Prescription Stimulants Somewhat overshadowed by the opioid crisis, abuse of prescription stimulants has risen dramatically since as far back as the 1990s. They were once widely used as a weight loss aid to treat obesity, but due to their addictive properties, prescription stimulants are rarely used for that purpose today. Generally, prescription stimulants are used […]
Inspiring Sober Celebrities Today, we have a long list of inspiring sober celebrities as many high-profile celebrities have bravely shared their personal journeys to sobriety, providing hope and inspiration to others struggling with addiction. The recent defamation case between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard has dominated social media feeds and news headlines alike.
This Little PIG: The Problem Of Instant Gratification The Problem Of Instant Gratification (PIG) is a term used to describe the process of choosing a small reward now, over a bigger reward later. It can be likened to choosing to have $1 dollar now, instead of waiting to rather have $10 tomorrow. On the other
This Little PIG: The Problem Of Instant Gratification Read More »
Prescription Drug Addiction Part 2: Benzodiazepines What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines, or benzos, fall into the category of Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, used to treat insomnia, anxiety disorders, and alcohol withdrawals. They have sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, amnesiac, muscle-relaxing and anxiety-relieving properties. They work by increasing the effects of a natural brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid
Prescription Drug Addiction Part 2: Benzodiazepines Read More »
Genetics And Addiction: Are Addictive Behaviors Hereditary? A long-standing question here is, are genetics and addiction correlated? That is, whether people are genetically predisposed to addiction. According to research by the American Psychological Association, genetic factors contribute to at least half of an individual’s susceptibility to addiction. Recent research emphasizes the importance of understanding the
Genetics and addiction: Are Addictive Behaviours Hereditary Read More »
Signs Of Addiction In A Loved One It is very important to observe and identify the signs of addiction in a loved one as early as possible. Concern over a loved one’s substance use can be a cause of great stress. People can misuse substances without being addicted to them, but as an onlooker, it is
Urge Surfing as a Recovery Technique An urge is defined as a strong desire or impulse, and those in addiction recovery are usually no strangers to this experience. Intense cravings for drugs or alcohol can be extremely difficult to cope with, and it’s imperative that those in recovery have a plan to manage them. Understanding
Prescription Drug Addiction Part 1: Opioids Soaring opioid-related mortality in the USA and Canada over the past 25 years has brought the opioid epidemic into the limelight. Media coverage such as the Netflix documentary The Pharmacist has focused on this long-entrenched problem and has highlighted the issue of prescription drug abuse. Opioids, in particular, seem to
Unpacking The Rock Bottom Myth The first problem with the idea of “rock bottom” is that there is no concrete definition of what it is. It will most likely vary from person to person, although it implies the loss of resources associated with addiction. One of the most striking myths surrounding addiction is the idea
Understanding The Criteria For Alcohol Use Disorder Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, is a complex and multifaceted condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. It involves heavy or frequent drinking that leads to emotional distress or physical harm. This disorder can range from mild to severe and
Understanding The Criteria For Alcohol Use Disorder Read More »