Sobriety as a New Year’s Resolution

The new year is a time when people make an effort to start over and change some of their habits for the better. It can be a good time to focus on health and well-being so that you live a more positive lifestyle. Sobriety can be one of the best resolutions that you make in the new year as long you have a plan to stay committed and follow through with your decision.

Becoming sober is a big change to go through and in order to succeed you will need to make a number of smaller resolutions to support your choice. Getting sober means talking to friends and family about your addiction and telling them that you want to quit. Letting other people know about your resolution can make it easier to be accountable and you will be less likely to give up.

The next step for becoming sober is seeking professional help if you have a serious addiction. You can find a therapist who specializes in addiction or you can enroll in an inpatient or outpatient treatment center to detox and get adjusted to a sober lifestyle. Quitting an addiction can be much easier in the environment of treatment and sobriety offered at a rehab center.

If your alcohol use is not severe enough to require inpatient treatment you might consider attending a twelve step program to help you get oriented with a sober lifestyle. These group meetings are designed to help people to deal with cravings and allow them to strengthen their resolve to be sober. You can also start to build a social support system with the people you meet in twelve step groups so that you have sober friends who will keep you on track with your goals.

Sobriety can be a great new year’s resolution as long as you take the right steps toward making a lasting change.

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When Substance Abuse Lands You in Jail

People that struggle with addiction often live with a deep sense of denial about their problem until they reach a very low point. Often their rock bottom can be when they are arrested for a DUI or land in jail for drug related crimes. In some cases, going to jail can be a wake-up call for people with addictions that their substance abuse has become a problem.

A large majority of inmates in prison are addicted to substances like alcohol and heroin. Dealing with an addiction while in jail can be difficult and painful as many prisons are not equipped to provide the medical care necessary to quit. Being suddenly cut off from their substance abuse can be very stressful and even dangerous for people with serious addictions.

One of the best options for people who have been arrested or landed possible jail time is to attend a treatment center for their addiction. Drug courts are sometimes an option that allows offenders to enter rehab rather than having to serve a full sentence. This option can be life saving for people that simply need to get help and are not involved in violent or more serious crimes.

For some people that serve shorter sentences and don’t have access to drug court, their time served in prison can help be a jump start for getting sober. For others it can be a difficult experience that may cause them to relapse because of the lack of proper treatment. It is crucial for any scenario that the offender enter a treatment center whenever possible so that they can avoid any jail time again in the future.

When addiction becomes so serious that it leads to problems with the law, it is important to get professional help in any way possible and end the abuse.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/substance-abuse-and-jail/

When Pills Make You a Better Parent

Parenting can be stressful and full of frustrations along with the ups and downs of raising a child. Many parents feel that they need some type of medication to keep them calm and cope with the rollercoaster of parenthood. More parents than ever are taking some type of pill such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds or other prescription to help them through their daily lives.

For many parents, the problem can start with post-partum depression which can affect the mother and the father. This is a common issue that people experience when they have their first child and aren’t prepared to deal with the overwhelming stress of caring for an infant. Doctors may provide post-partum moms or even dads with anti-depressants so that they can continue to function normally.

Children can trigger anxiety and depression for many people that are sensitive to sudden change and the unpredictability of being a parent. In fact, parents experience depression at twice the rate of the general population. Parenting is not easy for anyone and those who are more vulnerable to depression need to be careful when it comes to raising children.

It may be helpful for some parents to take regular medication such as anti-depressants if they are recommended by their doctor or psychiatrist. It may make it easier for the parent to handle their emotions and stay stable for the sake of their family. Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful too but it is important that they are not abused or taken in large doses.

Parents struggling with raising a child may be hesitant to take medication but it can be a helpful temporary solution if their depression has become a problem. Eventually some may want to wean off of their medication and focus more on long term solutions like regular therapy sessions to improve their emotional life and stress levels.

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Postpartum Depression in Men

Typically postpartum depression is thought of as a condition that women go through after they give birth to a child, the reality is that men can experience many of the same issues. While postpartum depression for women can be different because it involves difficult hormones changes and other issues, men can also have problems dealing with the stress of having a newborn child. Men can feel considerably depressed or anxious while trying to care for a child and it can negatively affect their health and ability to function as parents.

Postpartum depression takes place for men when they become overwhelmed by the stress and responsibility of caring for an infant. They may deal with sleepless nights, conflict with their spouse, and anxiety about their child during the first year of the baby’s life. When the stress leads to certain symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, insomnia, appetite problems and feelings of hopelessness then postpartum depression may have developed.

Certain problems can put men at a higher risk for developing postpartum depression such as lack of sleep, personal history of depression, poor relationships with spouse or other family members, poor social life, economic problems and other issues. When risk factors are present, the stress of parenthood can lead to serious depression symptoms that become difficult to combat alone especially with a child to care for. It is important to keep in mind that men also need plenty of emotional support when they have children and women are not the only ones who are vulnerable to postpartum mental health issues.

