A man smiles as he breaks through the 4 lies depression tells you

4 Lies Depression Tells You

By some estimates, as many as 20 percent of Americans will experience a depressive episode at some point in their lives. Depression includes prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and pessimism, along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, aches, slow movements, poor concentration, and persistent thoughts of death or suicide. There are many aspects of depression we are… Continue Reading 4 Lies Depression Tells You

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A doctor talks to his patient about whether people on MAT need medication forever

Do People on MAT Need Medication Forever?

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, means using FDA-approved medications in conjunction with counselling or treatment to recovery from addiction. The most common and controversial form of MAT is opioid replacement therapy, in which patients typically take methadone or buprenorphine to control drug cravings and prevent relapse. While opioid replacement therapy is controversial, it is not… Continue Reading Do People on MAT Need Medication Forever?

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A woman takes a bubble bath after she learns how a warm bath might help with depression

How a Warm Bath Might Help with Depression

Depression affects about 16 million American adults every year. Common symptoms include persistent sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation, disrupted sleep, body aches, feelings of hopelessness, poor concentration, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you experience several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a doctor. Depression is typically treated with a combination… Continue Reading How a Warm Bath Might Help with Depression

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A woman holds a cup of coffee as she looks out a window and thinks about 5 ways to become more emotionally intelligent in recovery

5 Ways to Become More Emotionally Intelligent in Recovery

There’s a saying in AA that goes, “Your best thinking is what got you here.” Studies have shown that intelligence is no protection against substance use disorders. In fact, the opposite may be true. People with above average IQs are more prone to substance use and addiction. Clearly, intelligence can’t do much for you when… Continue Reading 5 Ways to Become More Emotionally Intelligent in Recovery

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A woman curves her arm protectively around her belly and wonders can you do medication assisted therapy while pregnant

Can You Do Medication Assisted Therapy While Pregnant?

Women with substance use issues may find themselves in a difficult position if they become pregnant. Using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can have many negative effects on both the mother and the child. Women who use stimulants during pregnancy are at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Many drugs can harm a… Continue Reading Can You Do Medication Assisted Therapy While Pregnant?

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A man talks to his doctor about the difference between medication assisted treatment and drug replacement therapy

What’s the Difference Between Medication Assisted Treatment and Drug Replacement Therapy?

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, means using FDA-approved medications as part of a treatment plan that includes counseling and therapy. Currently, MAT is primarily used to treat alcohol addiction or opioid addiction. There aren’t yet any medications for treating addiction to stimulants or benzodiazepines, although medications such as antidepressants may be used to treat co-occurring… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Medication Assisted Treatment and Drug Replacement Therapy?

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A doctor talks to a man in a hospital bed about 3 risks of medication assisted treatment

3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, is the practice of using FDA-approved medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. MAT has been shown to be most effective for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Typical medications include Antabuse, naltrexone, and Campral for alcohol addiction, and methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, often in the monthly, injectable form,… Continue Reading 3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment

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A man takes off his glasses and hangs his head as he wonders what the difference is between depression and dysthymia

What’s the Difference Between Depression and Dysthymia?

Depression affects about 16 million Americans every year. The World Health Organization calls depression the number one cause of disability worldwide. Symptoms typically include prolonged feelings of sadness, fatigue, irritability, aggression, lack of motivation, disturbed sleep, poor memory and concentration, feelings of hopelessness, physical aches, and thoughts of suicide or death. The symptoms of depression… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Depression and Dysthymia?

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