Category: Learning Center Home Page

Stress evolved as a natural reaction to threats in the environment. This survival mechanism is the fight-or-flight response. Ordinarily, when you encounter a perceived danger, your body releases a flood

If you’ve made the life-changing decision to find freedom from alcohol or drugs, your next step is to find a facility that aligns with your needs and provides a comprehensive

If you’ve ever felt chest pain after a bout of heavy drinking, you are not alone. This experience can be alarming because it may make you wonder if you are

It is normal for people to worry before, during, and after pregnancy. But some women experience severe anxiety after giving birth that goes beyond average worry. Thankfully, there is professional

When you start researching addiction treatment options, you will soon realize there are abundant choices. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff and decide where to start your

Kratom, a plant-based substance gaining popularity as a purported pain reliever and energy booster, is raising serious concerns about addiction. Despite its natural origins and over-the-counter availability, Kratom has demonstrated

The symptoms of depression aren’t always obvious. Often, people struggle to identify the collection of symptoms that indicate diagnosable depressive disorders. Learning the signs of this mood disorder can help

Although National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month has ended, this observance continues to remind us about the importance of testing for mental illness. People should not feel shame when

For the third year in a row, Newsweek has named Beach House Recovery Center on its list of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers. This roster catalogs the nation’s top facilities

Since alcohol is so socially acceptable, it’s essentially synonymous with many parties and holidays. When you’re trying to lead a substance-free lifestyle, your first impulse might be to decline invitations

While researchers once thought genetics was the most significant influence on a developing personality, we now know the circumstances and environment of a person’s upbringing can markedly affect their experiences

Maintaining an active addiction can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming. Even if you originally started drinking or using drugs to relax and fit in with friends, a worsening habit will

If you’re hoping to start or add to your family or are currently pregnant, quitting drinking is one of the best things you can do to ensure fewer complications during

In an attempt to curb the prescription drug abuse epidemic, most states have set strict limits on the amount of potentially addictive drugs physicians can prescribe. However, some patients still

Cocaine is a potent stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant. Shortly after using this drug, your brain will release a flood of dopamine that causes an intense

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that spreads via contaminated blood, causing liver inflammation and damage. Because symptoms can take decades to emerge, many people with this illness don’t know

Can you remember learning a new ability, like riding a bike or tying your shoes? At first, it probably felt like you’d never get the hang of it because you

While it’s normal for your emotional state to fluctuate in response to various circumstances in your life, you might have a mood disorder if you experience prolonged periods of extreme

Depression is more than a low mood or a lack of motivation. It’s a potentially disabling condition that can leave you struggling to do simple things like taking a shower

Of all the ways an anxiety disorder can disrupt your life, its effects in your workplace can be the most impactful. Anxiety at work might make you irritable and lash

When looking for mental health care, it’s often the cost of therapy that inhibits people from seeking out the treatment they need. Thankfully, many insurance providers offer benefits to make

As researchers continue to gain a better understanding of mental illnesses, the terminology often shifts over time. This can create confusion, especially for those who receive a diagnosis of a

Psychosis is a condition that causes delusional thinking, irrational judgment and hallucinations. While mental health issues like schizophrenia can cause psychosis, some women can experience a break from reality after

If you’re considering trying therapy, you might wonder where to begin. Perhaps the terms used to describe treatment are unfamiliar to you, or the idea of sharing your problems with

Addiction does not happen in a vacuum. Though someone with a substance use disorder may firmly believe they are only harming themselves, the heartbreaking reality is that their illness can

At various times in your life, have you felt uncomfortable being around specific places, people or situations without being able to pinpoint why? Maybe something that happened to you in

If your mental illness or substance use disorder has put your life or the lives of others at risk, a judge can intervene and order you to attend treatment. The

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe form of anxiety resulting from exposure to a traumatic event. While you might primarily associate PTSD with military veterans who have served in combat,

Some estimates suggest as many as 70% of American adults experience trauma at least once in their lives. Though you might associate the word trauma with violence, rape, abuse or near-death

