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…
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…
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…
Researchers have a growing understanding of the role that trauma plays for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Deep-seated reactions to incidents involving violence, war, disaster, the death of someone close to you, or other difficult moments can drive individuals to drink or use drugs. In such cases, you will want to make sure treatment involves…
World Mental Health Day is Saturday, October 10, 2020. On this day, mental health treatment centers, experts, organizations, and communities come together to celebrate successes in treatment and to create more awareness for mental disorders and related issues. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2020 is Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater…
Some people drink alcohol while socializing. Others, however, drink alcohol to deal with emotions of anxiety and depression. They might intend for this self-medication to cheer them up or to help them sleep. Alcohol might be able to help you briefly relax in a state of euphoria. Unfortunately, this feeling is short-lived, and using alcohol…
Why do people drink alcohol? Usually, it is to enhance their mood. When people drink a bit, they tend to lose some of their inhibitions and become much more open to their emotions. In this way, alcohol acts as a stimulant. However, alcohol is also a depressant. But, you may wonder, how is alcohol a…
What are the types of trauma associated with addiction? Trauma is a contributing factor in the development of many forms of addiction. Often, people abuse alcohol and other drugs because of an underlying mental issue. Drugs and alcohol are how many people deal with shame, anxiety, guilt, anger, irritability, fear, insomnia, depression, among other negative…
Mental illness can be overwhelming, not only for those affected but also for their loved ones. If coupled with substance abuse, it is even more challenging. When mental illness and substance abuse overlap, it comprises what mental health experts call a co-occurring disorder that is addressed through dual diagnosis treatment. But what is dual diagnosis,…
Unraveling the mysteries of our psyche is never easy. Deep-seated emotions hide within us and drive our behaviors, without us even realizing it. This is a phenomenon that plays out in the connection between childhood trauma and addiction Studies suggest that childhood traumas play a statistically significant role in the nation’s problems with substance abuse.…