For men struggling with postpartum depression it is crucial to get help from a professional to address some of the factors that may be contributing to the symptoms. Talking to a therapist can help ease stress and provide the chance to work on tactics to cope with depression and parenthood.

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Seeing a Family Member Homeless

When someone in the family has an addiction, loved ones often feel helpless and don’t know what to do to change their behavior. Sometimes the addict reaches their lowest point and may end up on the street, homeless because their addiction has become out of control. If this happens, it is crucial for the family to step in and help them recover before their situation gets worse.

Homeless people very frequently suffer from drug or alcohol addiction and the prognosis for living on the street for an addict is not good. They could get into dangerous situations and their health and wellbeing will suffer greatly. Loved ones might feel panicked and afraid when they find out that a family member is homeless and their initial reaction may be to take them into their home.

However, the first thing to think about when helping a family member from homelessness is how to address their addiction. Once you make sure they are safe, it is then time to start researching shelters and recovery programs that are designed to help homeless people with addictions. Getting them into some kind of treatment should be your first priority once you get them off of the street.

Once you do some research into the best treatment plan for them, make sure to drop them off and accompany them when they enter the facility. Since they most likely have hit rock bottom as a result of their homelessness, they may already understand how important it is for them to quit their substance abuse. It can also be helpful to check in on their progress, attend family therapy sessions and be supportive throughout their recovery program.

When an addict becomes homeless, they are at their most desperate point and need your help. Most importantly they also need professional treatment to get back on their feet.

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Adrenaline and Bipolar Disorder

People who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience two very distinct conditions for certain periods of time. The mania and depression that accompany bipolar disorder can lead to physical and mental changes that are difficult for the person to control. During the manic phase, people with bipolar disorder can have hormonal changes and a type of adrenaline rush that causes them to behave erratically.

In a period of mania, the individual will feel excited and optimistic with more energy than usual. The adrenaline that they experience during the manic phase can cause them to talk rapidly, find it difficult to focus and control themselves. They may begin to engage in risk taking behavior and act impulsively going on shopping sprees or putting themselves in dangerous situations.

After going through the constant adrenaline rush of mania, someone with bipolar disorder will eventually start to enter a period of depression. A sudden withdrawal of stress hormones and the loss of adrenaline causes the individual to crash and become more lethargic, depressed and hopeless. During the depression phase, people with bipolar disorder may sleep more and have trouble accomplishing tasks or even getting out of bed in some cases.

Phasing in and out of mania and depression can take its toll on a person’s health as they go through different stress and adrenaline levels that affect them physically and mentally. Medication for bipolar disorder can help reduce some of the symptoms of mania and depression so that they don’t interfere with the individual’s life. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also have a positive impact on stabilizing the person’s mood and helping them cope with triggers that could cause an episode.

With treatment, eventually bipolar disorder will cause less extreme mood swings and they can minimize the adrenaline rush of mania followed by the crash of depression.

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Alcohol Increases Effects of Cigarettes

People that drink alcohol regularly often also smoke cigarettes when they are out drinking. It is also very common for alcoholics to also struggle with cigarette addiction simultaneously. Why are the two problems so closely connected?

One of the reasons that people smoke when they drink, whether they are aware of it or not, is that nicotine helps offset that sedative effects of alcohol. The body may be seeking something to counteract the slow reaction times and other issues that go along with consuming alcohol. Another possible cause is that alcohol actually increases the rewarding effects of nicotine when the two substances are consumed together.

Studies have shown that when compared to a placebo drink, alcohol tended to enhance the pleasure and calming effect of cigarettes with nicotine. Even a fairly low dose of alcohol can elicit these effects, according to the study, which explains why people who drink have a very hard time quitting smoking. The interaction of the two drugs makes it very common for people in alcohol recovery to continue being addicted to cigarettes for some time.

Because cigarettes combat some of the effects of alcohol and alcohol in turn increases the effects of nicotine, people make a strong association with both drug habits. Alcoholics in recovery who still smoke may feel a stronger craving for alcohol when they have a cigarette. Someone who has quit smoking may relapse and smoke a cigarettes if they have had a few drinks.

For optimal health and to avoid the drug habits influencing one another, it can be beneficial to quit both smoking and alcohol at the same time. Both alcohol and cigarettes are toxins that cause cravings for one another and affect recovery. Quitting both can be challenging but it will create a faster path to sobriety and increased wellness.

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Dealing With Self-Loathing

Feelings of self-loathing can sabotage relationships because one person may feel that they are not “good enough” to be with other people. Those who cope with self-loathing can sometimes become isolated because they see so many negative qualities in themselves and assume that others will eventually see them. Someone who is hyper-aware of their limitations or perceived flaws can never be convinced of their worth unless they confront the cause of their self-loathing.

