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).…
“Happiness is an inside job”- Abraham Hicks Substance abuse often starts as self-medication against internal struggles. At some point, we may extend this concept into other parts of our lives—just as we may have relied on the comfort provided by drugs, we may also rely on the comfort provided by people or things. Depending on…
It is hard to wrap our minds around it yet there is strong scientific evidence to support the statistic that 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused or assaulted, whether in childhood or as an adult. No doubt, this is a low estimate since the statistics don’t include noncontact experiences. Facts about men and…
In neuroscience, food is something we call a “natural reward.” For human beings to survive, things, like eating, having sex, and nurturing others, must stimulate the brain in such a way that these behaviors are reinforced and repeated. The European Journal of nutrition, reports an increasingly popular theory that sugar acts as an addictive agent,…
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…
It can be challenging to overcome drug addiction. The best route is often to head to an addiction treatment facility that offers a wide range of treatment options. While there are various treatments for drug abuse available, these are some of the most common and the most effective. Trauma Therapy and Mental Health Support It…
Traumatic ordeals can cause emotional or mental damage in some people. There are many causes of these ordeals and each case is subjective. However, it’s common for people who suffer difficult events to develop addictions when they don’t deal with those events. Understanding the connection between trauma and addiction can help them overcome both. What…
Exposure to trauma and substance abuse often accompany each other. Traumatic experiences can lead an individual to self-medicate in order to forget the experience or calm their nerves, guilt, and agitation. Let’s explore the question, what is trauma, and examine what you can do for yourself if you’ve had a traumatic experience and are now…
The standard psychotherapy definition is talk therapy. It refers to the practice of treating mental health conditions via behavioral modifications based on discussions. Not surprisingly, it’s a perfect modality for use in a drug rehab facility. But did you know that it also works well for treating process addictions? What Happens During Talk Therapy? There…
In many cases, people have a drink or two to overcome depression and anxiety. A stressful job, a relationship breakup, or personal disappointments are common reasons for drinking. But something happens along the way, and the temporary problem with its quick solution becomes a permanent fixture in life. It’s at this juncture that an alcohol…