About mental illness and addiction
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it reaches far into the lives of family members, touching relationships, routines, and emotional well-being. Families often experience stress, uncertainty, and worry as they try to support their loved one while managing their feelings. The ripple effect can manifest unexpectedly, from strained communication and financial pressures to shifts in household … Read more
Addiction recovery is deeply influenced by racism and mental health, affecting both access to care and personal experiences of recovery. Racism creates systemic barriers, while mental health challenges often compound these obstacles. Understanding these dynamics helps us take practical steps to support equitable recovery, advocate for change, and foster environments where individuals can truly heal. … Read more
Addiction is one of the most misunderstood conditions in our society, and it’s often clouded by myths that don’t line up with what science actually tells us. Many people still believe addiction is simply a matter of weak willpower or bad choices, when in reality it’s a complex brain disorder shaped by genetics, environment, trauma, … Read more
Addiction and trauma are closely linked. Many people use drugs or alcohol to cope with painful memories or emotions from abuse, loss, or other hardships. Recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use—it also involves addressing the underlying trauma, helping people heal, build resilience, and regain control over their lives. Recognizing this connection shifts the focus … Read more
MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, has a pretty captivating backstory. Known on the street as Ecstasy or Molly, it’s drawn plenty of attention in both scientific and cultural circles. From early pharmaceutical research to becoming a symbol of rave culture and, more recently, a topic in mental health treatments, MDMA’s ride is one of unexpected twists. … Read more
ADHD–social media addiction symptoms are impulsivity, heightened reward-seeking, and difficulties with self-control, which make individuals more prone to excessive online use. Prevention combines self-management strategies like routines and screen limits, family support through structure and guidance, and community resources such as support groups, helping individuals build healthier digital habits and resilience. ADHD–Social Media Addiction: Understanding … Read more
Emotion-oriented coping styles like avoidance, self-blame, and suppression can increase the risk of addiction by encouraging emotional escape. Preventing addiction involves teaching self-management strategies such as mindfulness and healthy expression, while also strengthening family support through open communication and emotional validation. Community resources—like mental health services and peer networks—further support emotional resilience. Together, these strategies … Read more
Panic disorder, marked by sudden intense fear, can lead to addiction when individuals turn to substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines for quick relief. This self-medication increases the risk of dependency and complicates recovery. Preventing this requires self-management tools like breathing techniques and journaling, supportive family environments, and access to community resources such as mental health … Read more
Understanding addiction trends among teens is crucial as the landscape of substance use continues to evolve with new products, peer pressures, and digital influences. Parents play a key role in early prevention by staying informed, maintaining open communication, and modeling healthy behaviors. Teens, in turn, benefit from learning how to assess risks, seek credible information, … Read more
Tapering off benzodiazepines slowly is essential due to the drug’s strong effects on the central nervous system and the serious risks of abrupt withdrawal, including seizures, panic attacks, and rebound anxiety. A gradual reduction allows the brain to readjust safely while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. However, this process is not without its disadvantages—it can be prolonged, … Read more