Parents struggling with substance abuse often find themselves ostracized from the family. Instead of being the dependable provider, protector, or nurturer, these men and women have shown their vulnerabilities. There is much to recover from—both personally and relationally. As they …
Although it’s true that genetic factors can make a person more susceptible to addiction, people often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or past trauma. For people suffering from addictive or co-occurring …
You may be skeptical that you can “train” your brain out of substance abuse, but Professor Paul Dolan is successfully using cognitive bias modification (CBM) to help people cut back on their alcohol consumption. As the author of the bestselling …
For people who have never struggled with drug or alcohol addiction, it’s easy to classify the cause of substance abuse as a simple lack of willpower. It is often assumed that someone involved in addiction continues to use because he …
People often turn to drugs and alcohol to help them deal with their anger about the uncontrollable circumstances in their lives, such as abuse, violence, or the death of a loved one. Substance abuse provides a temporary escape but doesn’t …
Recovery means more than just getting sober. Often, a recovering substance abuser needs to work on developing stronger money management skills after addiction has led to job loss, credit card debt, or savings depletion. As you begin repairing your finances …
In a recently published online study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers at the University of California Los Angeles found that adding exercise to methamphetamine abuse counseling led to an increase in dopamine receptors in the brain’s striatum region, which reduced …
When you’re struggling to kick a drug or alcohol addiction, sugary sweets and comfort foods can seem like a harmless substitute. Sadly, using treats to help you get through a rough patch can lead to an entirely different problem that …
It’s intuitive that once you pursue sobriety you must say “no” to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and other substances. But the practice of saying “no” should extend to many areas of your life, including your schedule, your commitments, and your relationships. …