It can be difficult for people with self-esteem issues to build up confidence since compliments from others might have very little effect. A good tactic for people with self-loathing issues is to try to acknowledge that they might not know themselves as well as they believe. Although they might feel that they see and understand all of their own flaws, the reality is that the way they perceive themselves is often very inaccurate.

If someone who is a self-loather can learn to understand that the way they see themselves is not necessarily the “right” way then it opens up the possibility that they might not be as flawed as they think. They might see themselves as boring, worthless or untalented but others might see them as interesting and fun. Considering other people’s perspectives can help break down some of the deeply ingrained beliefs that affect their self-esteem.

People with self-loathing issues can also work on accepting praise from others and recognizing the ways in which they are supported and loved. Other people in their lives see their value and if they are able to understand that then it can start to change their perception of themselves. With time they can start to see their own positive qualities and allow themselves more self-care.

Self-loathing is a complex problem, but it is possible to reduce feelings of self-hatred through therapy and changing perspectives.

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Addiction and Memory Loss

Drug abuse can have a devastating effect on a person’s personal life as well as their physical well-being. Repeated abuse of alcohol and other drugs can cause damage to essential functions in the body, especially in the brain. Addicts who have been abusing drugs for many years often experience memory loss and other problems with their cognitive functioning.

Hundreds of studies show a significant link between substance abuse and memory loss which as a result affects things like learning, language and comprehension. When a person experiences a blackout during alcohol or drug use, for example, it prevents the brain from completing the process of forming memories. Persistent drug use can cause not only issues with recalling recent events but also long term memory loss.

Drug use affects the hippocampus which is essentially the brain’s memory-storage system. Someone who becomes heavily dependent on drugs like alcohol will start to see long-lasting effects to their memory and brain function. They may begin to struggle with learning new things and have trouble recalling details such as birthdays and other important dates.

In some of the worst cases of addiction, people can develop serious brain damage leading conditions such as dementia. This typically occurs with excessive drinking over a long period of time and deals with issues of memory, learning and cognitive skills. Alcoholic dementia is a serious condition that is difficult and nearly impossible to reverse in some cases.

For people that are struggling with an addiction and are starting to experience some memory loss it is crucial to quit so that they can reverse some of the damage to their brain. Once sober, most addicts can start to see their cognitive function improve gradually over time. Getting treatment can help prevent further substance abuse from damaging memory and learning beyond repair.

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It Gets Better

Even though facing an addiction may seem hopeless, there are many opportunities to work toward a better future. Only people who have experienced addiction firsthand will understand the destructive toll it takes on your life. When you have hit rock bottom it can be difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel but for most people who manage to get help, things will ultimately get better.

The image surrounding addiction, especially in Hollywood, is often of the addict who can’t escape their own self-destructive tendencies and they are never able to recover. Recent films like “A Star is Born” show a main character who is destroyed by his addiction and never gets the opportunity to try to fully live sober. Even though these kinds of tragedies do occur, the majority of people who receive treatment for addiction are able to survive and lead healthy lives.

One of the biggest issues with addiction is the significant stigma that people experience with the disease. In that sense it is different than any other disease that has its normal ups and downs. When people relapse and their disease worsens temporarily, they are judged very harshly by society in a way that can jeopardize their ability to recover.

Even when someone relapses, if they are able to get the support that they need it doesn’t mean that they have failed in their recovery. As with any disease, continuing treatment can mean that it gets easier every time as they work toward permanent sobriety. Going back to treatment after a relapse is often a normal part of the process.

Although addiction is sometimes stigmatized and portrayed harshly in the media, most people find that they can become healthy and sober with the right treatment and support from peers, friends and family.

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What are Mental Health Triggers?

Someone who suffers from a mental illness may not always experience their symptoms except in certain circumstances. People with mental health problems often have specific triggers that produce their symptoms or worsen them. It is normal for people to react to triggers but it is important to get help and support before the triggers lead to a downward spiral or a mental health episode.

Patients receiving treatment for a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder will all have certain mental health triggers. During treatment they will need to learn to identify their own personal triggers so that they can prevent an episode or have a plan in place if symptoms do occur. Becoming familiar with triggers can make them more manageable so that they don’t control your mental well being when they come up.

Triggers can differ between each individual but some common triggers include stress, frightening news events, break ups with a significant other, family conflict, anniversary dates of a trauma, financial problems, being judged or teased, spending too much time alone and many others. When someone who has a mental illness experiences one of these triggers they may suddenly become very depressed or anxious and find that they are having trouble coping with their normal daily tasks.

