Physical vs. Psychological Dependency: What’s the Difference? Drug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinMarch 22, 2014Physical and psychological dependence refer to the hold that a substance or behavior has on the addict’s body and mind. While there is much overlap between the two, and they typically occur in tandem, it helps to see some of the differences between them. Physical dependence has to do with the condition of the body…
Street Names for Common Drugs Drug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinMarch 19, 2014If you’re having a hard time keeping up with the many street names for common illegal drugs, you’re not alone. After all, they were created to confuse, divert and otherwise dodge the suspicions of law enforcement, parents and teachers. Some street names have entered the common vocabulary, while countless others remain obscure. Even so, a…
Parental Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Issues Trickle Down Drug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinMarch 17, 2014Problems like substance abuse and mental illness are serious and far-reaching, impacting the lives of all around. The closer a person is to someone struggling with one of these conditions, the more they tend to be affected, with spouses, parents and children bearing the brunt of the fallout. For children, having a caring adult who…
An Interview with Ilana Zivkovich, LCSW, LCDC, Executive Director Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinMarch 13, 2014Ilana Zivkovich has an inner beauty that radiates through and is visible to everyone around her. Some might say this is because she sees the inner beauty in others. “All people have an inner truth that is beautiful,” says Ilana. “So often we feel we’d be good enough ‘if only’ we could make certain changes.…
Prescription Painkillers Linked to Addiction in All Ages Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinMarch 13, 2014Stereotypes of drug addiction are changing. People may expect that an addiction started due to drugs being passed around at a high school party, or a young adult’s drug-laced family environment drew them in. But today it’s just as likely that a craving began due to surgery experienced by an older person. The Centers for…
Regular Cocaine Use Appears to Damage Social Skills CocaineBy Promises AustinMarch 12, 2014Often, the very problem a person is attempting to escape through substance abuse can become magnified through their habit. In the case of cocaine, a new study indicates that chronic users harm their ability to interact socially. In which case the person seeking to intensify life’s experiences winds up isolating themselves from one of life’s…
Meth and Sex Can Become Co-Occurring Addictions Sex AddictionBy Promises AustinMarch 11, 2014Substance use addictions became intricately interwoven with sex at an early age for Lewis, a man who was starved for attention by his parents. Such co-occurring addictions do complicate recovery, but they can be overcome. Lewis grew up in large, spacious homes—his family owned more than one—with hired caregivers and tutors, but without much in…
How to Talk to an Alcoholic Spouse or Partner Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinMarch 10, 2014For most married couples communication is a constant work in progress. Add alcoholism to the mix and this delicate dance becomes much more complicated. You may be nervous or simply not know how to talk to your alcoholic spouse about their drinking. It will take work and forethought, but it is possible to have an…
An Interview with Elizabeth Wilkinson, LPC, LCDC, Program Therapist Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinMarch 7, 2014One of the first things people notice about Elizabeth Wilkinson – “Izzy” to those who know her – is her clever sense of humor. She’s quirky. She’s passionate. And she makes people laugh – not only in passing moments as she greets her clients or colleagues, but also as part of the therapeutic process. “I…
Study Finds Alarming Death Rate for Opioid Addicts Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinMarch 5, 2014Opioid addiction, known formally in the U.S. as opioid use disorder, is known for its ability to produce seriously negative outcomes for affected individuals. Addiction specialists can help significantly reduce the impact of these outcomes by providing appropriate treatment options. However, the potential for problems does not end when treatment begins. In a study published…