A lopsided relationship in which one person is always giving and the other is constantly taking is called codependency. If you have a codependent personality, you probably view your self-worth

If someone you care about has started to experiment with drugs, it might be difficult for you to tell unless you’re familiar with the warning signs. Though various substances can

People aren’t born with the innate ability to manage their emotions, which is why young children have temper tantrums in public places before they learn to do better. While emotional

Crying is an excellent outlet for various complex emotions, like anger and grief. You may have even found yourself tearing up because you were happy or surprised. If excessive crying

If you are struggling with a condition like anxiety, depression or PTSD, you aren’t alone – mental health concerns affect millions of Americans every year. This Mental Health Month, understanding

Despite what we know about the risks of drinking, smoking and drug use during pregnancy, maternal drug use still happens when women continue abusing these substances or developing new substance

While ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is commonly associated with schoolchildren, over 4 percent of U.S. adults have the same problem. Most of them have had it all their lives—whether or not

When stress sharpens your focus or motivates you to work harder, it can be beneficial. However, stress has proven to bring a range of adverse health effects, from muscle tension

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by dramatic mood swings. People with this condition can alternate between depressive lows and manic highs, or have episodes with mixed features. Without

Sleep Awareness Week (March 13–19 in 2022) is always scheduled by the National Sleep Foundation to coincide with the first week of Daylight Saving Time—not least because, according to medical

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you may have insomnia – a common health issue that can have multiple cognitive and physical effects. People with insomnia may

If there’s anything worse than being addicted to drugs or having a severe mental illness, it’s being addicted to drugs and having a severe mental illness. And they do often

When troubled by frequent anxiety attacks, many people find relief in anti-anxiety medications. However, no medicine is free of its own risks, and many people have learned the hard way

As we move through life, our experiences mark us in various ways – and unfortunately, not all of them are pleasant. The lingering pain from some memories is called emotional

If you are over-reliant on alcohol or drugs in your daily life, you will eventually experience negative consequences that could include hurting yourself or others, losing friendships or compromising your

All 50 U.S. states have strict laws and harsh consequences associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you get caught driving while intoxicated in Florida, you

It’s no secret that one danger of buying drugs on the street is that there’s no quality control. Especially with white-powder drugs that resemble a thousand other substances, it’s common

People with “functional” substance use disorders often fear losing their jobs if they admit to needing help—an unnecessary concern, since federal law recognizes addiction as a serious health condition for

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the United States. It’s readily available and culturally acceptable. Unfortunately, its prevalence puts specific people at risk of developing substance use disorders

Over 17 million Americans with diagnosable mental illnesses also have substance use disorders. This article looks at one such “dual diagnosis” combination: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and alcohol addiction. What Is

Though some people may dismiss your anxious thoughts by saying things like “Stop being such a worrywart,” anxiety is a diagnosable mental health disorder that causes heightened levels of fear.

In an effort to manage drug distribution and establish consequences for selling or using them illegally, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration created a system to classify various controlled substances and

Mental illnesses are a leading cause of disability worldwide and severely impact people’s overall health and quality of life. Among the millions of people who struggle with conditions such as

Barbiturates are a family of sedative-hypnotic drugs developed to treat sleep problems, seizures, and anxiety disorders. Routinely prescribed two or three generations ago, medical barbiturates have now been largely replaced

Long-term, heavy drinking causes a constellation of physical and mental health issues, including organ and tissue damage, a weakened immune system and malnutrition. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, also known as “wet brain,”

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition caused by a terrifying or intensely stressful event, causing intrusive thoughts and feelings of being constantly on edge. In extreme cases, even

Anxiety is an evolutionary response to challenging or frightening events. It can bring about a heightened state of focus and alertness as your brain and body prepare to cope with

Millions of people worldwide live with anxiety, a mental health challenge characterized by irrational worries, hypervigilance, irritability, trouble concentrating and feelings of impending doom. In extreme circumstances, anxiety can be

