a woman puts her head down on a pile of books that explain why language matters when discussing addiction

Why Language Matters When Discussing Addiction

We’ve come a long way in understanding addiction, but unfortunately our language doesn’t always keep up. We now know that addiction has a large genetic component and that your risk of addiction has a lot to do with social factors, trauma, and mental health. Despite this, much of our language about addiction remains accusative and… Continue Reading Why Language Matters When Discussing Addiction

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a man holds a marijuana leaf and wonders has marijuana legalization led to more addiction

Has Marijuana Legalization Led to More Addiction?

Eight states have now made recreational marijuana legal, and many other states are moving in that direction by making medical marijuana more easily accessible. Advocates of marijuana legalization consider this a positive thing because it leads to more personal freedom, hurts the profits of drug cartels, allows police to spend their time on better things… Continue Reading Has Marijuana Legalization Led to More Addiction?

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a man and his son sit on a bridge and talk about why expecting too much too soon endangers your recovery

Why Expecting Too Much Too Soon Endangers Your Recovery

One problem people often face in the first year of recovery is feeling disillusioned because sobriety is not the panacea they expected it to be. They may be doing very well, but perhaps they expected more. They feel deceived, disappointed, or cynical. They might start to wonder if they’re doing something wrong, or if sobriety… Continue Reading Why Expecting Too Much Too Soon Endangers Your Recovery

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a man asks his therapist what are the risk factors for addiction

What Are the Risk Factors for Addiction?

Substance use is extremely common. Most Americans drink alcohol at least occasionally, most have at least tried marijuana and a substantial minority use it regularly, and every day, people take prescription painkillers after medical procedures and stop taking them when their prescription ends. Why is it then, that roughly 10 percent of the population uses… Continue Reading What Are the Risk Factors for Addiction?

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a man explains to friends how motivational interviewing can help you overcome addiction

How Motivational Interviewing Can Help You Overcome Addiction

Lack of motivation can be a major impediment to getting sober. Only about 10 percent of Americans with substance use issues seek and receive treatment. The vast majority of those who don’t seek treatment are just not ready to quit. They might not believe they have a problem, they might fear change, they might fear… Continue Reading How Motivational Interviewing Can Help You Overcome Addiction

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a man asks his therapist about the relationship between unemployment and addiction

What’s the Relationship Between Unemployment and Addiction?

Media coverage of the opioid epidemic in the US has often mentioned the link between addiction and unemployment. Many states that have seen a sharp rise in unemployment in recent years have also had the highest rate of overdose deaths, with West Virginia and Ohio leading the nation. Are addiction and unemployment actually related, or… Continue Reading What’s the Relationship Between Unemployment and Addiction?

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a man holds up a picture of himself and wonders is schizophrenia related to marijuana use

How Addiction is Related to Borderline Personality Disorder

Addiction and borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a common dual diagnosis. BPD is characterized by unstable emotions, self-image, and behavior. This can lead to impulsive behavior and relationship problems. Not only do people with BPD have unstable moods and self-image, but they tend to think in extremes. They may think a friend is completely… Continue Reading How Addiction is Related to Borderline Personality Disorder

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a group talks about 9 major risk factors for depression

9 Major Risk Factors for Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. In 2016, more than 16 million American adults suffered at least one episode of major depression and that number appears to be steadily rising. Symptoms of depression include depressed mood, inability to feel pleasure, loss of interest in activities, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much,… Continue Reading 9 Major Risk Factors for Depression

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