Most people with addiction could not pass a pathological liar test. This is because lying is a hallmark of addiction. The disease of addiction hijacks the brain and steals empathy, clarity and awareness of one’s problems and the suffering of those around them. It fosters narcissistic behavior and loss of moral compass. And it leads…
In 2009, the harmful effects of a man-made drug with names such as Spice, K2, Kush, Bliss, Joker, Mr. Nice Guy and hundreds of others, started eliciting widespread health-related reports. Synthetic marijuana contains far more powerful chemicals than marijuana, with varying amounts of the pharmacological agent, depending on the lab and batch. In 2015, the…
Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling illnesses in the world. The disease wreaks havoc on everyday functioning, affecting the ability to live independently, engage in productive activities and social interactions, and attain/maintain employment. Common symptoms include delusions, hallucinations and inner voices (psychosis); emotional flatness or lack of expression; diminished ability to begin and sustain…
Sweating excessively, especially at night, has several possible sources. For example, menopause, low blood sugar, fever, a condition called hyperhidrosis and certain medications (e.g., antidepressants and steroids) can all cause night sweats. If you drink alcohol, night sweats may be coming from your drinking habit. Although night sweats are more common with binge drinking or…
As the U.S. faces the worst drug epidemic in history, veterans are statistically one of the most highly impacted groups when it comes to opioid addiction. The opioid epidemic’s effects on veterans are staggering. An overwhelming number of vets and their families are facing an addiction crisis as they try to cope with long-standing injuries…
The American Dental Association (ADA) has entered the ring in the fight against opioid abuse. Recent mandates outlined in a new ADA policy urge dentists to limit, if not discontinue opioid prescriptions for dental pain and educate themselves on opioid abuse and the use of alternative pain medications. The Use of Opioids for Dental Pain…
By Tiffany Dzioba, PsyD, LMFT, Executive Director of Promises The clients we serve suffer from significant mental illness, many times with a co-occurring addiction, and most have experienced profound trauma in their lives. They’ve spent much of their lives struggling with pain that has compromised their functioning and taken away hope. The healing process is…
People think about death differently. Some are so terrified of it they develop thanatophobia (death anxiety). Others experience debilitating grief over a loved one’s passing and become clinically depressed. Still, others find peace and happiness as death approaches. Recent research suggests people’s attitudes toward death have a lot to do with their proximity to it.…
By Tiffany Dzioba, PsyD, LMFT, Executive Director of Promises Malibu Vista Many people with mental illness or addiction feel trapped in their lives. They repeat the same behaviors, think the same thoughts and experience the same pain every day. Sometimes this goes on for years. Several patterns cause people to lose hope and turn to…
By Tiffany Dzioba, PsyD, LMFT, Executive Director at Promises Malibu & Malibu Vista For many people, spirituality is a loaded term. It’s a word that is often closely tied to religion, dogma and doctrines. Some people find the word intimidating. However, when it comes to addiction recovery and mental health treatment, one of the most…