It is crucial to develop a plan for how to deal with these kinds of triggers so that they don’t worsen symptoms too severely. Patients can make a list of actions or activities that help them minimize the effects of triggers such as going for a walk, talking to a friend, practicing relaxation exercises, or writing in a journal. As long as you know certain tactics that can help alleviate some of your symptoms quickly, you can prevent triggers from disrupting your normal routine.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/mental-health-triggers/

Circadian Rhythm Disturbances Effect on Mental Health

Sleep habits and mental health are often closely connected in a number of different ways. People that have mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder are well-known to struggle with get a regular amount of sleep. The lack of sleep that they experience can often worsen symptoms and cause a vicious cycle of poor mental and physical health.

Studies have shown that patients with bipolar disorder tend to have more problems with circadian rhythm disturbances than healthier individuals. They stay up later at night, wake up in the middle of the night and often suffer from general issues of insomnia. These sleep disturbances can have a devastating effect on mental health and are even linked to higher rates of suicide.

Sleep problems influence a person’s mental health and their state of mental health can also impact their ability to sleep. Since these two problems are intertwined, it is necessary to treat both issues simultaneously so that they can improve the other. A patient with bipolar disorder who receives medication and psychotherapy may over time find it easier to sleep and in turn better sleep habits will improve their symptoms.

There are many techniques that can help repair a person’s circadian rhythm so that they are able to sleep regular hours without any disturbances. Strategies such as exercising regularly, spending time in the sun, improving diet and reducing stress can all have a positive impact on circadian rhythm. Supplements like melatonin can also be useful in balancing the body’s hormones that promote better sleep.

For better sleep habits and good mental health overall it is beneficial to go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day. Avoid staying up too late at night as it can disturb normal sleep patterns. Getting eight straight hours every night is crucial for mental health and overall wellbeing.

 

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/circadian-rhythm-disturbances/

Young Lawyers Alcohol Abuse

There is a common stereotype in movies and tv shows depicting the alcoholic lawyer who reaches for the bottle due to the stress of his job. Unfortunately, there is some truth to this stereotype as studies show lawyers are significantly more prone to alcoholism than the general population. As many as 36.6 of lawyers in one study had behaviors showing exhibiting issues of  problem drinking.

Surprisingly, this problem is only progressing further with the younger millennial generation of lawyers practicing now. The current generation in their 20s and early 30s tend to have more serious drinking habits due to financial stress, the high cost of living, and student loan debt. Young lawyers such as junior associates tend to drink the most because of these generational problems coupled with a highly stressful job.

Lawyers have demanding careers with long hours and frequently low professional satisfaction. They also have higher rates of mental health problems including depression and anxiety and often turn to alcohol to self-medicate. Alcohol becomes their solution to cope with the many issues that they face because of money, stress and very little free time.

The pattern of drinking frequently begins in law school when students party as a way to alleviate the stress of studying. When they take on full time jobs as lawyers, alcohol can take on a different role of calming their anxiety. Many will end a difficult day by going to happy hour with coworkers, as drinking often become part of the work culture in the legal profession.

Drinking may be thought to temporarily relieve stress for people with stressful jobs but ultimately it causes more psychological and behavioral issues that could endanger their career. Lawyers that abuse alcohol are likely to see it begin to affect their ability to work over time. Young lawyers with long term alcohol abuse problems need to address their issues with treatment and recovery.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/young-lawyers-alcohol-abuse/

Parenting an Adult Addict

The responsibility of being a parent may never completely end, even after children reach adulthood and leave home to lead their own lives. Being a parent means always trying to lead your son or daughter in the right direction especially when they are making very dangerous or unhealthy choices. When your adult child develops an addiction, it is often your responsibility as well as your desire as a parent to try to help them.

Parenting an adult addict can be difficult because you no longer can control their actions or tell them what to do. Some parents may worry too much for their child’s wellbeing and end up enabling them by getting them out of financial problems caused by their addiction. As a parent you need to learn the lines between stepping to help them and enabling them to continue their addictive behavior.

One problem that parents might experience is the feeling of guilt that can go along with having a child who is an addict. Their child might blame them for what they have become and the parent might feel ashamed of mistakes they made while raising them. It is important to understand that once a child reaches adulthood, their decisions are their own and it is not your fault that they have an addiction.

As a parent you need to avoid enabling your child but also be able to offer them love and support while encouraging them to get help. If possible, stage an intervention with other family members and loved ones who are concerned about their addiction. You need to try your best to still remain in their life but also protect yourself and others in the family from their misdeeds.

Having a child who is an addict is never easy, no matter what their age but with the right approach you can help motivate them to become sober.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/parenting-an-adult-addict/

Alcoholism and Ultimatums

When you are dealing with someone close to you who has a drinking problem it can be frustrating and painful knowing that you can’t stop their behavior. You might feel tempted to try to control the situation by giving them an ultimatum– “stop drinking or our relationship is over”. You need to be cautious about giving loved ones an ultimatum because addiction is complex and it can be hard to tell whether it will be effective in changing the situation.

