A significant number of people who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction also have mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. When both addiction and a mental disorder are present, the person is said to have co-occurring disorders. Bipolar disorder has a particularly close relationship with addiction. Studies show...
Read MorePeople develop addiction for various reasons. In some situations, it may feel like the best strategy for overcoming chronic stress or dealing with emotional trauma. In others, it might result from consistent heavy use due to boredom, peer pressure, or depression. Understanding why addiction occurs can help you break the cycle, freeing yourself from the demands of...
Read MoreOpioids are one of the most important pain-relieving medications available today. For Veterans suffering from intense injury and pain after traumatic experiences, medications like this can prove vitally important. The problem with opioids is their high risk of leading to addiction and dependence. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a growing problem for Veterans. It is...
Read MoreAre you self-medicating? Self-medication is a term used to refer to a person using substances to treat mental, emotional, or physical pain. Many people do this, but not everyone realizes what’s happening. For that reason, many people who self-medicate end up developing a substance use disorder. If their mental health symptoms stem from a mental health disorder, they...
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