Stress vs. Anxiety as Triggers for Addiction: Which Is Worse? AnxietyBy Promises AustinMarch 20, 2017Stress and anxiety are significant drivers of substance abuse. But what’s the difference between stress and anxiety, and how does each impact the development of addictive behaviors? A new study paper highlights the discovery of important distinctions between stress and anxiety, and reveals that anxiety may be the stronger catalyst for drug or alcohol problems.…
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Women Mental Health - WomenBy Promises AustinMarch 18, 2017Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health concern that can have a debilitating effect on a sufferer’s everyday life. OCD can interfere with work, relationships, personal life and create an unwanted and unhealthy cycle of stress. OCD is experienced by both men and women at about the same rate, although there are some differences…
Mixing OCD Medications and Alcohol Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinMarch 17, 2017Around 1 in 100 Americans suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and about half of cases are classed as severe. Living with OCD often means taking medications in addition to navigating the anxiety and obsessive thoughts that characterize the condition. As a result, some OCD sufferers turn to alcohol as a form of “self medication.” However,…
Mephedrone Epidemic in India Other AddictionsBy Promises AustinMarch 17, 2017Mephedrone is a relatively new stimulant that has been making waves in India, particularly the Mumbai area, over the last few years. It is typically swallowed or snorted and gives users an hour-long high followed by an intense crash. It was banned in India in 2015, but until then it was cheap and readily available.…
Marijuana Addiction: Symptoms and Treatments MarijuanaBy Promises AustinMarch 16, 2017How Marijuana Makes You High The THC chemical in marijuana is responsible for the high people feel from marijuana. THC activates areas of the brain responsible for pleasure. When it enters the brain, it may produce: Relaxation Euphoria Distorted perceptions Poor coordination Difficulties with thinking, learning and memory Social acceptance of marijuana use has spiked…
Major Depressive Disorder in Women Mental Health - WomenBy Promises AustinMarch 16, 2017Major depressive disorder is the term doctors use to officially describe one of America’s most common mental health issues: major depression. Research indicates that women may have substantially higher chances of developing this condition than men. That’s true, in part, because women have gender-specific risks for a condition called postpartum depression, which sometimes meets the…
Long-Term Side Effects of Propoxyphene Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinMarch 15, 2017Medications containing the opioid painkiller propoxyphene were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010. Prescribed for long-term chronic pain, drugs that mixed propoxyphene and acetaminophen (Darvocet, Darvon, etc.) were long believed to be safer and less addictive than stronger opioid painkillers like OxyContin or Vicodin. However, studies uncovered a significant risk of…
Coping Mechanisms for Families of Recovering Addicts Family ResourcesBy Promises AustinMarch 15, 2017The process of recovering from addiction can be very challenging. It generally requires learning new coping mechanisms, and getting help and support from health care professionals as well as family and friends. While there are a variety of resources available to aid individuals in recovery from addiction, help and support for the family members of…
Which Drugs Cause Pupils to Constrict? Drug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinMarch 14, 2017How a particular drug affects the body often depends on the type of drug being used. For instance, stimulants tend to affect the brain in a way that increases alertness, energy levels, heart rate and blood pressure. On the other hand, depressants generally inhibit brain activity causing drowsiness, lethargy, decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and…
Rave Parties: Safety Precautions Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinMarch 14, 2017Rave parties are well known for loud, thumping music, vibrant light shows and the eccentric costumes they inspire. However, there’s another side to rave parties that can have catastrophic effects on concert-goers: illicit drugs. If you’re planning on attending a rave party, know the lingo, behaviors and hazards to watch out for. Know the Phrases…
