About alcoholism disease and treatments
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
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
Rob Lowe became famous at a young age, experiencing the excitement and pressures of Hollywood while still developing his adult identity. Behind the successful acting career, however, Lowe has spoken openly about a period of heavy alcohol and drug use. His eventual decision to enter treatment in 1990 became a major turning point in his … Read more
Justin Bieber became internationally famous while still a teenager. To millions of fans, his rapid rise represented extraordinary success. Behind the fame, however, Bieber has publicly described periods of depression, anxiety, loneliness, substance misuse, emotional instability, and difficulty adjusting to enormous attention at a young age. His experiences demonstrate an important mental health lesson: success … Read more
Jada Pinkett Smith has spoken publicly about periods in her younger life when alcohol, drugs, and other compulsive behaviors became problematic. Her story provides an opportunity to discuss how addiction does not always look the same from one person to another. Someone can maintain a career, relationships, and public success while privately recognizing that certain … Read more
Celebrity life is often associated with wealth, success, glamorous events, and seemingly unlimited opportunities. Yet behind the carefully managed public image, celebrities can experience the same substance use disorders, mental health challenges, trauma, grief, relationship problems, and emotional distress as anyone else. In some cases, the pressures surrounding fame can create additional barriers to recognizing … Read more
Feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, unmotivated, or desperate for relief can make someone wonder: Am I burned out, or is something more serious happening? Burnout and addiction can sometimes look similar from the outside. Both may involve changes in mood, declining performance, withdrawal from other people, disrupted sleep, irritability, and difficulty managing everyday responsibilities. They are … Read more
Actor, comedian, and podcast host Dax Shepard has spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol and other drugs, as well as the challenges of maintaining recovery. His experience provides an important reminder that addiction recovery is not always a straight path. Even after many years without alcohol or illicit drugs, vulnerability can remain, and relapse … Read more