It is time to change, or at least amend, the way we think about binge drinking. “Binge Drinking” often reminds people of frat parties, complete with beer bongs, a sea of plastic cups, and college kids puking on the front lawn. Does this image qualify as a picture of binge drinking? Yes, it does, but…
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Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. Many people think of depression as a disorder that primarily impacts adults. However, it also impacts a significant number of teens. As with adults, depression in teens may range from mild to severe. It may last for a couple of weeks, several months, or a…
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Few people make it through the teen years wound-free. During this time, teens are taking their first individual steps socially, romantically, and even intellectually. This can be nerve-wracking for even the healthiest teen. The fears and vulnerabilities of adolescence make it a ripe period for developing mental illness. Studies reveal that one-quarter of young adults…
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College kids have been drinking more alcohol than is safe for many decades. However, the problem of college kids binging on alcohol is more recent and is a predictor for a number of difficulties down the road. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks in one sitting for a woman and five or…
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Many people who drink alcohol may be wrong about how much they are consuming. A new survey finds that drinkers could be off by as much as 40 percent. The health survey found that people regularly misjudged both how much and how often they drink. Additionally, studies reveal that the full 80 percent of those…
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There are many factors that contribute to a person’s risk for addiction and substance abuse. Genetics may be one factor. A family history of substance abuse does not determine that a person will wind up in some form of addiction, but studies reveal that heredity can be a contributing factor. Another factor that leads to…
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Codependency is a term that describes a double-sided relationship in which one person enables and the other controls. This relationship can happen between just two people, such as in the husband/wife relationship. However, sometimes, it can be seen in the family unit as a whole. When a loved one has a drug or alcohol abuse…
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There is a lot of research that shows the relationship between stress and substance abuse, including firsthand evidence of recovering addicts who fall back into an addiction due to stress. Researchers have long established this connection. Previously, these findings have led to stress management courses and other interventions that aim to help addicts manage their…
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For adolescents, living a normal life is important. When a teen is taking the steps toward alcohol and drug addiction recovery, maintaining a structured, sober lifestyle plays a key role in their success and recovery. When adolescents become addicted to alcohol or drugs, it is important that they learn how to live fulfilling lives that…
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If you or a loved one is in need of drug and alcohol treatment, the different levels of service can be overwhelming. There are many providers, all with varying treatment programs. They also have different treatment methods, pricing and insurance differences, and more. Where do you look for help? And how do you choose the…
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