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Addiction

Substance Abuse and the Brain

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substance abuse

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Substance Abuse According to the American Psychological Association (APA), substance abuse is defined as “a pattern of compulsive substance use marked by recurrent significant social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal adverse consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties” (2022). Addiction describes the “state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs” (APA, 2022). Substance abuse goes hand in hand with addiction, as substance abuse can lead to addiction.  Substance Use Disorder Symptoms The following are symptoms of substance use disorders as outlined by The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: Using/drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned. Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol. Craving, or a strong …

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The Danger of Self-Medicating to Deal with Stress

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman self medicating to deal with stress

Self-medicating to deal with stress is a nationwide problem. Stress in America 2022 revealed more than one in 10 adults said they have been using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax. This coping mechanism, known as self-medicating, carries severe potential consequences. The dangers of self-medicating to deal with stress extend far beyond the immediate hazards, with individuals risking not only physical health complications but also a potential downward spiral into addiction. If you use drugs, alcohol, or other substances to deal with stress, it is crucial to understand the risks to your physical and mental health. In this article, we’re exploring the danger of self-medicating to deal with stress. Mental Health Challenges of Self-Medicating to Deal with Stress Misusing any substance may lead to dependence on the substance, thinking it must have it to survive. Dependence may lead to addiction.  These effects on the brain can worsen pre-existing mental health …

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Helping Someone with a Process Addiction

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substance abuse

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is a process addiction? When thinking of the word “addiction,” one may picture alcohol, illegal drugs like cocaine, or addictive prescription drugs  – all substances of abuse. However, addictions come in many forms and are not limited to substances. Addiction can look like repeated behaviors that have harmful effects on a person’s life. Behavioral addiction, also called process addiction, refers to “the compulsion to continually engage in an activity or behavior despite the negative impact on the person’s ability to remain mentally and/or physically healthy and functional in the home and community” (American Addiction Centers, 2022).  Common for all who struggle with addiction, those who have process addictions may find the behavior they engage in psychologically rewarding, perhaps even feeling elated or “high” while engaging, only to later feel remorse, guilt, and experience consequences for said behavior. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for human pleasure, satisfaction, …

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Dry Drunk Syndrome

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substance abuse

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is Dry Drunk Syndrome? Alcoholism, much like other addictions, can be viewed as a symptom of coexisting mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Many people turn to substances like alcohol as a way of coping with existing psychological pain and uncomfortable emotions. Drinking, however, does not eradicate this psychological pain; it merely temporarily numbs it. Recovery doesn’t just entail staying sober; it includes addressing the psychological pain that brought the individual to alcoholism in the first place. Alcoholics Anonymous, the creators of the 12-step program, first coined the term dry drunk syndrome. R.J. Solberg defined the term in his book, The Dry Drunk Syndrome, as “the presence of actions and attitudes that characterized the alcoholic prior to recovery” (1993). What does it look like? People who experience dry drunk syndrome often quit alcohol on their own without the support of clinicians or …

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Tips for Staying Sober this New Year

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tips for staying sober

Staying sober throughout the year can be challenging, especially during holidays and other events involving alcohol. However, by following a few tips, it can be possible to maintain sobriety and continue to make progress in recovery. New Year’s resolutions are a great way to focus on improving and developing yourself. Many people choose to make resolutions about their health and well-being, such as quitting smoking or drinking less alcohol. Staying sober for a year is an admirable goal that requires dedication and determination to follow through with. In this article, we’re exploring helpful tips for staying sober all year. Tips for Staying Sober  Staying sober does not mean cutting out all pleasure from your life – there are many sober activities that can be enjoyed without having a drop of alcohol involved. Taking up sports or another hobby is a great way to keep busy and stay healthy; going for …

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