Most of us are aware of the havoc that addiction to drugs and alcohol can wreak on a person’s life — from loss of career or reputation to financial ruin, broken relationships and a dysfunctional family life. But what about the toll drugs and alcohol can take on a person’s looks? Often, alcohol and drug …
If you’re a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, giving up the substances you depended on to get you through the tough times is … tough. Even tougher is staying sober. In order to maintain your sobriety, you need a little help from your friends — and not the friends you used to drink or use …
10 People You Need on Your Support Team in Addiction Recovery Read More »
By Matthew Goldenberg, D.O., Board Certified Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry Associate Medical Director, Promises Professionals Treatment Program It is estimated that 10% to 14% of the U.S. population is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Many of those affected, including nearly 20% of all alcoholics, do not fit the stereotypical image of an addict — they …
High-Functioning Addicts: Who They Are and Who Is at Risk Read More »
Around 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 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. …
How 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 …
Medications 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 …
The 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 …
Coping Mechanisms for Families of Recovering Addicts Read More »
How 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 …
Many physicians face heavier workloads and more stress than the average employee. Medical professionals have to juggle their personal lives with demanding schedules. At the same time, they are addressing various patient health challenges. All of this can take a toll on a physician’s mental and behavioral health. To cope with the stressful nature of …
Can Physician Health Programs (PHP) Help Doctors in Crisis? Read More »