For decades, researchers have tried to identify the primary reasons someone becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol. Despite varying theories that have evolved over the years, five primary factors contribute to someone becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. These factors include genetic components, environmental factors, chronic stress, trauma & adverse childhood experiences, and mental health.…
Individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder1 can experience many associated symptoms or symptoms of co-occurring disorders. It’s essential to recognize that co-occurring disorders are common in these individuals and sometimes complicate their diagnosis. Often, substance use disorder and mental illness2 go hand in hand. Specialists can diagnose each disorder separately, but a person can…
There is a key difference between socially drinking and depending on alcohol to function. But how do you know if you have a hold on your drinking versus it having a hold of you? If you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when you either lower the amount you drink or quit altogether, this is an…
There is a strong correlation between people with personality disorders and addiction. One study found that 37.9% of individuals who struggle with addiction have also been diagnosed with a mental illness.1 Having both a substance use disorder and mental health disorder is called a dual diagnosis. This might include conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma PTSD,…
When you are misusing substances or are struggling with addiction, you will suffer many physical body symptoms. One of the most important but little cared for is your nutrition. Healthy nutrition prioritization falls to the wayside as you spend time and money differently, and your entire body suffers the effects. That’s one of the reasons…
These days, it seems like just about everyone has a cell phone in their hand. This assumption isn’t far from reality, as recent numbers released by the Pew Research Center show that nearly 85% of Americans [1] own a smartphone in 2021. This digital point of connection had been moving towards becoming an integral part…
What happens to us during our childhood doesn’t disappear when we become an adult. Our developing brains form strong connections and memories during our youngest years. These connections go on to shape how we feel about ourselves for our entire lifetime. Many people come from a warm, supportive environment that makes them feel confident, secure,…
For many social drinkers, sipping a preferred alcoholic beverage alongside friends or family isn’t an uncommon scene. While drinking has become a staple activity in many social settings, it’s important to note that every sip does affect the body both short and long term. When you begin to drink too much, there are physical and…
Polysubstance abuse is the use of multiple substances to achieve a stronger “high.” This is why some people who struggle with a substance abuse disorder use multiple substances simultaneously. The addiction to “feeling high” notes an important distinction from a person addicted to multiple substances. Polysubstance Abuse and Addiction vs. Addiction to Specific, Multiple Substances…
Chances are, you may have a distorted idea of what binge drinking looks like. We’ve all been exposed to the many films, and television shows depictions of excessive drinking. But binge drinking is actually defined as consuming four or more drinks within two hours for women and five or more drinks for men in the…