How a particular drug affects the body often depends on the type of drug being used. For instance, stimulants tend to affect the brain in a way that increases alertness, energy levels, heart rate and blood pressure. On the other hand, depressants generally inhibit brain activity causing drowsiness, lethargy, decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and …
Many physicians face heavier workloads and more stress than the average employee. Medical professionals have to juggle their personal lives with demanding schedules. At the same time, they are addressing various patient health challenges. All of this can take a toll on a physician’s mental and behavioral health. To cope with the stressful nature of …
Can Physician Health Programs (PHP) Help Doctors in Crisis? Read More »
Along with non-addicted substance abuse, addiction is the driving reason for seeking substance treatment. People affected by addiction commonly have an underlying condition called physical dependence. However, in addition to physical dependence, you may also experience a problem called psychological dependence. Interestingly, not all people who are psychologically dependent on a drug develop physical dependence …
Is Psychological Dependence the Same as Being Addicted? Read More »
When consumed separately, both alcohol and cocaine can have damaging effects on your normal heart function. It turns out that the impact on your heart is even worse when you use these two substances together, or within an overlapping span of time. That’s because the combination of alcohol and cocaine in your body produces a …
Alcohol & Cocaine Combined: Heart Damage Due to Cocaethylene Read More »
Even the most seemingly minor surgeries can be very painful, and your doctor will likely send you home with a painkiller to take as needed. Perhaps you won’t need it at all. But if your surgery was quite invasive or is associated with a lengthy healing process, chances are you’ll be grateful for the painkillers …
For many women, the ability to balance independence with dependency is easily managed. However, for women suffering from Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD), the challenge to function independently can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there DPD can be treated. One setting in which women with DPD can find effective treatment in a comfortable atmosphere is a women’s mental …
By Elizabeth Davies-Ulirsch, MA, CSAT-C, Primary Therapist at Promises Young Adult Program When it comes to relationships we can often trace the problems of a current intimate partnership to family patterns that go back through generations. Addiction and other mental health disorders often find their genesis in the family tree as well. Just because addiction …
Why We Attract Partners Who Remind Us of Our Addicted Parent Read More »
By Jody Trager, PhD, Program Director at Promises Malibu Vista Many women feel unworthy. Cultural and family expectations, along with certain experiences and messages, can lead women onto a path of self-sacrifice, self-neglect and overwhelming emotions. Some of the underlying issues that impact women’s well-being include: Trauma and abuse. Sexual assault, rape and domestic abuse …
9 Ways Women Can Go from Self-Sacrifice to Self-Soothing Read More »
You’ve made it through rehab! Now what? Substance abuse treatment centers should prepare you for sober living, but sometimes it still hits you hard. You’ve been used to numbing your emotions and not taking responsibility for your life. Having to learn how to feel and to take care of yourself — to really care for …
Finishing a drug rehab program is just the first step to the rest of your sober and healthy life. To continue taking positive steps forward and to prevent a relapse, you’ll need ongoing support, resources and tools. Why not carry those very resources with you wherever you go? The urge to use can creep in …