Mental illnesses

About mental illness and addiction

Addiction Telemedicine Barriers

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Telemedicine has expanded access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, but barriers remain, including technology gaps, regulatory hurdles, and stigma. Pharmacies add challenges such as reluctance to dispense medications, limited buprenorphine stocking, and insurance restrictions. Solutions like pharmacist training, stronger provider–pharmacy collaboration, and patient support networks can ease these barriers. Government efforts—through regulatory reforms, funding, … Read more

Spotting Addiction in Family

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Addiction can be a tricky thing to spot, especially when it’s happening to someone you care about. It’s easy to miss the early warning signs, thinking they’re having a rough patch or going through a stressful time. The reality is, catching addiction early makes a big difference in how quickly that person can get support … Read more

Never Give Up on an Addict

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If you have ever loved someone who is struggling with addiction, you know just how heavy and heartbreaking it can be. When setbacks pile up, it often feels impossible to keep hope alive. Still, there are powerful reasons to never give up on an addict. Many people recover, and family and friends’ support makes a … Read more

Trauma and Women’s Addiction

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Women’s addiction often comes with a backstory far more layered than it first appears. Trauma—whether from childhood experiences, relationships, or significant life events—can leave lasting marks that influence how addiction begins, how it unfolds, and how difficult recovery can feel. For many women, substance use becomes a way of coping with pain, stress, or memories … Read more

The Truth About Adderall Myths

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Adderall is a household name these days, and it pops up a lot in conversations about focus, productivity, and even college life. I’ve heard many different opinions about it, plenty of rumors, and many “truths” that aren’t the whole story. Sifting through what’s real and just hype isn’t always easy. That’s why I’m breaking down … Read more

Co-Occurring Disorders Explained

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Co-occurring disorders—when addiction and mental health challenges happen at the same time—are more common than most people think. Many individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, only to find that substance use makes their symptoms worse. This creates a cycle where both conditions feed into … Read more

Are You Enabling an Addict?

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If you have a loved one who struggles with addiction, you might have heard the word “codependency” come up a lot. It’s a word that can sound a little vague. Still, if you’re stuck in a cycle of putting someone else’s needs first, neglecting what’s essential for you to do, or feeling like your well-being … Read more

Words That Hurt in Addiction

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If you’ve ever tried to support someone struggling with addiction, you probably know it can be tough to find the right words. The things people say, whether out of concern, frustration, or not knowing what it’s like, can affect someone trying to recover. The wrong words sometimes do more harm than good. I’ve seen firsthand … Read more

Addiction and Mental Health

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Addiction can quietly weave its way into people’s lives, and its impact extends far beyond physical health. The toll it takes on mental well-being often runs deep, showing up as anxiety, depression, or emotional instability—sometimes in ways that aren’t obvious from the outside. In my own conversations and research, I’ve noticed that many people don’t … Read more

How Genetics Influence Addiction

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Genetics plays a significant role in how individuals respond to addictive substances, influencing why some people develop addictions more easily than others. Addiction is not simply a matter of willpower or environment; inherited traits can shape susceptibility and impact how the brain reacts to substances. Understanding the science of addiction genetics provides valuable insights for … Read more