Seven Signs that You’re Enabling an Addict
When someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you want to help, and you want to keep him or her safe. However helping and protecting often cross the line into enabling, or acting in ways that actually support the continuation of addiction rather than encourage its end. Denying or...The Descent into Heroin Addiction
It’s relatively easy for most people to perceive heroin addicts as freaks, fools or victims, without realizing how easy it is to become one or how many otherwise respectable and responsible people have developed this disease. Hollywood depictions of junkies in abandoned buildings make...Tell-Tale Signs of a Functional Addict
The media gives us images of haggard, homeless addicts ranting, fighting or getting into accidents while high or drunk, but not all addictions are so simple to spot. Many individuals maintain a functional addiction for months or even years before drug use begins to take an observable toll...Has Digital Media Affected Process Addictions?
When its fifth edition debuted in 2013, the authoritative Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) officially added a process addiction category. A motivating factor for inclusion was the similarity in neurobiological, motivational and reward-system changes involved...Addiction Treatment for a New Year and a New Life
Fresh calendars epitomize the potential and opportunity that await each person in the New Year. Resolutions typically involve goals like joining a gym, starting a business, or losing weight, but the goal for some may be to reduce or stop substance abuse. Addiction is a chronic disease...Despair and Drug Addiction
Despair can often be an overpowering and overwhelming emotion that can lead to excessive drug abuse and sometimes overdoses. Despair differs from feelings of sadness and depression because it is the absolute bottom of an emotional state. Despair is characterized by a complete abandonment...Adult Addiction and Reactive Attachment Disorder in Children
Reactive attachment disorder is a rare yet serious condition in which infants and young children fail to establish healthy bonds with parents and/or caregivers. This disorder develops because the child’s basic needs of comfort, affection and nurturing are not met, and caring...Why Should I Consider Inpatient Treatment for My Addiction?
Once a person realizes that he needs help to overcome addiction it can be very difficult to navigate the seemingly endless treatment options available to him. Should he simply attend some 12-step meetings? Should he undergo daily outpatient treatment? Should he live in a halfway house?...What Should I Do If I’m Addicted to Multiple Medications?
Many drugs have a dual identity. Used the right way they can take away pain or calm anxiety, while abused in other ways they can cause destruction. But not every relationship with prescription medications can be classified as either entirely therapeutic or completely abusive. People can...Homelessness and Addiction after Trauma
The effects of trauma can cause serious effects, including an anxiety disorder known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People can recover from trauma and move forward with their lives, but they often need professional help to do so. Trauma can lead down a dark road if it remains...Grief Counseling and Addiction Recovery
Grief can develop in response to a variety of different things, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a miscarriage, and retirement. Anytime there is a loss or a transition, grief can occur, especially if the feelings and emotions surrounding the loss or transition are extremely...PTSD and Opioid Drug Prescriptions
An unfortunate part of participating in the Armed Services is the risk of experiencing physical injury as a result of combat or military operations. Many soldiers have complications dealing with their pain after they become injured, which can lead to a doctor or physician prescribing an...Confidential Call
We take your privacy seriously. To help ease any concerns and uncertainty about calling for drug and trauma abuse help click here to find out what happens when you call.