If you are struggling with suicidal feelings, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Losing a loved one is never easy. Many people experience normal grief with a period of sadness, numbness, guilt, and anger. These feelings gradually subside and it is possible to accept the loss and […]
Grief Complicated by Addiction Read More »
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects loved ones, family, and friends. People who struggle with PTSD often experience flashbacks and vivid memories of the trauma they experienced, which can resurface at any time. Many who suffer from PTSD become irritable, anxious, and turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.
PTSD: Through the Eyes of a Child Read More »
Many people suffer from anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is a stigma surrounding mental illness. Sometimes, people will avoid a person with a mental health condition. They assume the person is unsafe to be around or could suddenly become violent. The stigma of mental illness can
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A gateway drug is a substance that leads to the use of a more potent one. Marijuana has been labeled a gateway drug because people who use it often move on to use harder drugs that release a more intense feeling of euphoria. Alcohol and nicotine are also gateway drugs. Many adolescents start with alcohol
Why are Gateway Drugs Harmful? Read More »
Many first responders struggle with mental health issues such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to trauma exposure and traumatic emergency response situations. Addiction and mental health issues often have a direct relationship with one another as co-occurring issues.
Remembering 9/11: First Responders and 9/11 PTSD Read More »
A gaming addiction can affect a person’s physical and mental health, personal relationships, and work or school. A person who has a gaming addiction will continue to play despite the negative consequences it causes. Excessive gaming, whether played online or not, can lead to isolation, social anxiety, and depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently
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“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).” September is national suicide prevention month. Sadly, it can be difficult for a person who suffers
Suicide Prevention: Getting Past the Stigma of Asking for Help Read More »
Most teens have cell phones with unlimited availability to the Internet. There are dozens of social media websites and apps that can be downloaded to cell phones. Social media allows a person to accept requests from followers or friends, which provides access to the person’s profile, photos, and posts. For most people, this is a
Teens and Social Media Addiction Read More »
Recovery is a life-long journey and it takes a lot of hard work and determination to stay substance-free. Before you enter a treatment program, you must first detox to eliminate all toxins from your body. Addiction causes many physical and mental changes and your body becomes physically dependent on the substances used. When you stop
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When a person is addicted, he or she does not suffer alone. Addiction is a family disease and puts a huge strain on family members. Fortunately, there are ways a family can heal. Here are 8 ways the family can heal during treatment: Attend family therapy and counseling. Participate in family therapy and counseling during
8 Ways the Family can Heal After Addiction Read More »