Many of us look forward to holidays like Thanksgiving because they give us the opportunity to indulge in our favorite foods or participate in beloved family pastimes. However, if drinking

No drug addiction is safe to quit without medical supervision, but some drugs are riskier than others to “just stop.” Opiate withdrawal, for instance, can make a person painfully ill,

Excessive alcohol consumption poses significant risks to your health. While the short-term effects might seem pleasurable, the long-term consequences can be devastating. From organ damage to mental health issues, the

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid antagonist that binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, easing pain and creating a sense of well-being. When taken as directed with direct supervision from medical

Dysthymia (dis-THIGH-mee-uh)—aka dysthymic disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and chronic depression—is a form of medical depression that lasts at least two years and is less disruptive to daily functioning than major

“It runs in the family” is a comment frequently made about physical appearance, health conditions, or habits. Often “it” does, but why? If a parent drinks heavily and suffers from

Millions of people have experimented with drugs or alcohol without experiencing long-term negative consequences. They may try these substances out of simple curiosity, or because they want to fit in

While everyone experiences emotional highs and lows, people with bipolar disorder are on the extreme ends of the spectrum. Bipolar disorder, once called manic depression, can manifest differently for various

Life is full of ups and downs, and everyone goes through periods of grief, sadness and loneliness. However, some people find themselves struggling with a persistent bad mood they can’t

Each year, millions of people worldwide struggle with various aspects of their mental health. Because mental health issues are so widespread in America, you may have friends, neighbors, co-workers and

Loneliness and isolation are hallmarks of addiction, but they can also follow you into recovery. Achieving sobriety requires severing ties with your substance of use, which may make you feel

Recovering from a substance use disorder is one of the most challenging things you’ll ever undertake. You will likely encounter obstacles on the journey to physical, mental and spiritual wellness,

Stigma and misunderstanding continue to surround addiction and mental illness. The harmful idea that these conditions stem from personal weakness or a lack of morality has prevented many people from

In 2020, over 93,000 people in the United States died from drug overdose—a 30 percent increase from 2019. Although official statistics on specific drugs involved are not yet available for

Hydrocodone is a prescription painkiller derived from the opium poppy, which makes it an opioid drug. While this medication has helped improve the overall quality of life for many people

Receiving a depression diagnosis might feel like a weight has settled on your shoulders. The hopelessness that characterizes this mental illness can make it seem like you’ll feel this way

Being a new parent should be a joyous and exciting experience, but for many people, that isn’t the case. Some women – and even occasionally men – develop symptoms of

While grief is an unavoidable part of life, everyone responds to loss differently. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to mourn, and no effective way to prepare for how

While some chemical addictions begin through pure carelessness—e.g., experimenting “for fun”—the typical starting point is a desire to escape loneliness, boredom, stress, pain, or another issue rooted in undesirable circumstances.

Currently, most people word-associate “delta” with the most contagious form of COVID-19 virus. But the word has multiple meanings, in contexts from transportation (Delta Airlines) to geography (a delta wetland

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety or similar mental health conditions, psychotherapy can help you change your outlook on life and move forward with more confidence. Acceptance and commitment

The beach provides a unique sensory experience that represents a refuge when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. While shelter-in-place orders and activity restrictions during COVID-19 caused many people to put

Cognitive therapy has helped millions of people worldwide resolve psychological issues, and it represents the foundation of many other therapeutic approaches as well. One of these is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy,

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR, is an evidence-based therapy for trauma, depression, substance abuse and other forms of psychological distress. If a therapist suggests trying EMDR, you might

How often do you say things like: “It’s not fair!” “What did I ever do to deserve this?!” “Everything is always against me.” Feeling that way on occasion is only

What motivates you to tackle life’s challenges and move forward with confidence? Is it money, praise or the natural satisfaction of a job well done? People have biological and psychological

Among the many marvels of the human brain is its built-in pleasure and reward system. When you do something enjoyable, such as eating your favorite food, listening to music or

