Paula Abdul became internationally known as a singer, dancer, choreographer, and television personality. Behind her energetic performances, however, she has publicly discussed years of injuries, surgeries, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties. Her experience offers an opportunity to discuss an important issue in addiction medicine: the complicated relationship between chronic pain, prescription medications, physical dependence, and … Read more
When people are struggling with addiction, one of the most important questions they may ask is, “What are my chances of recovering?” Families may also search for statistics hoping to understand whether their loved one can overcome alcohol or drug addiction. The encouraging answer is that recovery is possible. However, there is no universally accepted … Read more
Cravings can feel powerful, especially when someone is hungry, tired, stressed, or adjusting to new routines during recovery. One simple strategy that may help some people start the day with greater stability is eating a breakfast that contains adequate protein. Protein is not a cure for addiction, and breakfast cannot eliminate substance cravings. However, a … Read more
Recovery from substance use disorder involves more than stopping alcohol or drugs. Physical health, mental health, relationships, medications, reproductive health, and access to healthcare can all influence a person’s recovery journey. For people who can become pregnant, birth control may be an important part of that larger picture. Birth control does not generally cause or … Read more
Streaming services have made entertainment available almost anywhere, at any time. Watching several episodes of a favorite show occasionally may simply be a relaxing way to spend an evening. The problem begins when binge-watching becomes difficult to control and repeatedly interferes with sleep, responsibilities, relationships, exercise, or emotional well-being. Breaking the cycle does not necessarily … Read more
Mental health can be difficult to explain to someone who does not believe psychological conditions are “real.” A skeptic may view depression as sadness, anxiety as worrying too much, addiction as poor choices, or ADHD as a lack of discipline. Others may believe that people should simply become stronger, think positively, pray more, work harder, … Read more
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects attention, impulse control, organization, motivation, and emotional regulation. Alcohol affects many of these same brain functions. When ADHD and alcohol use overlap, the combination can create challenges involving decision-making, relationships, work, school, medication management, and mental health. Some people with ADHD may initially experience alcohol as relaxing. It might seem to … Read more
Body image is more than simply liking or disliking the way you look. It includes the thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors connected to your body, weight, shape, and appearance. When someone develops persistent body dissatisfaction, the emotional distress can influence eating, exercise, relationships, self-esteem, and sometimes substance use. For some people, alcohol or other drugs … Read more
Country music star Miranda Lambert has built a career around songs about love, independence, heartbreak, anger, vulnerability, and starting over. Behind some of that music are real experiences with emotional pain and alcohol. Lambert has publicly acknowledged drinking more after her highly publicized 2015 divorce from Blake Shelton and has discussed how drinking can become … Read more
Beyoncé is often associated with confidence, beauty, physical fitness, and powerful performances. Yet her public comments over the years reveal a more complicated relationship with body image. Like many women, she has experienced criticism about her weight, pressure to meet appearance expectations, and the physical changes associated with pregnancy and motherhood. Her journey offers an … Read more