Bullied Teens Seek Comfort in Alcohol, Drugs Teen IssuesBy Promises AustinJune 30, 2013Being the target of bullying is a serious problem for many of today’s teens. It can lead to significant emotional pain and trauma, and isn’t something that a teen merely needs to “get over.” The emotional impact of bullying can leave lasting scars. Sadly, some teens turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to…
Recovery as a Single Mom RecoveryBy Promises AustinJune 29, 2013Being a single mom is probably the toughest job on Earth. You must be everything for your children. You play all roles and offer everything your kids need. Depending on the father, you may be doing so without any support at all, financial or otherwise. If you are also facing recovery from an addiction, your…
Pathways to Recovery: Leaving Domestic Violence Behind RecoveryBy Promises AustinJune 27, 2013The statistics are sobering and discouraging: about one-quarter of American women will become victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives, while one in eight will suffer from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. But these two problems should not be seen as entirely separate. In reality, the connection between substance abuse and…
Tell the Truth … Are You a Compulsive Liar? Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJune 25, 2013When a witness is asked to give testimony in a court trial, she s asked to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If she fails to do so and her dishonesty is discovered, she could be charged with perjury and be sent to prison herself. Fortunately, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies do…
Links Between Postpartum Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder BipolarBy Promises AustinJune 25, 2013Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a relatively rare mental health disorder that appears in some new mothers in the weeks immediately following childbirth. As the name of the disorder strongly implies, affected individuals develop symptoms of the mental state called psychosis, which can include both hallucinations and delusional thinking. Preexisting bipolar disorder is a known risk…
Love Addiction Isn’t About Love at All Sex AddictionBy Promises AustinJune 22, 2013We’ve all probably heard the expression “being in love with the feeling of being in love.” The feelings that people experience during the early stages of romance are extremely pleasurable. The rush of emotions, the sense of anticipation, racing heartbeat and so forth are practically intoxicating. Those intense feelings don’t last forever though and mature…
Distorted Body Image Fuels Eating Disorders Eating DisordersBy Promises AustinJune 19, 2013Eating disorders are a collection of mental health conditions characterized by a dysfunctional relationship between eating habits, body image and the beauty ideals of mainstream society. Two factors known to contribute to the development of these disorders are a negative attitude toward one’s body shape and size (body dissatisfaction) and an inability to accurately judge…
The Toll of Caregiving – When the Strain of Caring for Others Leads to Substance Abuse Drug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinJune 17, 2013For some, the burden of caregiving can seem unbearable – whether you’re caring for an elderly parent with Alzheimer’s or parenting a child with cerebral palsy. It is, without question, a challenging way to live: attending to your loved one’s personal hygiene, going back and forth to doctor’s appointments, preparing meals and ensuring he or…
Recovery Motivation: What to Do When You’re Scared of Failing Addiction TreatmentBy Promises AustinJune 16, 2013 Ready to give rehab a try? Maybe it’s been quite a difficult struggle for you to get to this point. But if you have made the decision that getting clean and sober is definitely on your agenda, this is quite a singular accomplishment. Still, your motivation for recovery is faltering. Now is when the…
Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression DepressionBy Promises AustinJune 15, 2013Having a baby is usually a joyous occasion. After a safe delivery, maternal instincts begin to grow. Bonding begins as a mother finally gets to hold her child in her arms and continues through each feeding, swaddling, and kiss goodnight. But some women cannot enjoy these wonderful new bonding emotions and, rather, find themselves drifting…