One of the most common sleep disorders affecting Americans is insomnia. It is estimated that around 30 to 40 percent of people experience this sleep disorder. Insomnia is also linked to substance use disorders. Some people may begin using drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate or to fall asleep. Those who have a…
Trauma is a natural part of life, as nobody is immune to the stress and pain that comes with heartache, grief, or loss. With time, most trauma can begin to heal, as humans are adaptable and resilient. However, sometimes trauma does not heal and is instead repressed. If this unhealed trauma is not properly addressed,…
Books are more than just a fun way to pass the time. They can elicit an emotional response, teach new life lessons, or support existing learnings. There has been a glut of mental health books that promise all sorts of benefits, but are they able to deliver? Those struggling with mental health disorders or addiction…
Life will always have its ups and downs, but one thing people can count on is that these periods eventually pass. However, for someone living with depression, it can seem as though the low points are unending and constant. The sadness, loneliness, and emptiness can feel like it consumes everything that gives a person joy.…
Everybody experiences worry and fear from time to time. These emotions are a normal and expected reaction to uncertainty and doubt. However, when anxiety begins to affect a person’s ability to function in their day-to-day life, it becomes an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder affects millions of Americans and is the most common mental health condition…
It is normal to experience ups and downs in life, as it is only natural that life events and experiences can make people happy or sad. However, these ups and downs can be unnaturally intense for those who struggle with bipolar disorder. Movies and TV shows have made it seem like this mental health disorder…
There are many options for addiction treatment these days. Technology has even made it possible to enter certain outpatient programs through the internet. However, residential or inpatient treatment is still the most effective option for many people, especially if they need help. Someone who is battling a substance use disorder will benefit from being able…
For many people who want to break free from alcohol addiction, detox is the first step in the long journey toward recovery and sobriety. Because alcohol addiction changes how a person’s brain works, detoxing alone at home is often ineffective, if not downright dangerous. It is not a sign of weakness or a lack of…
Opioids have been helping people find relief from pain ever since the dawn of modern medicine. However, this relief does not come for free, and there is always a risk of forming a physical dependence on opioids. Opioid addiction has become a huge public health concern in America, now called the opioid epidemic. Opioid use…
Benzodiazepines, sometimes called “benzos” or “blues,” are prescription medications often used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. They are even given to those who are going through alcohol withdrawal. While benzos are commonly prescribed for various conditions, that does not mean they are without risk. Benzodiazepines such as Valium or Xanax can be addictive,…
