Substance abuse is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for families. It is important to understand how substance abuse can negatively impact family members, as well as how families can work together to support recovery and healing. In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which substance abuse affects the family,…
Substance use disorders may be more common than most people would expect. Research has found that 1 in 7 Americans over the age of 12 has experienced a substance use disorder. When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they often will continue to use the drug despite the harm it causes. While a substance…
While many think of depression as just being sad for a day or two every now and then, it is actually much more than that. Clinical depression is a serious mood disorder that can affect several areas of a person’s life, including how they act, think, and feel. While not everyone who suffers from depression…
If you have a loved one that is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, you may be feeling a mixture of feelings, including worry, sadness, and even anger. These emotions are normal and valid. Talking to someone you love about addiction isn’t the easiest conversation to have. Here are some tips to help you talk…
Unfortunately when it comes to addiction, there are several risk factors. While many people know that both genetics and mental health conditions can play a role in addiction, many are unaware of the impact that stress can have on drug use. Everyone experiences stress from time to time and everyone deals with stress differently. Whether…
If you’re reading this, chances are that you know someone, maybe a friend or family member, who is struggling with an addiction problem. You may feel helpless, confused, or scared and are probably wondering how you can help. While you can’t force anyone to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, there are ways to support their…
In 2016, more than 1 in 25 people in the United States tested positive for illicit drugs in the workplace. It is estimated that nearly 75% of people who suffer from alcohol or drug addiction continue to maintain their employment. Substance abuse can lead to high turnover rates, losses in productivity, workplace theft, absenteeism, and…
Everyone’s experience with addiction recovery is unique. No one will share the exact same road to developing their addiction as you, and likewise the path to recovery will be equally as diverse. Addiction and recovery can vary based on several factors, both internal and external. Some of these factors include the type of drug that…
It is no secret to anyone that substance abuse is a major problem for many people today. When you are worried about your loved one’s substance abuse, it can be difficult to know just how serious their problem is. While symptoms and treatments of their substance abuse may vary between individuals, what remains similar are…
The DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) describes depression this way: “The essential feature of a Major Depressive Episode is a period of at least 2 weeks during which there is either depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities.” Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs in climates where there…