The teenage years are particularly a critical period for brain development, which substance use can interfere with. Cannabis use among this age group can cause immediate and long-lasting damage to the young brain, including memory and learning impairments, mood dysregulation, dependency, and addiction.

Transfer addiction, also known as cross-addiction, often occurs in individuals who fail to address the root causes of their substance use disorder (SUD). Cross-addiction can happen when someone shifts their focus to a new vice, such as food, gambling, social media, exercise, shopping, or even work in addiction recovery.

When you stop drinking alcohol, especially after heavy or long-term consumption, the body and brain undergo significant changes. Alcohol withdrawal produces a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including irritability, nausea, anxiety, tremors, and insomnia. Insomnia during alcohol withdrawal can feel like your brain won't shut off, often due to chemical imbalances, dysphoria, and anxiety.

Between dysfunctional family dynamics, social events with drinking, and a culture of indulgence, staying sober during the holidays can be challenging. However, developing coping strategies to navigate holiday triggers can help you maintain sobriety while enjoying the holiday season.

While empathy fosters compassion and understanding, mismanagement and overuse can lead to unintended consequences, including burnout. Experiencing burnout while helping a patient or a loved one in addiction recovery can detrimentally affect personal health and well-being.

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction or any compulsive behavior is a challenging journey, often marked by momentary setbacks. Two standard terms used in the context of substance abuse recovery are "relapse" and "lapse," which describe two different types of setbacks that individuals in recovery may experience.

Overcoming addiction is more than just completing the detoxification and rehabilitation process. Recovery management and aftercare programs play a pivotal role in maintaining sobriety in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Aftercare is a key component to overcoming addiction and fostering a fulfilling, substance-free life after rehab treatment.

Both holiday parties and the winter blues can contribute to an increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse, either as a means to celebrate or to self-medicate. Whether you're someone who struggles with substance misuse, is sober, or is in addiction recovery, finding healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for navigating the holiday season with ease.

As the temperatures continue to drop and daylight hours lessen, more and more people are experiencing shifts in mood and energy. Mood changes during the fall and winter months are often called the "winter blues" or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Overcoming the winter blues is possible with strategies that promote physical and emotional well-being and support improved mental health during this time of year.

Recent studies have shown a significant increase in binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption among women. In the last twenty years, women have had more alcohol-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths than men have.

"K2" or "Spice" are lab-made chemicals designed to imitate the effects of cannabis, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Synthetic marijuana, while marketed as a "safe" and legal cannabis alternative, carries unpredictable side effects and risks, including psychosis, seizures, and organ damage.

While people-pleasing might seem like a harmless personality trait, it often masks more profound emotional struggles that can precipitate mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is associated with a range of symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, and people-pleasing tendencies.