It’s a well-established fact that excessive alcohol consumption can damage your cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) health and increase your risks for several life-threatening conditions. Failure to follow certain lifestyle recommendations can also increase your odds of developing cardiovascular problems. In a study published in June 2014 in the journal Substance Abuse, a team of …
There are those who realize that they have a drinking problem and are able to cut back or simply stop. I wasn’t one of them. I abused alcohol for 20 years knowing that it was causing problems both physically and mentally, but didn’t stop until I had lost everything. Here’s what I learned from thinking …
Even in Addiction, It’s Never Too Late to Start Over Read More »
As an addict in recovery you have been through a major life struggle. You lived with your addiction. You forced yourself to realize the problem you had with drugs or alcohol. And finally you accepted offers of help and made it through a rehab program to get sober and learn how to stay sober. You …
Volunteering is a wonderful way to support your recovery from addiction. After completing an intensive program of addiction treatment you may feel invigorated and ready to take on the world. It could also be that you feel lost and unsure what to do next. Many people find themselves without purpose post-rehab. For a long time …
A group of scientists collaborated to discover several new gene areas apparently connected to bipolar disorder. The findings provide an important route of further study toward understanding this emotionally disruptive condition.
Researchers and addiction specialists are well aware that genetic factors play an important role in any given person’s chances of developing a physical dependence on alcohol (i.e., alcoholism). However, the factors involved are complex, and no one fully understands all of the specific genetic combinations that can increase your risk. In a study published in …
Common Genetic Variation Big Risk Factor for Alcoholism, Mental Illness Read More »
Every year, millions of people gather for awareness events and charity walks for cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. These inspiring events make a difference on a national level. They help raise funds for research, education and treatment and spread a message of hope. While similar events occur for addiction, mostly on a local level, …
As an addict in recovery you know that addiction is far more complicated than a failure of willpower. Drugs and alcohol cause chemical changes in your brain that encourage you to use them repeatedly. With more use come more alterations to the brain. These leave you nearly helpless in your attempts to stop using. However, …
Over the years, researchers have identified many of the brain mechanisms that contribute to the onset and continuation of substance addiction. However, as investigations on this subject continue, more and more information comes to light and adds to basic understanding and the potential options for treatment. In a study published in June 2014 in the …
Newly Discovered Brain Mechanism Helps Explain Addiction Read More »
If you have a loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you know how challenging it is to talk to that person. When you try to confront him about his problem you may encounter any number of deflecting techniques: avoidance, anger, guilt, aggression or anything else that prevents you from having a serious …