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…
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Stress and anxiety are significant drivers of substance abuse. But what’s the difference between stress and anxiety, and how does each impact the development of addictive behaviors? A new study paper highlights the discovery of important distinctions between stress and anxiety, and reveals that anxiety may be the stronger catalyst for drug or alcohol problems.…
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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…
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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health concern that can have a debilitating effect on a sufferer’s everyday life. OCD can interfere with work, relationships, personal life and create an unwanted and unhealthy cycle of stress. OCD is experienced by both men and women at about the same rate, although there are some differences…
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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,…
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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.…
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Major depressive disorder is the term doctors use to officially describe one of America’s most common mental health issues: major depression. Research indicates that women may have substantially higher chances of developing this condition than men. That’s true, in part, because women have gender-specific risks for a condition called postpartum depression, which sometimes meets the…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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