Although it may feel like the right thing to ask an alcoholic to choose either you or drinking because you have had enough of their actions, it is important to understand that your demands may not be as realistic as you think. When a person is physically and mentally addicted to alcohol, their drinking behavior may be beyond their own control. They might try to quit at least temporarily to appease you or avoid the consequences of your ultimatum but it may not last permanently.

Ultimatums may not always be the best solution because it is impossible to control another person’s decisions and actions, especially an alcoholic. If your goal is to get a person to stop drinking then an intervention is usually the format that tends to get better results. The key is to help them realize for themselves how much their drinking affects others so that they make the choice to get help.

Quitting an addiction often requires the addict to come to the realization on their own that they need help. An ultimatum may only be useful if you want to give yourself space or improve your family life by staying away from addictive behavior. It is a legitimate choice to end a relationship because you are frustrated with a person’s addiction, but getting them to permanently change will require a more serious intervention.

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Movies Like “Beautiful Boy” Show Family Struggling with Addiction

Drug addiction can be devastating for families, especially when young people develop addictions early on in their teenage years. The new film “Beautiful Boy” is inspired by the real life story of a man who was addicted to meth as a teenager but was ultimate able to recover after many ups and downs. It is based on the books written by Nic Sheff and his father about his experiences with addiction, his many recoveries and relapses.

In the film, Nic’s father David attempts to support and help his son through recovery in spite of his many setbacks while also helping raise the rest of his children. The director of the film, Felix Van Groeningen, wanted to create a realistic depiction of drug addiction and how it affects the addict and the family supporting them. He was committed to being true to the story without trying to add in a happy “Hollywood” ending.

The father and son on whom the film was based were amazed to see their own life played out on screen and were able to recognize how grateful they are to survive such a terrible ordeal. The real life Nic is now eight years sober but still takes measures to manage his addiction as well as his mental health problems including bipolar disorder and depression. He checks in with his doctor every few months to make sure he is still on track and doing well.

The film “Beautiful Boy” is now playing in theatres and it is a moving story of how a family’s love helped a struggling teenage boy fight his crippling addiction to drugs. Although it is darkly realistic, it can also be an inspiring image of someone who was able to overcome their illnesses and reconnect with their loved ones.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/beautiful-boy-addiction/

The Perfectionist and the Addict

Sometimes the stress of wanting to do your best and a fear of failure can cause a tendency toward perfectionism and those feelings might drive you to self-medicate. Although there is no single personality type that can lead to a person developing an addiction, there is a very strong connection between traits of perfectionism and substance abuse. The need for order and control can make people seek out drugs as a temporary escape from the underlying painful feelings that drive a perfectionist.

Someone who has a problem with perfectionism will set very high standards for themselves and will feel discouraged and upset at even the slightest flaw or mistake. Their perceived imperfections are often exaggerated but the pain that they feel can make them more inclined to medicate their feelings with drugs or alcohol. They have deep feelings of shame about their failures and want to find a way to feel better.

Addiction and perfectionism can be a dangerous combination because when a perfectionist develops a problem they will be even more likely to hide their behavior. Because they have such high standards and want people to see them a certain way they may start to isolate themselves so others won’t discover that they have an addiction. They fear the criticism and disappointment of their friends and family so they avoid admitting that they need help.

The dysfunctional thinking and feelings of frustration and shame that are common with perfectionism can cause and exacerbate substance abuse issues. It is important for anyone seeking help for addiction to address their potential perfectionism and talk about it with a therapist. Resolving some of the beliefs that cause perfectionist behavior can help minimize the possibility of relapse.

If you or someone you love is struggling from an addiction then contact a professional treatment center or therapist as soon as possible.

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Adjustment Disorder – Unable to Cope with Change

Stress and anxiety can lead to different kinds of illnesses with specific issues that need to be addressed. People that have a particularly hard time dealing with major changes such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, switching schools or breaking up with someone may have a problem known as adjustment disorder. Although anyone may feel stressed out about a big change in their life, people with this disorder have persistent symptoms of anxiety that occur after a major life event.

Adjustment disorder can begin once an unexpected change occurs that carries a strong emotional effect. If a child suddenly moves to a new city or state or their parents separate then that type of change can have a major impact on them. It is normal for kids or even adults to feel anxious and upset when they encounter change but if those persist for months and they have trouble moving on then they may have developed symptoms of adjustment disorder.

When someone develops adjustment disorder it means that their environmental stressors have exceeded their resources for coping. Some degree of anxiety is normal when you do something out of your comfort zone but when your reaction becomes disproportionate to the event taking place then it is considered a mental health issue. Adjustment disorder is similar to situational depression which leads to crying spells and waves of anger triggered by certain events.

