The distinction between a compulsion and an addiction can be difficult to determine because there is a fine line between the two and even the medical profession’s perception of each changes as new research becomes available. While addiction and compulsion both have biological, genetic and psychological components, there are some key differences. A compulsion is [...]
According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people who suffer from a mood disorder are twice as likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Mood disorders are in fact so common alongside substance abuse, that a term has been coined for it; dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, the two problems feed off each other – [...]
Hypersexual disorder, also known as hypersexuality, is a time-consuming, fantasy-based disorder. It’s a pattern of behavior which involves an intense preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges and activities. This often leads to adverse consequences including significant distress and the inability to participate in social, professional and other important functions. The disorder was under consideration for inclusion in [...]
Now that you’re in drug addiction recovery, you’ve made it past some very big hurdles and life changes. Arguably, a very hard part is done but naturally, you’re still going to be faced with many difficult decisions. An old friend you used with wants to meet up, should you go? You really don’t feel like [...]
Self-leadership is something that people who have suffered through traumatic events often lack. They feel out of control of the way they feel. They often suffer from: Anxiety and/or depression Undeniable and unavoidable fear The fear of rejection Feelings of self-loathing Flashbacks and nightmares Continuous brain fog These experiences are very real for someone who [...]
It’s often very difficult for family members to address the fact that their loved one has a drug addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration does however stress the importance of family involvement in addiction recovery. People are more likely to seek help if they know they have the support of their family [...]
It’s not uncommon for individuals who enter treatment to struggle with anger – the early days are after all an emotional rollercoaster with great highs and lows. One of the many reasons why anger is seen so often in drug addiction treatment is because substance abuse is often the result of trauma. You may have [...]
It might seem like the scariest concept you’ve ever considered participating in. After all, you spend most of your life trying to escape the traumatic event that has engulfed you. Confronting trauma means looking it in the face and coming to terms with what happened to you. It certainly doesn’t sound like something you should [...]
Trauma victims often talk about experiencing flashbacks of the events that happened to them. These are difficult to understand by someone who has never lived through a traumatic experience. Even for those who have, flashbacks can be confusing and threatening. If you’ve lived through a trauma, you most likely experience flashbacks on a regular basis. [...]
The idea of revisiting a traumatic event isn’t something that many victims want to hear. They spend their lives running away from the painful images, the flashbacks and the horror of what happened to them. They feel out of control of their own lives because of the event. Running away gives them a small sense [...]