According to recent epidemiological studies, as many as 50% of individuals with mental health diagnosis also suffer from co-occurring substance abuse disorders. While substance dependence and withdrawal can actually be the cause of psychiatric symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, delusions and panic attacks, many psychiatric conditions are pre-existing and are exacerbated, or even quieted momentarily, [...]
It is not easy for someone who struggles with an addiction to a substance (such as alcohol or drugs), or a behavior (such as sex or gambling) to admit that he or she needs counselling. In fact, most people who have an addiction, experience a great deal of fear and trepidation when they think [...]
Generally speaking, people who are addicted to sex tend to organize everything in their lives around sex. It's actually quite similar to the way drug addicts organize their lives around getting their next high. Perhaps you have concerns about yourself, and you're wondering if you might be dealing with a sexual addiction. Or, maybe you [...]
Sexual relationships are a part of every adult's life. Whether you are single, married or in any type of relationship, sexual activities and thoughts are normal and healthy parts of our psyche. Nevertheless, there is a line between healthy sexual behaviours and unhealthy sexual behaviours. Sexual Addiction is a very real phenomenon. It can be [...]
People fortunate enough not to grapple with powerful addictive disorders, may not understand just how powerful it is. Some people don't realize it is a chronic disease, much like diabetes, which must be treated and managed throughout one's life. Those who don't fully understand the power of this disease might think addicts should simply cease [...]
According to a widely used Stages of Change model that was first developed in the 1970s, coming to terms with your addiction and exploring options for treatment happens in the "Preparation Stage" of change. Perhaps you know you struggle with addiction, but you are not sure yet if you are ready to change; this would [...]
Growing Up Too Fast Having an addicted parent can put undue stress on a young, developing person. Oftentimes, the children of addicts have to take on more "adult" responsibilities from a young age, such as making their own meals and doing many of the chores around the house. In some cases, these children and their [...]
One of the biggest hurdles for sexual addicts is coming to the realization that they have a real problem that must be addressed. The sexual addict's brain deftly and maliciously tricks the sufferer into thinking that everything in their life is okay and that they are doing just fine. "I don't need help," the sexual [...]
One of the fears for anyone struggling with an addiction is relapse. Even after long periods of abstinence from a behavior or substance, people in recovery are at risk for relapse. Even if you have successfully stopped drinking, using drugs or acting out for several months or even years, you are still at risk of [...]
We all know that an addiction is an extremely powerful force that can influence an individual's behavior and lifestyle in unpredictable and unmanageable ways. But how exactly do they work in the brain on the cellular and biochemical level? How does the object of an addiction change the brain's chemistry to result in the addictive [...]