Triggers and Effects of Anxiety During Detox Drug & Alcohol DetoxBy Promises AustinFebruary 16, 2017After prolonged alcohol use, anxiety can exacerbate unpleasant alcohol detoxification symptoms. While some people turn to alcohol for help with pre-existing anxiety problems, other people develop anxiety disorders due to alcohol use and abuse. Learn how to recognize anxiety, identify anxiety triggers and manage anxiety during the difficult detox period. Recognizing Anxiety Anxiety presents differently…
Why Xanax Abuse Is on the Rise Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinFebruary 15, 2017Recent reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) show that there has been an increase in Xanax abuse in recent years. There are a number of reasons this is happening. Here’s what to look out for. Xanax Abuse From 2005 to 2011, the number of emergency…
Warning Signs of Alcoholic Neuropathy Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinFebruary 14, 2017Alcoholic neuropathy is the name commonly used to describe alcohol-related nerve damage. The condition appears to arise from two partially connected causes: poisoning of nerve tissue caused by excessive alcohol levels and the chronic poor nutrition often found in people affected by alcoholism. Alcohol nerve damage typically occurs gradually over time and presents clear warning…
Stress Management Techniques for OCD Mental HealthBy Promises AustinFebruary 13, 2017Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors. Many stress management techniques can help reduce anxiety and thus reduce the suffering OCD causes. While medications and psychotherapy also play an important role in managing OCD, stress management techniques can help you get through particularly difficult situations and…
Side Effects of Detox Drugs Drug & Alcohol DetoxBy Promises AustinFebruary 13, 2017Detox is the process of separating an addict from their substance of choice, during which time withdrawals are generally medically managed. Various medications for drug detox are available but it is interesting to compare methadone vs. Suboxone, which are both used for managing opioid withdrawals. Prescription painkiller abuse rates nationwide are staggering, according to the…
Psychoeducation for Schizophrenia SchizophreniaBy Promises AustinFebruary 12, 2017Schizophrenia is a highly disruptive form of mental illness known for its ability to trigger psychosis, a state most commonly marked by delusional thought patterns and sensory hallucinations. Doctors often face tremendous challenges in treating this illness. Part of the problem stems from the fact that many people with schizophrenia don’t really understand their condition…
Polysubstance Abuse: Challenges to This Diagnosis Other AddictionsBy Promises AustinFebruary 12, 2017Polysubstance intake occurs whenever you take more than one mind-altering substance simultaneously, or within the same general span of time. Doctors and public health professionals also refer to this practice as polysubstance abuse or polydrug abuse. It can be hard to accurately diagnose the presence of combined substance problems. Part of this difficulty stems from…
Non-Habit-Forming Pain Management for Peripheral Neuropathy Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinFebruary 11, 2017Peripheral nervous system disorder is a term to describe damage to nerves that exists outside the spinal cord and brain, otherwise known as the central nervous system (CNS). There are a vast number of nerves outside the CNS including: The nerves of the head, face, eyes, nose and ears The nerves of muscles and the…
Neurofeedback for Depression DepressionBy Promises AustinFebruary 11, 2017Depression is the general term for a group of separate but related mental illnesses, although most people associate the word with one specific condition: major depressive disorder or major depression. Doctors and researchers continually explore new and improved methods of combating this condition, which affects millions of Americans. One new approach to depression treatment is…
The Social Stigma of PTSD PTSD & TraumaBy Promises AustinFebruary 9, 2017Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a brutal and debilitating illness that affects people who have experienced traumas of all types — from combat veterans, and rape survivors, to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. Overcoming the symptoms of PTSD (anxiety, flashbacks and re-experiencing, among others) is difficult enough, but the social stigma of…
