The drive to seek human connection is a powerful one. It's hardwired into our DNA; from an evolutionary standpoint, people who sought out relationships with others were more likely to make it to adulthood and reproduce. Hunter-gatherer societies in which people cooperated and collaborated with one another thrived. For ... Read More
Learning Center
FHE Health is dedicated to educating the American public—especially individuals, families, and communities—about mental health and substance abuse topics. In our Learning Center, you'll find articles on alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral and mental health, and other treatment-related issues. Our articles are written both for the person in need of treatment as well as loved ones seeking more information. We also provide information for those who have gone through treatment and are building a new life in recovery.
Taking Care of Mental Health During Isolation
Signs a Loved One May Be Hiding A Drug Problem
The signs of a drug problem can be subtle and creep up so slowly that it may be difficult to identify whether a loved one is in trouble. Addiction experts say that a drug addiction typically begins with recreational use and then expands from there. Over time, in some people, what may appear to be a harmless behavior ... Read More
The Revealing Science Behind the “Angry Drunk” Phenomenon
It's a light-hearted thing to say: "I'm a fun drunk", "I'm a happy drunk", or "I'm a crazy drunk." Perhaps these all should spark debate themselves — after all, What does it say about someone who's completely in tune with the way excessive alcohol use affects their personality? But one such phenomenon is especially ... Read More
A Short Guide to How Amphetamines Stunt Growth
In 2007, the preliminary results from a study that had begun eight years earlier were announced. A group of seven-year-olds diagnosed with ADHD were split into two groups. One half was treated with Ritalin for the next three years, and others received no treatment for their condition. The results were clear to ... Read More
Can I Smoke in Rehab? And Other Concerns
“Can I smoke cigarettes in rehab?” It’s a question many people ask when considering inpatient drug or alcohol treatment for the first time. The answer is a qualified “yes”: Quality behavioral health providers like FHE Health honor patients’ freedom and preferences to smoke in rehab; at the same time, patients can avail ... Read More
How Russell Brand Found Life After Sex and Substance Addictions
English comedian, actor, author and activist Russell Brand is a household name in America, the UK and beyond. From his tumultuous marriage to Katy Perry to his well-known struggles with substance abuse, Brand has led a challenging life. However, the hurdles he has experienced have not left him hopeless. Through hard ... Read More
Thoughts on Drug Addiction
Are you sure back alleys and parking lots are where people score cocaine? Do men or women judge people more for relapsing back into drug use? Why do you think people take Adderall, and does everyone else agree with your assessment? You may have beliefs about what you think substance use looks like across America, ... Read More
The Connection Between Spirituality and Mental Health
Can your spiritual beliefs support your mental health? It's a simple enough question, (and one worth exploring regardless of where one falls on the faith-and-spirituality spectrum), but the answers can be complex. Before mental disorders had scientific explanations, it wasn't uncommon for someone with depression to ... Read More