Essentially all adults in the modern world are intimately familiar with stress, a reaction in the mind and body that produces effects such as increases in normal blood pressure and heart rate, as well as an increased susceptibility to the distorting influence of anxiety and fear. For several reasons, alcoholics typically have unusually elevated stress…
Sizzurp, also commonly known as purple drank, is an addictive recreational drug concoction typically made with a prescription-strength cough syrup that contains the antihistamine promethazine and the opioid narcotic codeine. The concoction initially saw limited use in the hip-hop music community, and has since gained significant popularity among some fans of this music and in…
“…God seems to have a kind of laid-back management style I’m not crazy about.” – David Foster Wallace, from “Infinite Jest” The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released survey results in late 2012 that caused a stir. The results indicated continued growth in the number of Americans who mark “none” on surveys asking…
It may start with the end of a relationship or the death of a loved one. Perhaps it is increased stress at work or the loss of a job that starts the internal process of questioning and self-doubt. Physical health problems and the accompanying sense of loss of your vitality or youth might be the…
Last week, 30-year-old rapper Lil Wayne was hospitalized after suffering seizures. While details are still unconfirmed, it is suspected that his condition resulted from an overdose of a drug called “sizzurp.” Addiction psychiatrist and CEO of Promises Treatment Centers Dr. David Sack recently appeared on Fox News to discuss sizzurp. “It’s a combination of codeine…
A prescription drug designed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder has become one of the most commonly abused prescription medications in the United States. Adderall, or the “study drug,” is becoming increasingly popular among college students and the consequences of abuse can be severe. While Adderall is an approved prescription medication, 30 to 40 percent of…
Serotonin syndrome is the medical term for a damaging, potentially fatal condition that occurs when the brain contains too much of a chemical called serotonin. The brain relies on serotonin for mood stabilization; the body requires serotonin for maintenance of intestinal health and other essential tasks. People who use or abuse amphetamine or amphetamine-based medications…
Aerobic exercise is the general term for any form of exercise that relies on the intake of oxygen to provide the energy required to move the body’s large muscles. People who regularly perform this type of exercise can make a variety of mental and physical changes that support long-term health and decrease the risks for…
Bettina Ottenstein focuses on rebuilding relationships. As one of two full-time family therapists, Bettina works closely with clients and their families and also has specialized training to treat substance abuse and trauma.
Depression is not only one of the most common types of mental illness, it is also one of the most treatable. In most cases, treatment involves outpatient psychotherapy and /or medication. Many individuals experience at least some – if not significant – reduction in symptoms with proper treatment. However, some situations require psychiatric inpatient treatment.…
