About teenagers and college students additions
Casual substance use is often viewed as low risk, especially when it occurs infrequently or in social settings. However, even occasional use can quietly influence brain chemistry, judgment, mood regulation, and physical health. Substances that affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin may begin altering the brain’s reward system long before noticeable problems appear. Because … Read more
Substance abuse can disrupt brain systems that regulate mood, perception, and cognition—functions also affected in schizoaffective disorders. Drugs that alter dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate may trigger psychosis, mood instability, or both, especially in people with genetic vulnerability, trauma history, or chronic stress. While substances don’t always directly cause the disorder, they can hasten onset, worsen … Read more
Psychosis triggered by addiction is a serious neuropsychiatric complication that occurs when substances disrupt brain systems controlling perception, reality testing, and emotion. Drugs such as stimulants, cannabis, hallucinogens, alcohol, and sedatives can alter key neurotransmitters, leading to hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions—often during intoxication, withdrawal, or prolonged use. Risk increases with factors like sleep deprivation, stress, … Read more
The science of the hijacked brain in addiction reveals that substance use disorders are not simply matters of willpower or poor decision-making, but conditions rooted in measurable changes within brain circuitry. Repeated exposure to addictive substances alters systems responsible for reward, motivation, stress response, and impulse control. Dopamine signaling becomes dysregulated, natural pleasures lose their … Read more
The daily struggles of addiction extend far beyond substance use itself. For many individuals, each day involves managing cravings, emotional swings, stress triggers, and internal conflict while attempting to maintain responsibilities and relationships. Addiction alters brain chemistry, particularly in reward, motivation, and impulse-control systems, making ordinary decisions feel disproportionately difficult. What may appear from the … Read more
Boredom is one of the most underestimated relapse triggers in addiction recovery. While individuals often prepare for obvious stressors such as conflict, trauma reminders, or social pressure, periods of unstructured time and low stimulation can quietly increase vulnerability. After substance use has artificially elevated dopamine and structured daily routines, early recovery may feel emotionally flat … Read more
Preparing for rehab is a pivotal step that can strongly influence both immediate treatment success and long-term recovery stability. Entering a structured program involves more than arrival—it requires mental readiness, practical organization, and emotional preparation. Individuals who clarify their reasons for treatment, understand what rehab involves, and set personal goals often begin with greater motivation … Read more
Understanding “chosen family” in addiction recovery is essential for recognizing how healing often occurs through connection rather than isolation. While biological relatives can be powerful sources of support, they may not always be available, safe, or aligned with recovery goals. Chosen family refers to intentionally built relationships—friends, sponsors, mentors, peers, and supportive community members—who provide … Read more
Toxic personality behaviors—such as manipulation, chronic blame-shifting, emotional volatility, boundary violations, and persistent negativity—can disrupt individuals, families, workplaces, and entire community systems. While occasional unhealthy reactions are part of human stress responses, toxicity becomes harmful when these patterns are rigid, repetitive, and resistant to feedback. Managing toxic behaviors requires a layered approach. Self-management strategies help … Read more
When George H. W. Bush took office in 1989, the United States was confronting escalating crack cocaine use, rising drug-related violence, and widespread public concern about substance misuse. Building upon earlier federal anti-drug initiatives, his administration intensified the national response through a comprehensive strategy that combined increased law enforcement funding, stronger penalties for trafficking, expanded … Read more