Getting caught in an anxiety spiral can feel overwhelming, as one worry stacks upon the next. You may start feeling panic attack symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, shaking

At first blush, non-alcoholic beer may seem like a safe alternative for people who want the experience of drinking without any chances of getting intoxicated. However, if you are recovering

It’s useless to dwell on an experience that’s over and done with; yet some people genuinely can’t help it. You’ve no doubt heard of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), with its

Despite all the research and progress we’ve made in understanding addiction, many people still question whether addiction is a legitimate illness or a series of misguided choices. For people who

Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by unpredictable mood swings, intense fears of abandonment and ongoing issues maintaining stable relationships. Sadly, research and knowledge of BPD

If someone you love is living with an untreated substance use disorder, you may notice many marked changes in their behavior. Two of the most common characteristics of addiction are

Many people start drinking or using drugs to cope with feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, sadness or depression. At first, they don’t realize that these complex emotions will only grow more

Mental health challenges are one of the most prevalent health problems in the U.S., often requiring medical intervention just like other illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. When someone you

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” That truism (popularly phrased as “… the things you

Nobody starts drinking or using drugs hoping to develop a substance abuse disorder. While addiction is a complex disease involving many interwoven components, many people who develop a drug and

Substance use and mental health disorders are complex diseases with many behavioral and emotional components. Factors such as genetics and the environment can play a role in whether someone develops

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and sometimes, it can be beneficial. However, chronic stress can take its toll on your health in various ways, including problems like high

Since mental health issues and substance abuse often go hand in hand, many recovering addicts are already familiar with the overwhelming hopelessness, chronic fatigue and persistent apathy that characterize depression.

Your immune system plays a vital role in protecting you and keeping you healthy. When a foreign “invader” such as a germ or pathogen enters your body, your immune system’s

Despite all the scientific and societal strides we have made in understanding mental illness, depression remains one of the most prevalent health challenges in the U.S. For many people, mental

It’s no secret that binging on alcohol makes people behave irrationally. And the brain impairment doesn’t necessarily clear upon sobering up. Among other health problems, alcohol plays a major role

About half of people with substance use disorders have at least one co-occurring mental health disorder, such as major depression. As many as one-third of people with major depression also

Going through substance abuse treatment is an essential first step to establishing lifelong recovery, but you’ll need to make many positive changes elsewhere in your life when focusing on your

You’ve almost certainly heard people talk about 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Alateen, but what are they, and how might participation in a group benefit you

After years of being dishonest with yourself and others in active addiction, it can be challenging to relearn how to be truthful. However, emotional honesty is a foundational skill of

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges in America, but there are still many misconceptions about what it is and how to overcome it. If depression has

You probably keep products like paint thinner and nail polish remover around your house without ever considering their potential for misuse as inhalants. However, inhalant addiction is a severe health

While the disease of addiction doesn’t discriminate and can impact people from all races, backgrounds and gender identities, there are significant differences in how women experience addiction. For decades, most

Many activities can become habit-forming if you do them regularly, especially those that can divert your attention away from complex emotions or substitute for healthy coping strategies. Self-harm and addiction

You may have heard that spirituality is an essential ingredient in addiction recovery, but newly sober people often have questions about how spirituality helps support a healthy lifestyle. What role

If you’ve been feeling more stress, anxiety and mental fatigue lately, you aren’t alone. Many people are experiencing a phenomenon known as the “pandemic wall” – a form of burnout

As much as we might wish to imagine that we live in a nation that’s free from racial preference, discrimination and prejudice, ongoing national conversations about race relations and systemic

Once you reach a point of stability and security in your recovery, you’ll want to express your gratitude for the people who have loved and supported you on your journey

Those who don’t struggle with substance use may have a hard time understanding people who do. Why would someone continue to drink and use drugs, despite the cascade of worsening

You might not think much about it in your daily life, but your heart is working for you all day, every day, whether you’re active or at rest. Your beating

Holidays like Valentine’s Day can represent a challenge to your recovery goals, even if you have several months or years of sobriety under your belt. If you typically used special