What Is Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)? Mental HealthBy Promises AustinJanuary 30, 2014Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) is a mental health condition that centers on a compulsive desire to pull out the hair that grows in various body areas. Prior to May 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) classified this condition along with a larger group of disorders known as impulse-control disorders. However, with the publication of a latest…
Oxycodone Abuse, Signs, Symptoms Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinJanuary 24, 2014Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opiate drug that is prescribed primarily for treating pain. It is most commonly prescribed in the form of OxyContin, a name-brand drug that releases oxycodone in time-release tablet form. Other drugs that contain a relatively small amount of oxycodone include Percocet, Percodan and Tylox. Like all opiate drugs, oxycodone is created…
How to Replace Addiction With a New Passion RecoveryBy Promises AustinJanuary 22, 2014On the road to recovery from your addiction, you face an uncertain future. As an addict, your life revolved around one thing. You were consumed by your need to get the next high. Now, without that drive, you may be wondering what to do with yourself. How will you spend your time? How will you…
Methadone vs. Buprenorphine for Opioid Detox Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinJanuary 21, 2014Methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone are two of the primary medication options for treatment of people affected by opioid addiction. Both medications belong to a treatment approach called opioid substitution therapy. In a study published in January 2014 in the journal Addiction, researchers from six U.S. institutions compared the effectiveness of methadone to the effectiveness of buprenorphine/naloxone.…
Personality Disorders Thwart Opioid Addiction Treatment Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinJanuary 20, 2014Personality disorders are entrenched patterns of thought and behavior that damage affected individuals’ ability to do such things as maintain friendships or relationships, maintain a productive daily routine or take advantage of social opportunities. The American Psychiatric Association gives doctors the freedom to diagnose 10 main forms of these disorders. In a study published in…
Dangerous Relationships: Asthma and Substance Abuse Drug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinJanuary 17, 2014Asthma is an incurable, chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and constriction (narrowing) in the passageways that transport life-giving oxygen into the body. Some people affected by the condition experience only sporadic or minor related health problems, while others experience moderate, severe or even potentially fatal complications. According to the results of a study review…
What NOT to Say to a Recovering Alcoholic Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinJanuary 15, 2014When a friend or loved one with a drinking problem enters into recovery, naturally we want to do everything in our power to support her path to wellness. But at the same time, we recognize the situation is fluid and we know that the person we care about is facing a long road back to…
What SHOULD You Say to a Recovering Alcoholic? Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinJanuary 15, 2014Alcoholics in recovery are in a vulnerable state and need the love, support and understanding of everyone who cares about them. Family ties and the bonds of friendship are powerful healing tools, and any person going through a life crisis related to substance abuse can be helped tremendously by the loving efforts of the people…
How Does an AA Sponsor Help? RecoveryBy Promises AustinJanuary 15, 2014So you’re trying out the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) route to sobriety. That’s wonderful, but if might feel a little overwhelming. It may seem like you’re learning a whole new language and culture—so many slogans, acronyms, books to read, meetings to attend, 12 steps to learn and a sponsor to guide you through it all. What’s…
Breaking the Cycle of Triggers, Relapse and Addiction Relapse PreventionBy Promises AustinJanuary 10, 2014The process of recovery from addiction presents many challenges, but one of the most significant is overcoming the psychological grasp of “triggers” or “cues” to use drugs. Relapse is a daily reality in treatment centers, and one of the main reasons it’s so common is that triggers and cues to use exert a very real…
