People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be bothered by intrusive thoughts about their trauma, experience flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping because of nightmares or become hyper-vigilant so they’re not caught unawares again. These symptoms can make daily life a tremendous challenge. Consider how difficult it could be to make it through a simple workday when […]
Almost three years ago, I walked into my first Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) meeting. I wasn’t sure yet if the 12 steps were for me (I couldn’t conceive of a Higher Power, much less one that might be interested in helping me out), but I had absolutely no doubt that, if these groups
Women and Sex Addiction: Building Strength Through Friendship Read More »
Marijuana has a puzzling reputation. Many people believe that recreational marijuana use should be legalized, and that medical marijuana should have widespread availability. Yet marijuana remains illegal in most countries, including the United States, and the idea of legalization has many firm opponents.
Moral injury is a term mental health professionals use to describe involvement in or exposure to events that violate a person’s preexisting code of moral conduct. Current evidence indicates that the presence of moral injury can potentially increase the chances that a person will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of a seriously
As sex addiction expert and author Robert Weiss argues in PsychCentral, the connection between addiction and shame is well established. Those prone to addiction often feel ashamed of themselves; it’s an inward-facing criticism with the potential to lead to problems such as anxiety and depression, which in turn creates a desire to escape through the
The Link Between Sexual Shame and Addiction and Why It Should Be Addressed Read More »
Eating disorders are certainly not seasonal illnesses. People who suffer from these disorders do not have symptoms just a few months a year, like those who suffer from hay fever or another seasonal allergy. Nevertheless, there are times of year that are particularly sensitive or challenging for people with eating disorders, or with problematic eating
No, a dog can’t cure your addiction. But a dog can be a constant and loyal companion, a powerful tool for controlling stress and anxiety, and an animal that needs your care and love. These attributes make dogs important instruments for mental and emotional wellness. As an addict, a dog won’t cure you or be
From back strains to sports injuries, chronic pain is surprisingly common. About 116 million Americans are estimated to struggle with chronic pain. While there are many ways to manage it, some individuals turn to drugs to relieve the discomfort. Unfortunately, this creates the potential for drug abuse and addiction and, ultimately, the need for drug
The onset of alcohol use disorder (alcohol abuse/alcoholism) is one of the most likely diagnosable mental health consequences of military service. Just like full-time military personnel, risks for the disorder affect National Guard personnel called up for active duty. In a study scheduled for publication in 2014 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers
Stress at Home, Not Combat, at Root of Alcoholism Among National Guard Vets Read More »
An addiction to drugs or alcohol is acknowledged by the American Psychiatric Association as part of a larger diagnosable mental illness known as substance use disorder. In many cases, people who qualify for a substance use disorder diagnosis also qualify for a diagnosis of at least one other form of mental illness. Psychological trauma resulting
How Much Do Addiction, Other Forms of Mental Illness and Psychological Trauma Overlap? Read More »
