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.…
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,…
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…
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…
There is zero shame in battling the emotional and mental challenges that result from trauma. Nearly 70% of the adults in the U.S. have experienced some traumatic experience in their lives.1 Sadly, it’s not uncommon for those battling the emotional wounds of trauma to take to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. For those…
The dangers of drinking are hardly unknown, yet imbibing alcohol has long remained a legal and socially acceptable adult activity. Recently, however, the sober curious movement has started to gain steam. What is the sober curious movement? Can it help to prevent underage drinking? Is it a form of addiction treatment that can help those…
How the Pandemic is Affecting Mental Health and Addiction – Would You Know When It Was Time to Find Help? While we work to fight the virus, other unseen enemies like anxiety, depression, and addiction have infiltrated our lives. Issues related to mental health and addiction have increased during the pandemic. Covid-19 has altered life…