Substance Abuse and Addiction

Withdrawal (experiencing certain physical symptoms when use of the substance is stopped or cut back, such as anxiety, sweating, trembling, trouble sleeping, nausea, or vomiting) is one of the hallmarks of addiction, but not everyone who... Full Answer

Psychoactive refers to any substance that changes your mood, thinking, or behavior. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only about 13% of people who try heroin become dependent on the drug within two years of first use. For... Full Answer

Consider whether they are using drugs to self-medicate for some trauma they have experienced. This is especially likely to be true for women who may be covering up the pain of domestic violence or sexual abuse. If it’s true, the addict will not... Full Answer

Your healthcare providers and counselors can only do so much to help you recover from substance abuse, but you can help by making simple lifestyle changes. Find new activities and hobbies and take care of yourself by exercising and eating... Full Answer

Deciding you need help is the first step towards getting help and treatment of dual diagnosis. Seek help from a treatment center or program that treats dual diagnosis, a hospital or mental health center. Enlist the aid of self-help groups such as... Full Answer

A recent study by the Scripps Research Institute found that rats given a regular diet of bacon, sausages, chocolate and cheesecake had significant elevations of two neurochemicals, dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals affect the brain’s pleasure... Full Answer

According to the Drug Policy Alliance, 19 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans receiving VA care have been diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence. In the 2008 U.S. Department of Defense Health Behavior Survey, 27 percent of Army... Full Answer

No, a slip up and relapse does not mean that you have failed your recovery from substance abuse. Try to determine what caused the relapse – typically negative feelings – and try to head them off for the next time. Warning signs of a... Full Answer

The #1 need cited by patients entering substance-abuse or psychological treatment is to find peace of mind. The use of the following mind-body methods discussed below has proven effective in helping clients do just that: Deep breathing Yoga... Full Answer

Rehabilitation programs: Rehabilitation treatment programs are available to help patients recover from addiction. Treatment may include group therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, and one-on-one counseling. The duration of most... Full Answer