The Moral View Theory of Addiction interprets substance use as a personal weakness or moral failure, rather than a complex health condition. Although this perspective has been largely replaced by scientific and public health models, its influence persists in the form of stigma, shame, and judgment toward people with addiction. This stigma can discourage help-seeking, … Read more
Addiction does not develop in isolation, nor does it affect all individuals equally. Research shows that people with genetic vulnerability, early exposure to substances, untreated mental health conditions, trauma histories, chronic stress, and limited social support are most susceptible to developing addiction. Identifying these risk factors early is critical for prevention and long-term health. Effective … Read more
Recovery success rates vary across different types of addiction, shaped by biological dependence, brain changes, social conditions, and access to treatment. Opioid use disorder is often identified as having one of the lowest long-term recovery success rates due to intense physical dependence, high relapse risk, and structural barriers such as stigma and limited access to … Read more
For decades, addiction was often addressed through “tough love,” an approach rooted in the belief that strict consequences, confrontation, and emotional withdrawal would force individuals to stop using substances. However, advances in neuroscience and behavioral health have shown that addiction is a complex medical and psychological condition involving changes in brain function, emotional regulation, and … Read more
As cannabis use becomes more widely accepted, understanding its potential side effects is increasingly important. Although often viewed as low-risk, frequent or long-term use can cause physical, psychological, and behavioral effects such as memory impairment, anxiety, digestive issues, reduced motivation, and dependence. Managing these effects requires more than individual effort alone and is most effective … Read more
Addiction-related gastrointestinal and liver disorders are serious but often preventable health consequences of substance misuse. Alcohol, drugs, and improperly used medications place continuous stress on the digestive system and overwhelm the liver’s ability to detoxify the body. Over time, this can lead to chronic stomach irritation, ulcers, constipation, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and even life-threatening … Read more
Dextromethorphan (DXM) addiction is a growing concern due to easy access to over-the-counter cough medicines. Although safe at recommended doses, high-dose DXM can cause mind-altering effects, dependence, and health problems. Recovery requires more than stopping use and relies on self-management, family support, and community resources working together to restore stability and long-term well-being. Dextromethorphan Addiction: … Read more
Pregabalin addiction is an increasing concern as prescription medication misuse rises. Although effective for nerve pain, anxiety, and seizures, high doses can cause dependence, especially in those with a substance use history. Recovery requires more than tapering alone and depends on self-management, family support, and community resources working together to restore health and stability. Pregabalin … Read more
ADHD, bipolar disorder, and addiction form a powerful and often overwhelming combination of co-occurring conditions. ADHD affects attention, impulsivity, and self-regulation, while bipolar disorder brings cycles of depression and mania that destabilize mood and behavior. When addiction enters this picture, substance use can become a way to self-medicate distress, intensify impulsive actions, and disrupt brain … Read more
Addiction recovery often involves managing intense physical and emotional symptoms that can interfere with treatment engagement. Alongside counseling and primary addiction medications, supportive therapies are sometimes used to ease withdrawal discomfort, anxiety, and sleep disruption. Gabapentin, originally developed for seizure and nerve pain treatment, has emerged as an adjunct medication in addiction therapy for its … Read more