mental health issue. The addiction intensifies the mental health condition, which complicates and…
Opioids are powerful pain relievers designed to help people deal with severe pain after surgery. Benzodiazepines are a type of opioid used to treat extreme anxiety. Both opioids and benzodiazepines are highly dangerous and addictive drugs when used outside of the prescription directions. When comparing opioids vs. benzos, taking high amounts of either drug can…