The Escalating Issue of Prescription Drug Abuse is Society

By definition, prescription drug misuse and abuse is when an individual takes a medication inappropriately. That means taking more than prescribed by a physician or taking it without a prescription at all. According to a study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescription drug misuse and abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the U.S. A separate study from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics revealed the same, noting that around 52 million or roughly 18% of Americans aged 12 and older have purposely misused or abused prescription drugs in their lifetime.

Dual Diagnosis: Addressing Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Dual Diagnosis? It's common to develop addictions if you attempt to self-medicate to relieve mental or emotional distress, and substance use can be symptomatic of an underlying emotional imbalance. If you are suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues at the same time, you may receive a dual diagnosis for the coexisting conditions. To effectively treat this, also known as co-morbidity and co-occurring disorder, healthcare providers must address your addiction and psychological distress as interrelated issues. What Are Some Dual Diagnosis Symptoms? Since many different kinds of substance use and mental disorders exist, each condition must be identified appropriately to make a proper diagnosis. Doctors associate individual symptoms of substance abuse and mental disorders with the particular substances and characteristics of the underlying mental conditions.

Understanding The Different Types of Alcohol Addiction

Are you concerned about your potential alcoholism or a member of your family displaying signs of alcohol dependence? The truth is that there’s not one type of alcoholic out there. Some may have recently discovered alcohol. Others may have a family or multi-generational family history, yet others may have an alcohol dependence with a co-occurring mental health disorder. This article will discuss and explore the different types of alcohol addiction. 5 types of Alcoholism If you drink, you may be wondering if you fall into any of the five alcoholism stages as identified by the NIAAA and reported by the NIH.

Why Is Aftercare Treatment an Important Part of Addiction Recovery?

Addiction recovery comes in all shapes and sizes. Though many focus on in-patient rehab, where you live in a center for several weeks, aftercare can be just as important. This often-overlooked part of treatment can make a massive difference to your overall well-being. Explore our guide to learn all the details about how aftercare works and why it's so helpful. What Is Aftercare Treatment? Aftercare is any type of addiction treatment that occurs after a patient finishes rehab.

Exploring The Human-Animal Bond in Equine Therapy

Since ancient times, people have kept animals as pets. People can provide sustenance, care, and shelter for animals, and animals can aid people in every phase of life. For example, they can help with cognitive development for children, stress relief for adults, practical help for disabled individuals, and companionship for seniors. It is no surprise that some therapies today also involve animals. Equine therapy is an experiential therapy that may improve physical and emotional well-being through the unique bond it creates between people and horses.

The Role of Genetics in Substance Abuse

Misconceptions about drugs can make anyone needing an occasional prescription wonder if addiction is genetic. The fear associated with the risk of addiction may trace back to the myths and mistaken beliefs that prevent an accurate understanding of genetics and substance abuse. Long believed to happen only to morally weak people who lack willpower, addiction deserves a scientific clarification that changes erroneous impressions. Research proves that addiction occurs as a medical disorder that creates changes in the brain and affects behavior. Understanding the Role Genetics Plays in Addiction Scientists study twins and siblings to find a biological reason that addiction affects some people but not others. The research suggests that about half the risk of becoming addicted stems from genetic makeup. Genes influence variations that create your height and hair color as well as your risk of or resistance to significant health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

How to Recognize the Signs of Emotional Trauma in Others

Do you believe one of your loved ones suffers from emotional trauma or scarring? It’s important to understand that emotional trauma can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Emotional scarring can lead to a range of psychological symptoms and conditions, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dissociative disorders. The severity and impact of emotional trauma can vary from person to person, depending on the nature of the event, the individual's support system and the individual’s ability to cope with the aftermath. Let’s take a look at the types of emotional trauma and how you can tell if one of your friends or family members needs help. What is emotional trauma? When we talk about emotional trauma, we are talking about a deeply distressing or disturbing experience or event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope.

The Link Between Mental Health and Drug Addiction

The link between mental health and drug addiction is well-documented. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can be major contributing factors to substance use disorder. People with a diagnosed condition are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their mental health issues. Likewise, due to the damaging effects of substance abuse, people struggling with addiction are more likely to develop mental health issues.

The Different Types of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is the common name for a medical disorder that impairs a person’s ability to stop drinking alcohol, even when they experience problems at work, have trouble relating to friends and loved ones, and damage their health. People with alcoholism need treatment to stop drinking and avoid relapsing. Support groups, therapy, and medication are commonly prescribed treatments that promote long-term sobriety. What Are the Different Types of Alcoholism? Forms of alcoholism can be characterized and classified according to a combination of factors, including the severity of the condition, the behaviors associated with the disorder, the biology of the drinker, and the drinker's demographic profile. The stages of alcoholism are classified as pre-alcoholic, early alcoholic, chronic alcoholic, and end-stage alcoholism.

Managing Stress and Anxiety in Sober Living

Any major life change causes stress and anxiety. This includes changes that are viewed positively, such as getting a desired promotion at work or moving to an area where you had long wanted to live. They can also result from other life changes, such as mentally moving from a past self that experienced addiction and towards sober living. Stress in Recovery Stress in recovery can occur because of two main reasons. One of those is experiencing the aforementioned major life change. You are leaving the life you used to have, which had become normal for you, and you are creating healthier habits.

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