If you have adjustment disorder it can make it difficult to adapt to new situations and learn to feel more comfortable with changes over time. You might find it difficult to bounce back from your feelings of depression and anxiety that were triggered by a new experience. Talking to a professional about your feelings can help you address the symptoms of adjustment disorder and learn strategies to cope with change.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/adjustment-disorder/

Aggression and Alcoholism

People all react to alcohol differently and may exhibit unique behavior when they are intoxicated. However, there is a very strong correlation between alcohol and aggression or even in some cases violent behavior. Some individuals may be more likely to become aggressive than others but in general the majority of aggressive acts committed tend to involve alcohol.

Aggression most often occurs in men who have trait anger or who tend to be angry more often than others. People with less anger management will start to become aggressive when they drink alcohol. This is because alcohol tends to bring out a person’s natural tendencies toward anger or aggression.

Alcohol causes people to express their anger more frequently and aggressively so that they have a heightened response when provoked. In cases of alcoholism, the relationship between anger and intoxication can become more severe as their drinking escalates. A person with angry tendencies who develops an addiction to alcohol may lose their ability to control their aggressive behavior.

When an alcoholic becomes aggressive it can be very problematic especially in familial or  intimate relationships.  Alcoholism and domestic violence are also strongly linked in many cases especially when anger issues are untreated.

If someone has a tendency to become angry easily then consuming alcohol can be very dangerous for them and the people around them. It is important for alcoholics with aggressive behavior to get treatment so that they can learn to cope with their anger in more healthy  and constructive ways. If you know someone who becomes aggressive when they drink then it might be a good idea to stage an intervention so that you can prevent any further harm from taking place.

 

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Link Between Sleep Disturbances and the Onset of Mania

People with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder often have trouble with getting regular sleep. Unfortunately this can sometimes create a vicious cycle as their sleep issues can worsen symptoms of their disorder. This is especially a problem for people with bipolar disorder who may find that their problems with sleeping can trigger a manic episode.

Studies of bipolar disorder have linked sleep disturbances with both problems functioning and the onset of mania in many individuals. The two issues influence each other as many people with bipolar disorder find that their symptoms make it difficult to sleep and their lack of sleep can worsen symptoms. Research has shown that about half of people with bipolar disorder wake up in the night or have difficulty falling asleep.

People that are not able to sleep a full eight hours a night often have a worse quality of life especially when they are dealing with a complicated disorder like bipolar disorder. Lack of sleep can lead to a manic episode which in turn which cause the individual to sleep even less. Mania can cause people with bipolar disorder to feel that they need less sleep to function.

It is important for people with bipolar disorder to try to improve their sleeping habits in order to minimize the onset of episodes and also to improve their overall quality of life. Some medications and lifestyle changes can help people with the disorder start to sleep more regularly. With treatment, some of their symptoms may be reduced which can also help promote better sleep.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising, going to therapy and avoiding alcohol and drugs can all lead to better sleep and as a result will minimize the possibility of triggering a manic episode.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/sleep-disturbances-and-mania/

Are You Lonely or Are You Depressed?

Depression and feelings of loneliness are often closely related and some even believe that when someone is lonely it is simply another form of being depressed. There can be a lot of confusion between the two problems as people may find it difficult to identify what they are actually feeling. It can be hard to pinpoint feelings of loneliness and whether they are a symptom of depression or if you simply need more human connection.

Loneliness comes from a deep emotional drive that human beings have to feel that they belong. They want to feel socially connected and experience intimate relationships with others. If those needs are not met or they are rejected in some way it can lead to feelings of loneliness.

When someone feels lonely it is directly related to how they feel about their relationships while depression is more a general feeling of sadness or hopelessness that doesn’t always have a direct cause. Depression is not as connected to a specific motivational drive the way that loneliness is. Someone who is depressed may have feelings of worthlessness or loss of interest that are not related to specific problems like social isolation.

One thing to keep in mind is that although loneliness and depression are two separate issues, it is very common for people to feel both lonely and depressed. Someone who suffers from depression begin to withdraw from their social relationships and isolate themselves in a way that leads to loneliness. On the other hand, not everyone who is lonely is depressed and not everyone who is depressed is lonely; it simply depends on their personal circumstances.

If you are experiencing feelings of either loneliness or depression, talk to a counselor to work on solutions to improve your mental health and connections with others.

The post Are You Lonely or Are You Depressed? appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/lonely-or-depressed/

What is Opiophobia?

With the opioid addiction crisis growing in the U.S. there are other issues surrounding painkillers that are becoming problematic. Because opioids have led to such high rates of overdose, a new trend of opiophobia has led to some people avoiding medication even to cope with chronic pain. Fear of the consequences of taking opioids is causing both doctors and patients to avoid prescription painkillers even when there are legitimate medical reasons for using them.

