Energy drinks continue to remain very popular in the U.S. Drinks like Red Bull and Monster gross billions of dollars every year. And while their effects on health are in question, energy drinks are especially dangerous when combined with alcohol. Mixing stimulants with alcohol creates a state some call "wide [...]
Many people might use alcohol to help improve their mood. But when does “drowning your sorrows” in alcohol become dangerous? Can alcohol really cause depression? Having a drink or two to relax after a stressful day is certainly ok. But when alcohol becomes necessary dealing with painful emotions, Alcohol Use [...]
Why do people continue to abuse drugs and alcohol despite the negative consequences? Why would a person continue to use something that can inherently harm them? One explanation is that addiction is a consequence of falling victim to decision failures. An addicted person simply overvalues pleasure and undervalues consequences. While [...]
The term “self-medication” has trivial and negative connotations. Many would use it as a joke about using alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. However, “self-medication” has become a household term that detracts from the real emotional suffering that accompanies addiction. Although the theory behind self-medication (Self Medication Hypothesis) has [...]
How do you know if you have a drinking problem? What makes a person an alcoholic? Is there a difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism? Is alcohol a drug? If you've considered any of these questions concerning your own drinking, you might have a problem. Alcohol abuse can range from [...]
Recently, the President’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) published a report on the underestimated cost of the opioid crisis in America. Curbing illicit drug trafficking, reducing over-prescription by doctors, and cracking down on drug distributors are all major focus points of the report. While these are all good intentions, there [...]
Adventure therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is proven to be highly effective. It’s goal is to build confidence and independence through physically and emotionally challenging exercises that include some risk. “Adventure” can sound a little intimidating, but therapy can range from extreme outdoor activities to relaxed nature outings. Adventure [...]
Getting treatment for drug or alcohol addiction should be your biggest focus. But you might fear that attending treatment will disrupt your life too much. You might think that you need to press pause on all your responsibilities until you have completed a program. The truth is, there are many options for recovery based [...]
Stress can be a major contributing factor to drug and alcohol abuse. Family problems, financial troubles, and life in general generate daily stress. It seems the more stress you're under, the more you want to escape. Stress can either push one deeper into and addiction, or be a motivator to [...]
Leaving addiction treatment early is never a good idea. Unfortunately, some who seek help for their addiction find reasons not to see the program all the way through. Addiction treatment can be challenging in the beginning, but completing a program is the best way to learn how to stay sober. [...]
