Shopping Addiction is unlike what is typically considered a psychological disorder. After all, we are all encouraged to shop. Shopping is an honorable thing. When we think of addictions, back room gambling and smoke-filled bars come to mind – and of course drug addiction. Not very honorable activities. Kid inContinue Reading
There are almost as many reasons for addiction as there are people who have become addicted. Nearly everyone has a family member or knows someone who is suffering an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Addiction does not discriminate between gender, age group, race, skin color, or economic status. Some individualsContinue Reading
3.3 million people globally die each year from alcohol. 1.1 billion people worldwide smoke tobacco. Nearly 6 million adults in California are binge drinkers. 90 Americans die everyday from opioid overdoses. Gamblers’ brain scans look similar to drug addicts’ brain scans. 75 percent of addicted Americans are unemployed. One inContinue Reading
The following drug abuse screening test is widely used to assess whether you, a family member, a close friend, or an associate has a drug problem. Print this test and answer all of the questions truthfully. The test is yours to be used in determining your next course of action.Continue Reading
Used for thousands of years, opioids include opium, which is taken from the sap of the opium poppy plant. Morphine (named for the Greek god of sleep Morpheus), and heroin are also derived from opium. Synthetic versions of these drugs such as methadone and codein are medical narcotics usually prescribedContinue Reading
Withdrawal is the physical disturbance or changes that occur when a person begins to discontinue or suddenly stops their heavy use of drugs or alcohol. It also freqently accompanies ceasing the use of some prescription drugs or opiods. The period following such a cessation may include painful physiological and psychologicalContinue Reading
Smoking cigarettes usually begins during early adolescence. It is especially common among students who get low grades, drop out of school, feel less confident and not in control of their futures, and whose friends, parents and siblings also smoke (Chassin et al, 1987). Does this close link between teenage smokingContinue Reading
Alcohol abuse is a widespread issue and the danger signals are easy to recognize. Let’s look at the most common problems and, if you can answer yes to even one of the following questions, you have a drinking problem. (Adapted from the College Alcohol Problems Scale, revised, 2001). Ask yourselfContinue Reading
Take this brief Alcohol Use Quiz that screens for both at-risk drinking (drinking alone) and alcohol abuse, and dependence (heavy drinking) that may interfere with life or cause distress. This screening quiz may suggest seeking the advice of a health professional. While not a diagnosis, this audit (Alcohol Use DisorderContinue Reading
The first step for treatment of alcohol dependence begins with sobering up and cutting off the supply of alcohol. This first phase is called detoxification. Simply put, it means to remove poison. Alcohol withdrawal produces the same symptoms as drug withdrawal and can be extremely unpleasant. Old Habits The nextContinue Reading