Although opioids can be addictive in many cases, some patients who are experiencing chronic pain can still benefit from controlled use of the medication. Misinformation about the medical value of opioids has been leading many people to avoid them at all costs and they are suffering from serious pain problems as a result. Even though opioid addiction is something to seriously consider before taking medication, there are some instances where it can be life saving.

Health care providers who are too hesitant to provide patients with opioid prescriptions may be allowing them to struggle with pain unnecessarily. Excessive regulation and insufficient medical use of opioids can be devastating problems for people who suffer from chronic pain. Unfortunately some of the efforts to combat addiction have led to reduced access to opioids for the people that truly need them.

It is important for people in the medical industry and patients alike to be educated about the dangers of opioids but also the instances in which they are useful and necessary. Even though it is a top priority to curb the high rates of abuse and overdose, avoiding opioids at all costs can also be problematic in other ways. Finding a balance between regulating powerful medications and having them available for those in need is a complicated issue that needs to be addressed in order to help minimize the damage surrounding the opioid crisis.

The post What is Opiophobia? appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/what-is-opiophobia/

Opioid Abuse in the Workplace: Some Industries Hit the Hardest

The opioid epidemic is an issue that has been spreading across the nation in recent years but certain demographics have been hit harder than others. Opioid addiction has affected not only specific age groups but also certain types of industries more than others. Where a person works can be another factor in their vulnerability for developing a problem with opioids.

The workers that have been affected most by the opioid crisis are those in the construction industry. Nearly a quarter of the opioid-related overdose deaths in the state of Massachusetts were among people who worked in construction. High rates of overdose also occurred in industries such as farming, fishing and forestry which had five times as many deaths as other workers in the state.

These types of jobs may be linked to higher rates of abuse and overdose because they physically demanding and are often linked to workplace injuries. It is possible that workers get hooked on opioids following an injury due to the medication they are prescribed. The stress of their jobs may also influence them to seek relief from prescription drugs that offer a feeling of euphoria.

In general, studies found that people in industries without much job security were more likely to abuse opioids. It is possible that opioids provide a way for people to return to work quickly following an injury. In industries with high rates of injuries and low job security, workers may not want to risk losing their job and rely on opioids to get them through the work day.

Although the opioid crisis has impacted people from all walks of life, certain types of jobs may lead to more issues with opioids than others. Education and treatment are crucial in reducing the number of overdose deaths in any industry in the U.S.

The post Opioid Abuse in the Workplace: Some Industries Hit the Hardest appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/opioid-abuse-in-the-workplace-some-industries-hit-the-hardest/

My Loved One Avoids Me if I Bring Up Treatment

When you know someone needs help for an addiction but you find it hard to discuss it with them it can become a problem. Sometimes addicts are still deep in denial even when everyone around them can see that they are going down a dangerous path. If your loved one avoids you when you discuss their addiction with them, it could be that they refuse to recognize that they have a problem.

The important thing to understand about a person’s addiction is that it is an illness that can control how they think and behave. Their decision to avoid you has nothing to do with you but is a reflection of how their substance abuse has taken over their mind. Although it may be difficult to witness they are now wired to do everything they can to keep using drugs.

A good strategy to take is to avoid enabling this person and set limits on your relationship with them. If they ask for money, comfort or a place to stay following a binge then you should keep boundaries with them so you aren’t helping them continue their behavior. Telling someone they need treatment and then doing something to enable them is a way of sending mixed signals.

If you have tried speaking to someone one on one about their addiction they are not responsive then might be time to stage an intervention. Try to gather as many friends, family and loved ones who are concerned about the addict and organize a time and place when you can discuss the problem with them. An intervention is often the most effective way to reach someone with an addiction because they see that everyone is in agreement that they have a problem and are more likely to choose to get help.

The post My Loved One Avoids Me if I Bring Up Treatment appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/loved-one-avoids-treatment/

Personality Disorder and Medication

While there is plenty of information that people understand about mood disorders like depression and anxiety, personality disorders are more complex and not often discussed in regards to mental health. A personality disorder can cause serious disruptions to a person’s daily life and their ability to hold a job or maintain relationships. Treatment for a personality disorder may combine psychotherapy and a number of psychiatric medications to help minimize issues with mood and other difficult symptoms.

Medication does not have the ability to cure a personality disorder in itself, but when used alongside regular psychotherapy sessions it can help alleviate some of the mood changes that the patient experiences. People with personality disorders benefit from mood stabilizers, especially those with borderline personality disorder which is often accompanied by feelings of depression and anxiety. Antidepressants which help with low mood such as Zoloft, Prozac and Wellbutrin are all useful in getting patients to feel more stable.

Some more severe personality disorders may even benefit from the use of antipsychotic medications although they are typically not considered psychotic disorders. These types of medications can be helpful in reducing anxiety, paranoid thinking, anger and impulsivity. Antipsychotic medications can include options like Haldol, Zyprexa and Clozaril which can help improve certain symptoms.

