a woman stares out the car window and thinks about ways to be more creative without drugs or alcohol

4 Ways to be More Creative without Drugs or Alcohol

There’s a common belief that drugs and alcohol make you more creative. This is perhaps understandable, since many of the great writers, artists, and musicians have used drugs and alcohol, too often to the point of addiction and self-destruction. Also, drugs and alcohol make people feel more creative. However, studies have shown feeling more creative… Continue Reading 4 Ways to be More Creative without Drugs or Alcohol

a man pulls a pill bottle from his medicine cabinet and thinks about signs of benzodiazepine dependence

Signs of Benzodiazepine Dependence

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. They are typically prescribed to treat acute anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia related to stressful events. They work well when used for very short periods. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines are also extremely addictive. Even two weeks of regular use can lead… Continue Reading Signs of Benzodiazepine Dependence

a teen boy sits on the beach and thinks about the connection between addiction and social anxiety disorder

Addiction and Social Anxiety Disorder

Most people who struggle with addiction have another mental health issue to go along with it. This is called a dual diagnosis. Common dual diagnoses include depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. One common anxiety disorder is social anxiety disorder, which is intense anxiety caused by social situations. About 15 million Americans suffer… Continue Reading Addiction and Social Anxiety Disorder

a woman struggles with back pain and thinks about reasons opioids are bad for chronic pain

3 Reasons Opioids are Bad for Chronic Pain

Many people take opioid painkillers for chronic pain such as back pain, arthritis, or lingering pain from injuries. Fear of experiencing pain is one reason people are reluctant to quit taking opioids, even when it is clear they have become harmful. However, there now better ways to treat chronic pain. Many non-addictive medications have been… Continue Reading 3 Reasons Opioids are Bad for Chronic Pain

a doctor holds up a vial of medical cannabis and talks about misconceptions about marijuana

6 Misconceptions About Marijuana

Recreational marijuana is now legal in nine states, including Colorado and Nevada, and medical marijuana is now legal in 31 states, including New Mexico. The stigma attached to marijuana is fading and it is becoming more socially acceptable. While preliminary studies have not found significantly more people are using marijuana after it becomes legal, that… Continue Reading 6 Misconceptions About Marijuana

a man thinks about the link between arthritis and depression

The Link Between Arthritis and Depression

One major risk factor for depression is chronic illness, especially illnesses that involve pain. Studies have found that depression is common among people who suffer from arthritis, both rheumatoid arthritis and age-related osteoarthritis. The connection between these conditions is not yet clear, and is likely complex. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects people… Continue Reading The Link Between Arthritis and Depression