About how addiction affect relationships
The Relief-Loop Repatterning (RLR) model is an emerging clinical framework that offers a compassionate perspective on addiction by focusing on the repeated cycle of seeking relief from emotional or physical distress. Rather than viewing substance use solely as a harmful behavior, the model encourages healthcare professionals and individuals in recovery to explore the underlying needs … Read more
Recovery from addiction is a unique and deeply personal journey that cannot be measured by a single timeline or treatment approach. Every individual enters recovery with different life experiences, health conditions, family dynamics, emotional challenges, and personal goals. Factors such as the type of substance used, the duration of addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, available … Read more
Methadone is a well-established, evidence-based medication for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), helping reduce opioid cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and lower the risk of overdose and death. In the United States, however, methadone for OUD is generally dispensed through federally certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), which can limit access for individuals living in rural areas … Read more
Severe depression is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, physical health, and ability to function in daily life. Unlike temporary feelings of sadness or disappointment, severe depression is persistent and can interfere with work, school, relationships, and self-care. In some individuals, depression may be accompanied by suicidality, which includes … Read more
Compulsive gambling, also known as gambling disorder, is a behavioral addiction in which individuals continue to gamble despite experiencing significant financial, emotional, relationship, and occupational consequences. Many people with a gambling disorder also have a dual diagnosis, meaning they are living with both a gambling addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition, such as depression, … Read more
Art therapy is an evidence-based, complementary treatment that uses creative expression to support individuals living with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Guided by a credentialed art therapist, individuals use activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, and other forms of visual art to express emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier coping skills. … Read more
Nicotine dependency remains one of the leading preventable causes of disease, disability, and premature death worldwide. Whether delivered through traditional cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, or electronic nicotine products, nicotine is a highly addictive substance that alters the brain’s reward system and can make quitting extremely difficult. To reduce the global burden of tobacco-related disease, the … Read more
Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, is a behavioral addiction that can have devastating effects on an individual’s financial stability, emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Many people who struggle with gambling experience feelings of shame, isolation, anxiety, and hopelessness, making it difficult to seek help on their own. Group therapy has … Read more
Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same individual. Common combinations include depression and alcohol use disorder, anxiety and prescription medication misuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and opioid use disorder, bipolar disorder and stimulant use disorder, or schizophrenia … Read more
Many individuals living with anxiety attempt to manage their symptoms by using alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, prescription medications, or other substances without medical guidance. This behavior, known as self-medication, may provide temporary relief from feelings of worry, fear, or emotional distress, but it does not address the underlying cause of anxiety and can increase the risk … Read more