Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of medications being prescribed by doctors to treat both mental and physical health conditions. Along with this rise, however, there have also been increases in prescription drug misuse, abuse, and addiction. Prescription drug abuse can lead to a range of physical, mental, […]
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If you tend to like spending time in public social settings and party atmospheres, especially at night, you may have encountered party drugs. Party drugs, also known as club drugs, are a common fixture in party-type social settings. While often sensationalized in movies and TV shows, party drugs can be harmful to your physical and
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Substance use disorder (SUD) is complex as it can develop from a wide variety of factors. We often think of SUD as it relates to the use of alcohol and illegal substances like cocaine or heroin. However, SUD can develop from the misuse of prescription medication such as pain medications like opioids. Over four billion
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Many people don’t realize there is a significant difference between substance use and substance abuse. Substance use has its risks, however, substance abuse can contribute to worsening risks and consequences. One of these risks is the development of a substance use disorder (SUD). Differentiating substance use from substance abuse is a necessary skill to reduce
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Unfortunately, uninformed stigmas of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) are common. Most people do not understand that addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral weakness or compromised willpower. It is caused by significant changes in an individual’s brain structure. This makes it incredibly hard for an individual to stop using drugs and alcohol.
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Bipolar disorder and substance use disorder (SUD) often co-occur. There are several reasons for this occurrence. It is common for a person with a mental health condition to self-treat with certain substances. Thus, this can often lead to addiction. Additionally, SUD can lead to an increased likelihood of an individual developing a mental health condition
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There are many reasons why people use drugs. Some use them to ease curiosity or social pressures. Others use them to self-medicate. Recreational drug use, regardless of the reason, poses risks. Self-medicating practices bring about challenges throughout treatment and recovery, though. It is essential to understand what self-medicating is and what it has to do
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Society often glorifies alcohol and drug use through media and pop culture, masking the real dangers and fueling addiction among teens and young adults.
How Is Alcohol and Drug Use Glorified in Society? Read More »
Individuals with a mental health disorder are particularly vulnerable to developing substance use disorders (SUDs) and vice versa. The presence of both a mental health disorder and SUD is referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Prevalence rates for dual diagnoses remain high, affecting nearly half of those with mental illness or SUD.
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Adolescence is a developmental period that begins at the onset of puberty and carries into young adulthood, from ages 10 to 19. This period is a time of immense transition, especially as children begin to reach their teenage years. As so, teenagers are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. As a parent of a teenager,
What Are the Risk Factors for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder in Teens? Read More »
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