It all seems so easy; if something hurts, you just take a pill and soon your pain will fade away as if by magic. And even if your pain is severe or chronic, no problem—prescription painkillers are built to handle these heavier loads, and if you pay a visit to your family doctor he or…
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While most expectant mothers in the U.S. are aware of the risks drinking and drug use pose for their unborn babies, drinking during pregnancy continues—and not always light drinking. What causes expectant mothers to consume alcohol and even binge drink during pregnancy? What motivates the behavior and what can be done to help women abstain…
DetailsFor sufferers of depression and similar mood disorders, there’s a good reason to take a closer look at the humble tomato. A recent study led by researcher Kaijun Niu of China’s Tianjin Medical University in 2012 found that eating tomatoes a few times per week can go a long way in warding off depression. Researchers…
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Despite the fact that many high profile people and celebrities struggle with drug addiction, there remains a stigma attached to the problem. The addict usually tries to keep the problem hidden, and when a loved one does reach out they’re met with anger. Often this is because of shame. Someone near you could be struggling…
DetailsWatch Out for These Signs of Relapse Going through rehab and getting clean from drugs or alcohol, or both, is a remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, doing so is just the first step in a long journey. You will be in recovery for the rest of your life, and you will always fight the urge to use…
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A recent study provides evidence of the changes in the brain that follow cocaine use. The study shows that cocaine can trigger rapid growth of new brain cells in mice that impact learning and memory related to drug-seeking behaviors.
If you want to know the drug of choice for those abusing prescription medications, why not just ask them? That was the thinking behind a national survey which learned that oxycodone ranked number one thanks to the quality high it offers. A study by researchers from the Washington University Medical School and Nova Southeastern University…
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This is a scenario most recovering alcoholics can envision: you’ve been in recovery perhaps a few months or a few years and you have had the pleasure of seeing your life start to clean up. Your relationships are improving, you experience less stress and angst, and you can be in the presence of alcohol without…
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Trichotillomania (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…
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Getting sober is a multi-step process. For many alcoholics and addicts, it takes years to shift from being abstinent to enjoying a healthy sober lifestyle. Along the way there are many hurdles to overcome, some large and some small. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common issues that come up. Other…
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