Why We Seek Instant Gratification and How to Stop
Addiction often stems from the desire to seek instant gratification, even if it is unwise. Instant gratification may seem like the perfect idea in the moment but over time, seeking instant gratification is a major mistake. The problem with seeking instant gratification is it becomes insatiable. What is instant gratification? Instant gratification is the desire . . . . Continue Reading
Bipolar Disorder: What You Need To Know
While the occasional up and down mood is a normal part of life, those with bipolar disorder go through extreme mood changes that can significantly affect their quality of life. During episodes of mania and depression, some people with bipolar disorder learn to use substances to self-medicate. Because of this, bipolar disorder and drug addiction . . . . Continue Reading
Many Mothers Struggle With PTSD After a Traumatic Childbirth
Some women experience labor so challenging that the experience results in postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. This usually occurs from a real or perceived trauma during delivery or postpartum. Types of trauma includes: Prolapsed cord Unplanned C-section Use of vacuum extractor or forceps to deliver the baby Baby going to NICU Feelings of powerlessness, . . . . Continue Reading
129 Families Share Their Loss on Capitol Hill to Combat Addiction
Last month, 129 families made their way to the U.S. capital to call on Congress to address the opioid crisis. The number 129 was chosen because every day, 129 people die from substance abuse and addiction. These 129 families gathered to tell Congress stories of the loved ones they lost, or nearly lost, to opioid . . . . Continue Reading
How Much Does Weather Affect Our Mood?
Rain, Rain go away! Come again some other day! The past week in South Florida has been a rainy one, and I noticed it had a significant effect on my mood. My energy was lower, and I wanted more than anything to take a nap. All this rainy weather had me wondering how much weather affects . . . . Continue Reading
Why Your Digestive Health is Crucial in Recovery
In the beginning, your main focus in recovery should be staying sober by any means possible. However, once you are more secure in your sobriety, the next step is to focus on your digestive health. Why? Well, in case you did not already know, drug use severely impacts your digestive health. When you come off those drugs, . . . . Continue Reading
Why You Should Love Being Sensitive
Sensitive people often go to great lengths to hide their inner sensitivity. However, being sensitive does not have to be a bad thing. You do not have to hide behind your emotions anymore. There are positives to being sensitive that the right people in your life will appreciate. Sensitive people are often the most compassionate . . . . Continue Reading
The Connection Between Depression and Alcoholism
Depression and alcoholism together are a destructive combination. Unfortunately, the two are commonly intertwined with one another. Nearly one-quarter of alcohol-dependent men and close to half of alcohol-dependent women also have a concurrent diagnosis of depression. Researchers wanted to explain the association these two symptoms had with one another. The interesting part about the two . . . . Continue Reading
Antidepressant Use More Than Doubles After Weight-Loss Surgery
A recent Danish study found that gastric bypass patients’ prescription drug use decreased after surgery. However, the use of psychiatric drugs like antidepressants more than doubled. Why could this be? Researchers studied over 9,000 Danish patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, currently the most common weight-loss surgery used today. They examined the prescription drug . . . . Continue Reading
4 Myths About OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, long-lasting disorder experienced by as many as 1 in 100 Americans each year. Roughly half of these cases are classified as severe. OCD is the uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and behaviors that a person feels to repeat certain routines over and over again. The truth is most people underestimate . . . . Continue Reading