As a clinician, I am often asked how addiction is determined. From a clinical standpoint, addiction can be diagnosed using a set of criteria. One of the most common and widely used diagnoses tools in the United States is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The DSM is developed through the American Psychological Association (APA). […]
In the United States, there are an estimated 30-million people affected by addiction, including family members. Research suggests that Substance Use Disorder can permanently impact the nature and quality of family communications. The communication dynamics identified in families where an addiction is present are described as aggressive, protective, adaptive, and inconsistent. The aggressive communication style found in families
People with Substance Use Disorders, as well as mental health disorders, are diagnosed as having co-occurring disorders. In the past, this was called dual diagnosis. Substance Use Disorder is diagnosed when substance use interferes with functioning at work, school, and in social relationships. It is also diagnosed when substance use creates or worsens a medical condition
What Does it Mean to Have Co-Occurring Disorders? Read More »
Historically, people with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) seeking the help of a treatment center were frequently criticized when exploring their uniqueness. 12-step groups were once the only acceptable support program, and often centers would require a client to attend 12-step meetings, even if the client voiced a desire to chose an alternative fellowship. I once
Over five decades, substance use disorders have had strong relations to the culture of our music, lifestyle, and fashion, as well as attitudes and ideologies. 1960’s —The first documented and widely-spread drug culture came in the mid-1960’s with the psychedelic ideology and hippie culture. Cannabis, LSD and other psychedelic drugs have been associated with the
What Influences substance use disorder in our culture? Read More »
There is plenty of news about the opioid epidemic in America, and most people are well aware of the risks of drug addiction. However, few people realize the true scale of the situation. Take a closer look at these drug addiction statistics to see how big the problem really is, how challenging recovery can be,
Will Drug Addiction Statistics Drag you to Rehab? Read More »
A lot of people have heard about codeine in the news lately. They may not realize that millions of people use the drug every year. Despite its medical uses, some of them abuse the drug. Most recently, however, codeine cough syrup was in the news for new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restrictions. FDA Restricts
Do you live in fear for yours or a loved one’s life? If there are drugs involved, the possibility of a drug overdose is never too far off. This option increases to a likelihood when you take illicit drugs that may contain unknown strengths and chemicals. But there’s a way out. Drug Overdose Statistics Paint
Xanax is a benzodiazepine or “benzo”. It’s also a controlled substance, which means that you need a doctor’s prescription to buy it. A physician might order it for you if you suffer from panic disorders or anxiety. Xanax withdrawal occurs when you want to quit using the benzo, but your body and mind depend on
In the latest news stories, the heroin epidemic has spread around the country to Texas and has crossed demographic lines. The epidemic has targeted individuals across income levels and in different areas of the country. The Centers for Disease Control recently showed that heroin use was up 60 percent among Americans who made $50,000 or
