The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that more than 21 million Americans aged 12 and older have had a substance abuse disorder. Drug and alcohol addictions are common enough that if you haven’t experienced it yourself, someone you know most likely has. Learning more about what substances are the most addictive can … Continue reading What Are the Most Addictive Substances?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary chronic disease of brain reward, memory, motivation, and related circuitry, which is reflected in an individual pursuing reward or relief by substance abuse. Addiction to nearly any substance can have a substantial negative impact on your life and the lives of those around you. … Continue reading What Constitutes Addiction?
If you are recovering from an addiction to any substance, it is crucial that you become aware of common triggers that could potentially lead to a relapse. By understanding what could trigger or lead to a relapse, you can make sure to avoid these triggers so that you can continue living a sober life. What … Continue reading What Kinds of Triggers May Cause an Addiction Relapse?
Many people decide to quit smoking once they realize the negative impact of the habit on their overall health. Fortunately, once a smoker does quit, there are significant health benefits that take place almost immediately. Why Is Smoking So Addictive? Smoking is an addictive habit due to the active ingredient in tobacco called nicotine. When … Continue reading What Are the Best Ways to Quit Smoking?
It can be difficult to recognize when something has become an addiction. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is defined as a chronic disease that affects the brain’s memory, motivation, and reward functions. A person with an addiction will experience feelings of craving that substance. In many cases, those with addictions … Continue reading How Do I Know If I Am Addicted to Something?
An individual’s identity, or self-image, constantly adapts to the environment, rather than just remaining static. Most people are able to incorporate multiple different identities into their daily life. For example, someone may have a work identity in the workplace, along with a different identity while they are relaxing with friends and family. Since identity is … Continue reading Identifying with Your Addiction
While the goal for those recovering from addiction is to maintain their sobriety, it is unfortunately not always the case that they are able to do so the first time they attempt recovery, or at all. Luckily there are many different programs and approaches to recovery. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism—Study on AA … Continue reading Statistics on Sobriety
When someone thinks of addiction, they typically are thinking of alcohol or other drugs such as heroin, marijuana, or cocaine. However, there are many other drugs that are commonly abused that may not immediately come to mind when one first thinks of addiction. Staying up-to-date on your knowledge of side effects and long-term effects of … Continue reading Different Types of Addiction