Two friends talk about whether their environment is increasing their risk of addiction

Is Your Environment Increasing Your Risk of Addiction?

Addiction is complicated and there are many factors that increase your risk of developing a substance use disorder. Genetics is perhaps the biggest factor. If you have close family members such as parents, grandparents, or siblings with substance use issues, you already have a greater risk. Mental health issues are another major risk factor. Depression,… Continue Reading Is Your Environment Increasing Your Risk of Addiction?

A man smooths his hair back and wonders how does leaving your comfort zone improve addiction recovery

How Does Leaving Your Comfort Zone Improve Addiction Recovery?

In some ways, addiction is all about comfort. Using a substance you’re addicted to relieves pain temporarily and staves off withdrawal. It’s a safe little refuge from uncomfortable feelings. Having your habits and rituals built around addiction is predictable. Unfortunately, comfort is not the same as happiness. In fact, comfort can make you miserable. What’s… Continue Reading How Does Leaving Your Comfort Zone Improve Addiction Recovery?

A man sits on the couch covered by a blanket, and wonders why some drugs are more addictive than others

Why Are Some Drugs More Addictive than Others?

Addiction is complicated and only a small part is about the substance itself. A more complete picture of addiction emerges when you consider the biology and psychology of the user. For example, someone with severe anxiety might easily become addicted to Xanax because it relieves her anxiety. Another person might be genetically disposed to get… Continue Reading Why Are Some Drugs More Addictive than Others?

A young man slings his bag over his shoulder and wonders the difference between a good mood and a manic mood

What’s the Difference Between a Good Mood and a Manic Episode?

Bipolar disorder affects nearly six million Americans every year. Bipolar is characterized by both episodes of major depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. Symptoms of depressive episodes are identical to those of unipolar depression and include sadness, lethargy, disturbed sleep, slow movements, feelings of hopelessness, poor concentration, physical aches, losing interest in things you… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between a Good Mood and a Manic Episode?

A man is comforted as his comforter tells him the difference between social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder

What’s the Difference Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder are both conditions that cause people to feel extremely anxious in social situations. People with these conditions will avoid social interaction as much as possible, despite the fact they typically desire social connection and close relationships. Both conditions can significantly impair one’s ability to form relationships and hinder… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder?