Finding out your loved one has been hiding their use of alcohol is a serious matter. This can be shocking for you because there's a chance you didn't have any idea there was a problem. It's easy to react out of shock and anger when you find they're hiding alcohol around the house. There are several ways you might ... Read More
SSRIs and SDDs: The Link Between Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunction
Today's antidepressants, especially SSRIs ("selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors"), are reliably effective for what they're intended to do: treat depression. However, in spite of the strides they embody for the treatment of depression and anxiety, they are not without side effects. Side effects are a common ... Read More
How the Pandemic Has Affected People’s Recovery
Not everyone with a drug or alcohol addiction did poorly during the pandemic. Some people in recovery fared better. That is the conclusion of psychiatrist Anna Lembke and author of Dopamine Nation, in an interview with NPR’s Terry Gross in August 2021. When asked how the pandemic had affected various addictions, ... Read More
How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack
Panic attacks come on quickly and without warning. Someone may be out with a friend when suddenly, they begin to shake, experience shortness of breath or have difficulty communicating. Panic attacks are very distressing for the person experiencing them, but they can also be upsetting for those watching. Knowing how ... Read More
The Mental Health Effects of Working the Night Shift
As many as 15 million Americans work a night shift— either permanently or on a rotating shift. According to the American Psychological Association, that's a concern because it forces people to fight against their own natural circadian clocks each day, leaving them vulnerable to mental health disturbances and other ... Read More
The New Relationship Science of Chemical Romance
Mike and Amy had been together for several years, and while both had used MDMA and marijuana recreationally at one point in their lives, they had abstained from drugs as life's responsibilities became more pressing. When both transitioned to working from home, tensions grew and maintaining a healthy, satisfying ... Read More
Night Owl or Early Bird? The Mental Health Significance
When it comes to sleep, we each have our particular preferences. We might insist on a certain side of the bed. We might require total darkness or a certain thread count for sheets. In some beds, cats and dogs are welcome; in others, not so much. Our preferences also impact when we go to sleep and how long we sleep. ... Read More
The Overdose Dangers of Tapering Off Opiates – How to Avoid Them
Despite efforts nationwide to subdue the ongoing opioid epidemic, many states are still fighting a losing battle. In fact, for the 12-month period ending in March 2021, overdose deaths from all drugs hit an all-time high at nearly 100,000, most of which were from opioids. Unfortunately, the unprecedented stress and ... Read More