Addiction is more than an emotional dependence on a particular substance. There are biochemical factors at play. Many fail to realize that the brain chemistry of someone battling addiction is actively working against them. Serotonin plays a fundamental role in the biochemical aspect of addiction, and today we're going to explain why.
Do your genes determine your fate? Why can one person drink normally, while another loses all control? Are some people destined to become addicts due to the quirks of their genetic makeup - factors beyond their control? Can nurture overcome nature? Today we tackle the debate - are substance abuse disorders genetic?
Recovery is a beautiful journey marked by self-discovery and transformation. That doesn't mean that it's easy, linear, or guaranteed. If your friend or loved one is in recovery, providing the proper support could be the difference between recovery and relapse. In honor of April being Alcohol Awareness month, we give you the inside scoop on ten things you DON'T say to someone in recovery.
Addiction doesn't just affect the addict, it can be devastating for the entire family. The financial, emotional, and physical burden of dealing with someone that has an addiction could overwhelm anyone. If your loved one is in active addiction or early recovery, it's essential to take care of yourself. Here are ten tips to help family members cope.
Zach had a great job, was making “killer” cash, and thought that because he had money, his drug use wasn’t a problem. He was spending $600/day on heroin & opioids for years. After a near-death experience, he got help. Now, he’s been clean for six years. Read his inspirational story & learn what message he has to share with anyone struggling with addiction.
Realizing that your friend is addicted to drugs can be absolutely terrifying. What’s worse is suspecting that they could be but not knowing for sure, watching helplessly as their life spirals further out of control. Addiction is considered to be a physical or psychological dependency on a substance, despite prevalent negative consequences permeating into every area of their existence. Should you say something? Will it push them away?
There are those that say addicts and people who are dependent on alcohol made their choices. They picked up their first drink, they tried their first illicit substance, they were present and willing every time the decision to drink and use again was made. They view the addict or alcoholic as “weak willed” or rebellious and selfish, and fail to see the human being displaying symptoms of a potentially fatal disease. Addiction is a disease. Here’s why.
