a stack of presents represent holiday gift ideas for someone in recovery

5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Someone in Recovery

With the holidays coming up, you be looking for gift ideas for a friend or loved one recovering from addiction. Generally speaking, people recovering from addiction like the same things as everyone else, although anything related to drugs or alcohol is clearly off limits. However, you might want to give something that lets her know… Continue Reading 5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Someone in Recovery

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A group of people comfort their friend as they wonder if depression is different than sadness

How is Depression Different from Sadness?

It’s common for people to say they’re depressed when they’re sad. Also, when most people think of depression, sadness is the first thing that comes to mind. We sometimes use these words interchangeably, but sadness and depression are not the same thing. Depression continues to be a misunderstood condition and it’s one that affects about… Continue Reading How is Depression Different from Sadness?

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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

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a person swings on a beach and wonders can marijuana make you more creative

Does Marijuana Make You More Creative?

Over the past 60 years or so, marijuana has been associated with creativity. Writers, artists, comedians, and musicians have been known to use it regularly. Marijuana is especially associated with the counterculture of the 1960s and all the new art, ideas, and music that emerged from it. Many people feel like marijuana is essential to… Continue Reading Does Marijuana Make You More Creative?

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A doctor writes a prescription and wonders if he is self-medicating

Are You Self-medicating?

More than half of people with substance use disorders also have a mental health issue. Common dual diagnoses include depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Many people with these disorders will try to mask the symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This works temporarily, but in the long run,… Continue Reading Are You Self-medicating?

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a man leans against the wall with a hood over his head and thinks about common misconceptions about schizophrenia

4 Common Misconceptions About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects about two million Americans. It’s best known symptoms are auditory and visual hallucinations, but other symptoms include delusional thinking, disordered or incoherent thinking or speech, social withdrawal, or diminished affect in speech or facial expressions. Although most people know something about schizophrenia, many people misunderstand the condition, leading… Continue Reading 4 Common Misconceptions About Schizophrenia

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A woman researches whether there is a link between social media and depression on her smart phone

Is There a Link Between Social Media and Depression?

Anyone who has spent too much time on social media knows what it’s like to come away feeling anxious, irritable, despondent, or angry. Interacting with friends, acquaintances, and strangers online can provoke emotions ranging from envy to outrage. Many people often lament that social media platforms have replaced meaningful social interaction with superficial sharing, which… Continue Reading Is There a Link Between Social Media and Depression?

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