Understanding the Enabling of Addictive Behavior

Mental HealthBy wpengine

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease,” explaining that “people with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”   Many addiction professionals regard the loss of control over substance use as an important aspect of the disease. While many people… Continue Reading Understanding the Enabling of Addictive Behavior

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Why COVID-19 is Taking a Heavy Toll on the Mental Health of People in States With Large Rural Areas

Mental HealthBy wpengine

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of anguish for many Americans. Lockdowns and social distancing can make people feel isolated and lonely, increasing stress and anxiety. More than 460,000 Americans have now died from the disease. As we reported previously on this blog, the number of people reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression… Continue Reading Why COVID-19 is Taking a Heavy Toll on the Mental Health of People in States With Large Rural Areas

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Coronaphobia: The Impact of COVID Anxiety on Mental Health

coronavirus, Mental HealthBy wpengine

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on American’s’ mental health. According to a recent Boston University study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults in the US increased more than three-fold in the spring during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared with before the pandemic. The study found 27.8 percent of US adults had… Continue Reading Coronaphobia: The Impact of COVID Anxiety on Mental Health

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Comprehensive and Individualized Addiction Treatment for Improved Outcomes

Addiction TreatmentBy wpengine

Addiction is a complex biopsychosocial disorder frequently driven by co-occurring mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Severe substance use disorder (SUD) often requires clinical treatment for an extended period to include different levels of care to support sobriety. At Recovery Ways, an individualized treatment plan for a new patient starts with intensive… Continue Reading Comprehensive and Individualized Addiction Treatment for Improved Outcomes

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Wanting, Craving, and Liking in the Addicted Brain

Addiction Treatment, In the NewsBy wpengine

“Until recently, it was generally assumed that if we wanted something, it was because we liked it. But science is now questioning that idea – and pointing the way to a possible cure for addiction,” wrote the BBC’s David Edmonds.    Edmonds describes experiments that confirm that craving or wanting is largely driven by the… Continue Reading Wanting, Craving, and Liking in the Addicted Brain

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Support Series: Self-Care

health and wellness, Mindfulness, Recovery & SobrietyBy wpengine

Self-care is an important recovery tool. Engaging in self-care is an appropriate and healthy way to bolster physical and psychological well-being. During the dark winter months which include the stressful holiday season, uncomfortable feelings or situations can easily threaten emotional stability and potentially trigger relapse.    Self-care has been defined as providing adequate attention to… Continue Reading Support Series: Self-Care

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Support Series: Family Dynamics

Recovery Ways AlumniBy wpengine

Addiction is often referred to as a family disease. It affects not only individuals who are misusing drugs and/or alcohol but also their families. Family dynamics are often significantly compromised and in need of healing.   During the stressful holiday season, uncomfortable feelings or situations can easily arise. Confrontations between family members about substance misuse may… Continue Reading Support Series: Family Dynamics

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Mental Health Concerns and Addiction Risk of Railroad Employees

Addiction TreatmentBy wpengine

American railroad companies transport hundreds of millions of passengers and millions of carloads of freight each year. It’s a strenuous task for their employees.    “The rail business is an industry full of tired, stressed workers. It is an epidemic,” warned former railroad worker, Georgetta Gregory on the NTSB Safety Compass in 2016. Her job… Continue Reading Mental Health Concerns and Addiction Risk of Railroad Employees

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How to Tell the Difference Between ADHD and Anxiety Disorders

Mental HealthBy wpengine

It’s not always easy to distinguish between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders. They often co-exist and can exacerbate each other. Symptoms such as trouble concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and restlessness may overlap. One of the tricky things about the different conditions is that stimulants used to treat ADHD can exacerbate anxiety. D’Agati, Curatolo,… Continue Reading How to Tell the Difference Between ADHD and Anxiety Disorders

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