Statistically, people are living longer and healthier lives. But the changes both physically and mentally, and even how medications, alcohol, and other substances are processed in the body do occur with aging.
In-Laws’ Drinking Could be Risk Factor in Developing Alcohol Use Disorder
Study Suggests that In-Laws’ Drinking Problems Could be Risk Factor in Developing AUD Addiction researchers have long established a link between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and a family history of …
CDC Report Highlights COVID-19-Related Increases in Depression, Trauma, and Substance Abuse
Mental health experts and substance abuse treatment practitioners have long been concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation activities such as physical distancing and stay-at-home orders would lead to increases in depression, trauma, and substance abuse.
Trauma’s Role in Female Alcohol Use Disorder
New Report Adds to Knowledge Pool About Trauma’s Role in Female Alcohol Use Disorder, Calls for Additional Research A recent report provides new evidence supporting the concept that stress and …
When Adults Become Addicted Due to Childhood Trauma
The American Psychological Association defines trauma as an emotional response, yet we know that our bodies suffer physical symptoms as well. Indeed, a trauma-inducing event can wound all of our systems. It can affect our thought processes, sleep, digestion, immune systems, outlook on life, and how we feel about ourselves and others.
Cocaine Addiction is Still Around
Cocaine continues to create havoc in people’s lives. Addiction and overdose death from prescription pain medications is often publicized in the media, but cocaine use continues to be common.
The Dangerous Duo of PTSD and Alcoholism
As a mental health issue, PTSD is not confined to servicemembers and veterans. It can affect any person who has gone through a significant and terrible life event. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “anyone can develop PTSD at any age.”
The Link Between PTSD and Addiction
While Pysciatry.org indicates that “one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime,” it is important to remember that such numbers, as high as they are, fail to take into account undiagnosed PTSD cases. There is an untold percentage of sufferers who have never seen a doctor, never gotten help, and perhaps attempt to “self-medicate” as a way to cope with the pain.
Why Holistic Substance Abuse Treatment is Important
Historically health care, mental health care, and addiction treatment have been treated as separate issues. Scientific evidence shows that this separation has created obstacles to successful care coordination. More recently, efforts have been made to incorporate care and focus on how the issues interact for an individual.
Let’s Talk About Addiction
Addiction doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all definition, everything about it varies. Some people become addicted very quickly, and for others, the addiction is a slower process with substance use slowly crossing the line to substance abuse and then full-blown addiction.