About mental illness and addiction
Lindsay Lohan became internationally famous at a remarkably young age. Movies such as The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls transformed her from a child actor into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young stars. But behind her professional success, Lohan experienced years marked by substance misuse, legal problems, rehabilitation programs, intense media scrutiny, and … Read more
Billy Joel is known around the world as the “Piano Man,” a celebrated singer-songwriter whose career has included decades of hit songs, major awards, and sold-out performances. Behind that extraordinary success, however, Joel has spoken publicly about periods when alcohol became a serious problem in his life. His experiences demonstrate an important reality about substance … Read more
People sometimes describe a narcissistic adult as “acting like a child.” They may be referring to behaviors such as demanding attention, reacting intensely to criticism, blaming others, struggling to apologize, or expecting immediate gratification. Although the comparison can help explain certain patterns of emotional immaturity, it should not be taken literally. Children are still developing … Read more
Country music superstar Tim McGraw built a career around hit songs, sold-out concerts, and a public image of confidence. Behind that success, however, McGraw has openly discussed a period when excessive drinking and partying were affecting his life and relationships. His journey toward sobriety demonstrates how addiction can develop even while someone remains professionally successful—and … 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
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