Lastly, anti-anxiety medications are also commonly used in treating personality disorders as many people may have a co-occurring issue with anxiety. Many personality disorders involve some type of anxiety and medications like Klonopin, Xanax and Valium are all helpful in reducing anxious feelings.

Some patients may need medication long-term but in most cases these prescriptions are used to provide temporary relief during treatment. Ultimately, psychotherapy can allow patients to resolve and manage the issues related to their personality disorder so that they can minimize their use of medication.

The post Personality Disorder and Medication appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/personality-disorder-and-medication/

What Does the Future of Bipolar Treatment Look Like?

Bipolar disorder is one of the most difficult mental illnesses to diagnose and treat because of its complicated shifts between different symptoms. At the present time there is no cure for bipolar disorder but strategies such as medication and cognitive behavioral therapy to help minimize symptoms and manage the illness. However some researchers are looking for different methods that could use a more holistic approach to treating the disorder in the future.

Mental illness often are closely related to issues in the brain that lead to certain mood problems and various behaviors. Medications are meant to help balance out chemicals in the brain that may be causing certain symptoms. However, researchers believe that helping to restore nerve cell health in the brain for better communication may go a long way to treat issues like bipolar disorder.

In the past it was believed that bipolar disorder was caused by an imbalance of chemicals like serotonin or dopamine which led to depressed or elevated moods. Researchers now believe that neural plasticity may play a more important role in alleviated the symptoms of mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder tend to have atrophy of neurons in certain brain areas but improving nerve cells in these areas could potentially change the path of the disorder.

Medications like lithium which are used in treating bipolar disorder were recently discovered to actually boost levels of proteins that help neurons maintain their function. This may explain why lithium has been shown to be effective as a long term treatment. Using other methods to improve the health of neurons in the brain may create a more focused and efficient way to reduce symptoms quickly.

Although more research needs to be done to determine long term results, nerve and brain health may be the focus of bipolar treatment in the future.

The post What Does the Future of Bipolar Treatment Look Like? appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/what-does-the-future-of-bipolar-treatment-look-like/

What is Comorbidity?

Although having even one mental illness can be devastating, the reality is that many people struggle with more than one disorder at a time. Having two or more disorders simultaneously is known as comorbidity and it is actually very common in the field of mental health. Disorders such as social anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance abuse are all issues that tend to show comorbidity.

Certain problems tend to overlap with one another because they are connected in certain ways and influence each other. For example someone with social anxiety disorder may also have problems with depression because they tend to be more isolated and struggle with social interactions. Their social anxiety may cause them to become more depressed and vice versa.

Often, people with anxiety and other mental health problems may end up abusing substances as a way to cope with their symptoms leading to a dual disorder. Drinking or using drugs can temporarily alleviate symptoms but the two problems over time can worsen each other and become a complex situation that is difficult to treat. Substance abuse and mental health are closely connected in ways that must be addressed through specialized treatment.

Although comorbidity of any kind can be a challenging issue, if both disorders are treated simultaneously it is possible for patients to recover. Failing to treat one of the disorders will only lead to worsening symptoms and more complications. It is important for people with comorbid disorders to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment that is designed for multiple disorders.

Many people dealing with mental health issues may not realize that they have more than one disorder which is making it difficult for them to recover. A high quality treatment center can recognize comorbidity and provide immediate help to alleviate the symptoms of both problems over time.

The post What is Comorbidity? appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/what-is-comorbidity/

Panic and Anxiety Hotlines

People who experience anxiety often don’t know where to turn when they are having a particularly bad episode. They may feel too embarrassed or afraid to call friends or family to talk about what they are going through. Anxiety hotlines provide people with an opportunity to discuss personal problems with a compassionate person who is ready to help.

Hot lines are anonymous and confidential which can make it easier for people who are worried about being judged for their anxiety issues. They provide valuable resources for those who have panic attacks or are going through a crisis and simply need someone to talk to who will be understanding about their situation. Having someone simply listen and give you support can be an enormous comfort when you are in the midst of a serious episode.

There are a few different types of anxiety problems including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety. Hot lines can offer advice and help for any of these issues no matter what your current level of anxiety may be. You can discuss your feelings of fear, shame, worry, pain or panic with a person who can help you feel more calm and relaxed.

One of the most important roles for hotlines is to allow people to feel that they are not alone in what they are dealing with. People with anxiety often feel isolated and unable to talk about their feelings for fear that others won’t understand. A hotline gives them a chance to open up and feel more connected to someone who truly cares.

Anxiety hotlines are convenient and helpful for anyone in crisis but if you have a long term anxiety disorder it might be beneficial to find a regular therapist. However, hotlines are a crucial support system that can be life-saving for people who are at their lowest point.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/panic-and-anxiety-hotlines/