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?

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

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?

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

a young man plays video games making his parents wonder about 4 signs that your teen might have a gaming addiction

4 Signs Your Teen Might Have a Gaming Addiction

Video game addiction has gotten a lot of attention following the World Health Organization’s decision to recognize gaming addiction in its International Classification of Diseases. This has been seen by many as a positive step because it will allow more people to get treatment for gaming addiction through their insurance or government health service. Despite… Continue Reading 4 Signs Your Teen Might Have a Gaming Addiction

a group of people hold hands and wonder do you have to be religious for 12 step programs to work

Do You Have to Be Religious for 12-step Programs to Work?

There are many different kinds of mutual aid groups for addiction. There is SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, LifeRing, Celebrate Recovery, and others. Despite the growth of new options in recent decades, 12-step programs remain the most popular option by far. Someone struggling with addiction can find a 12-step meeting in almost any part of the… Continue Reading Do You Have to Be Religious for 12-step Programs to Work?