You often hear the words “chemical imbalances” associated with addiction and mental health. Knowing what this term means is a great help in understanding many psychiatric conditions. Chemical imbalances happen when the brain has either too many or too few neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are natural chemicals that help the nerve cells to communicate with each…
There is a therapeutic approach to treating addiction that’s capable of instilling in you an ability to safely live your life in the present, help you develop healthy methods of managing stress, achieve emotional balance, and improve important relationships with your family and friends. This psychotherapy treatment is called dialectical behavior therapy, and it can…
Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a mental health condition in which a person is depressed due to the change in seasons. For most people, the winter season or holiday season triggers seasonal depression, which, in turn, can lead to substance abuse. Many people who seek help for substance abuse do…
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. For people in recovery, however, the holidays can be a time of stress and anxiety. The holidays are a busy, often hectic, time for many people. Dealing with family issues, shopping, financial problems, or a packed schedule can trigger anxiety or depression and…
Researchers and clinical practitioners have long understood the interplay between trauma, anger, and addiction. In many cases, trauma and anger operate as the root causes of why someone develops an addiction. Remediating someone’s experiences with trauma and anger may be the key to productive recovery. People with childhood trauma are at higher risk of developing…
Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused in various ways, and trauma can impact people far after trauma occurs. It can result from a one-time event like an accident or due to ongoing, overwhelming stress. A clear example in that regard is the kind of stress faced in certain professions, such as the military or…
A process addiction, also known as a behavioral addiction, is defined as a compulsion to engage consistently in an activity despite the negative consequences related to that behavior. The critical difference between process addiction and other types of addiction is the lack of physical dependence on a substance. The compulsive behavior links them both as…
Codependency refers to a relationship where one person believes that they must take care of someone else at any cost. As a result, that person can begin to lose their sense of independence. Historically, codependency referred to partners or loved ones living with someone who suffered from alcohol abuse disorder. Nowadays, codependent relationships can show…
Anxiety is a common emotion that everyone experiences on a regular basis. But if it becomes persistent and affects a person’s normal functioning, it rises to the level of a mood disorder, often referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. This affects millions of Americans every year, both men and women. While anxiety is no stranger…
Depression is a mental health disorder, and alcohol is a substance whose addictiveness may lead to abuse. At first glance, they may seem unrelated. But alcohol abuse and depression often appear as co-occurring disorders. As such, it is critical to understand how depression and alcohol influence each other and what kind of treatments are available…