Addiction Treatment Blog by Addiction Experts » Life
Reimagining Bereavement
If there was one thing I never understood about how we react to death as a culture, it would be that there is needless stress and grief. Never have I understood this concept before. There seems to be varying opinions about death when we move from culture to culture. For instance, if you observe in Mexican culture, they have a holiday called “Día de los Muertos.” It’s a day where they notice, recognize, and celebrate all … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conditions and Disorders, Life
America’s Addiction to Violence
From the Columbine massacre to the Newtown tragedy to the Lone Star College stabbings, violence of epic and tragic proportions has embedded itself deeply in our culture. This isn’t simply a problem of high-profile outliers; rather, it is an issue that plagues our society every day. As a country, we have a problem with the glorification and the desensitization of violence. This problem is compounded by our willingness to overlook warning signs in individuals that … Read entire article »
Postpartum Depression More Common and Serious Than We See
Being a new mother is difficult for any woman, and mood swings are simply a part of the experience. However, when these are serious and persisting, they can very easily signify postpartum depression. This disorder is largely undiagnosed and undertreated. Up to 1 in 7 new mothers may suffer from this type of depression. Leaving the disease untreated poses serious health and safety concerns to both the mother and her child, such as leaving with … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conditions and Disorders, Life, Mental Illness, Treatment
Recovery without God
A recent study performed by Harvard University’s McLean Hospital looking into the recovery process concludes that “faith in God positively influences treatment for individuals with psychiatric illness.” While the belief in a God, often euphemized as “Higher Power” in many mental health and addiction recovery communities, is promoted heavily especially in 12-step programs, it is not for everyone and recovery is possible without this approach. I prefer a more personalized approach based on self-empowerment and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Life, Recovery, Spirituality, Substance Abuse
Drugging Kids on Flights
Flying is often a long and difficult experience, especially for parents with young children. How to get children to behave on flights is more of a mystery than most life situations, but some parents and flight attendants are claiming to have a simple answer: medicating young children with antihistamines and other over-the-counter drugs to induce sleep (Ianelli). While I and many people – parents and others alike – can understand the frustration of a screaming child … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alcohol and Drugs, Life
Recovery and Circumcision
Recovery through the 12 Steps is a lot like the ancient Biblical practice of circumcision. Circumcision is the surgical removal of flesh (foreskin) from the male penis, having possible origins in ancient Judaism. In the book of Genesis, the Biblical God made a covenant of circumcision with Abraham, and from then on, it became a tradition for all the men of Israel. However, the physical act was intended to represent the inward change of hearts. Either way … Read entire article »
Filed under: Addiction, Life, Recovery, Spirituality, Substance Abuse
The Saddleback Church Family Launches Petition to Raise Awareness of Mental Health
Pastor Rick Warren and the family at Saddleback Church have made a proactive response to the suicide death of their son Matthew, starting a petition on the church’s website to raise awareness about mental illness. The pastor and his wife have also started a foundation on mental health in their son’s honor, naming it after him. Warren’s 27-year-old son shot himself after a lifelong battle with mental illness and depression. The Saddleback family has taken this … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conditions and Disorders, Latest News, Life, Mental Illness, Spirituality, Treatment
Mismatched Drinking May Lead to Divorce
Marriage brings to mind wedding bells, newlywed bliss, and stress down the road. We know that financial problems, arguments over familial ideals, and coming from different places in life can lead to tension, and further down the road, divorce. However, it has recently been found that different drinking habits in a couple can be one of the reasons for divorce – especially in the case of a woman drinking substantially more than a man, rather … Read entire article »
Filed under: Addiction, Alcohol and Drugs, Latest News, Life, Love and Relationships, Substance Abuse
Reconnecting With Old Passions
When I was younger, before my days of using, I was a passionate person. I was passionate about dancing, about singing, about figure skating. I was passionate about my friendships, and passionate about my family. That all changed when I lost myself to the world of heroin and addiction. The only thing I was passionate about was my drugs, my dealing, and my junkie friends. When I got sober, I felt lost –what did I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Addiction, Alcohol and Drugs, Life, Recovery, Substance Abuse
The Effectiveness of Therapy
Psychotherapy is one of the most common parts of a treatment plan for a large range of ailments: from trauma and substance abuse to anxiety and depression. There are many different types of psychotherapy; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, music therapy and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)—these are just a few of the options a patient can choose as a course of treatment. What people are questioning now is whether or not therapy works—and who can … Read entire article »
Filed under: Addiction, Alcohol and Drugs, Conditions and Disorders, Latest News, Life, Mental Illness, Recovery, Treatment
 |  |  |  |
Comments