How Does Alcoholism Damage the Brain? Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinAugust 4, 2014Alcohol produces its most prominent effects by making significant changes in the brain’s normal chemical environment. In a person with alcoholism, some of these changes persist over time and lead to lasting, disruptive structural and behavioral problems. In a study published in April 2014 in the journal PLOS One, a team of researchers from Spain…
How Do I Tell a Friend He Has a Drinking Problem? Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinAugust 1, 2014Seeing a friend spiraling into self-destruction is never a pleasant experience. Not only will you be witnessing somebody you care about hurting him or herself, you’re also thrown into the uncomfortable position of having to decide what to do about it. It might not be the most appealing notion, but real friends look out for…
Staying Sober When You’re Surrounded by Drugs Staying SoberBy Promises AustinJuly 31, 2014By Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW One of the most challenging aspects of getting sober, regardless of your drug of choice, is exposure to drugs and reminders of drug use in daily life. Alcohol, for example, is omnipresent. Characters in movies and television shows are often portrayed with a drink in hand. Advertisements make imbibing seem…
5 Key Elements of Recovery from Depression and Substance Abuse RecoveryBy Promises AustinJuly 30, 2014For 20 years, I battled with a cycle of depression that went from manageable low moods to periods of isolation and despair. Yet it wasn’t until I had a complete breakdown that I started to challenge my mental health status. When I did, it turned out to be the first step to overcoming depression and…
Introduction to Self-Guided Mindful Relaxation Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJuly 28, 2014Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), first pioneered by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, is quickly becoming standard practice in addiction recovery programs across the U.S. Initially adapted from Buddhist and yogic meditation and relaxation techniques to support standard psychotherapy as a way to combat and control stress, it’s not hard to connect the dots and understand…
The Shame Game Mental HealthBy Promises AustinJuly 24, 2014Are you playing the shame game? Keeping secrets, hiding a drug problem or disguising alcohol abuse are all warning signs that you could be. And feeling embarrassed, guilty or remorseful will ensure you keep playing. The Negativity of Shame Shame can impact every aspect of your life so it’s important to know how to recognize…
How Does Meth Damage the Brain? MethBy Promises AustinJuly 23, 2014Methamphetamine is one of several drugs of abuse classified as central nervous system stimulants. However, the drug produces more powerful effects than other stimulants and its repeated use can easily trigger the brain changes that foster drug dependence and drug addiction. In a study published in May 2014 in the journal Addiction Biology, a team…
Do You Suspect a Nurse Has a Substance Abuse Problem? Addiction - ProfessionalsBy Promises AustinJuly 22, 2014The nurse is the glue that holds most medical operations together. So you may be surprised to hear that an estimated 10 to 15 percent are abusing substances while on the job. And nurses aren’t the only ones. Drug and/or alcohol abuse can affect many healthcare workers over the course of their career. In this…
Study Calculates Life Improvement After Alcoholism Treatment Addiction TreatmentBy Promises AustinJuly 18, 2014Health-related quality of life is a measurement that doctors and public health officials use to define each person’s ability to enjoy a productive, satisfying day-to-day lifestyle. People affected by alcoholism, one of two related conditions known together as alcohol use disorder, typically experience a substantial decline in this measurement. In a study published in May/June…
Which People Have Highest Odds of Quitting Drinking? Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinJuly 18, 2014People with serious drinking problems may have overlapping symptoms of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, symptoms related only to non-addicted abuse or symptoms related only to alcoholism. After trying to quit, many of these individuals experience a short- or long-term relapse back into active alcohol consumption. In a study published in June 2014 in the journal…
