a group talks about which comes first depression or addiction

What Comes First, Depression or Addiction?

Most people who develop substance use disorders have some kind of dual diagnosis. They don’t just have an addiction; they have an addiction and something else. That ‘something else’ might be an anxiety disorder, a personality disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, or schizophrenia. A very common dual diagnosis is addiction and depression. For most… Continue Reading What Comes First, Depression or Addiction?

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A man doing work in an office building wonders what you should do if you suspect an employee has a substance use issue

What if You Suspect an Employee Has a Substance Use Issue?

Substance use issues in employees can be a tricky problem to deal with. You may have noticed some problems with an employee’s performance or changes in her behavior. Maybe she has always been punctual but lately she’s coming in late or leaving early. Maybe her work isn’t the same quality it used to be. Or… Continue Reading What if You Suspect an Employee Has a Substance Use Issue?

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A group of atheists and agnostics look for 3 tips for addiction recovery

3 Tips for Atheists and Agnostics in Addiction Recovery

There are many faith-based roads to recovery. Most famously, AA and other 12-step programs involve turning your life over to a higher power. These programs have helped a lot of people. This is because belief in a higher power addresses two of the biggest needs of people in addiction recovery. The first is the need… Continue Reading 3 Tips for Atheists and Agnostics in Addiction Recovery

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A woman is chained to the scale by tape measures and the 3 myths about eating disorders

3 Myths About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders include conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. These can have serious health consequences and they are sometimes fatal. Eating disorders can damage the heart, digestive system, dental health, bones, and cause other medical problems. Eating disorders are often associated with other mental health issues, including substance use issues. While there is… Continue Reading 3 Myths About Eating Disorders

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A group of friends laugh and discuss 3 challenges extroverts face in addiction recovery

3 Challenges Extroverts Face in Addiction Recovery

Generally speaking, extroverts are people who get energy from being around other people, while introverts are people who get energy from being alone. While few people are completely extroverted or introverted, generally falling somewhere in the middle, most people tip at least a little towards extraversion. This can be a major advantage in addiction recovery… Continue Reading 3 Challenges Extroverts Face in Addiction Recovery

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A woman frowns as she wonders what's the difference between addiction and dependence

What’s the Difference Between Addiction and Dependence?

“Addiction” and “dependence” are often used interchangeably to mean someone can’t stop using a substance. Sometimes “dependence” is used when a term with a more clinical sound than “addiction” is needed, but now the preferred term is “substance use disorder.” While addiction and dependence are closely related, they are not quite the same. “Dependence” or… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Addiction and Dependence?

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An introvert sits apart from the group and thinks about 3 challenges introverts face in recovery

3 Challenges Introverts Face in Recovery

While few people are extremely extraverted or introverted, a slight majority of people see themselves as extraverts. A simplified but reasonably accurate description of the difference between the two is that extraverts get energy from being around other people while introverts get energy from being alone. As a social species, it makes sense that we… Continue Reading 3 Challenges Introverts Face in Recovery

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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

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