Recovery from a substance use disorder or addiction is rarely an easy path. Some days will be a breeze, while others can be downright scary and overwhelming. Ultimately, it's important to remember that relapses happen to almost everyone. In fact, some research estimates that up to 80 percent of people seeking long-term ... Read More
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“5 Rules of Recovery” That Can Help Prevent Relapse
As you begin your recovery from a substance use disorder, it's important to think about relapse prevention. Taking time to develop effective coping skills can help you stay sober and avoid turning to drugs or alcohol when faced with unpleasant feelings. Keep reading to learn more about how the five rules of recovery ... Read More
The Long-Term Effects of Opiates on the Body
Opiates are powerful pain relievers derived from poppy plant chemicals called alkaloids. Thebaine, codeine, and morphine are the psychoactive alkaloids that produce the analgesic and sedative effects of opiates. Pure opiates include: Opium (street names Gee, O, and Skee): Opium is a Schedule II drug that is no ... Read More
What Are the Stages of Addiction Relapse?
Maintaining sobriety is the key to long-term recovery from addiction. But it's not always easy. In fact, relapse statistics suggest that it can be quite hard. Studies indicate relapse rates for meth addiction are more than 90 percent. Relapse rates for alcohol and opioids are around 86 percent. Overall, addiction ... Read More
What It’s Like to Experience Bipolar Episodes
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition that's characterized by extreme mood swings. These mood swings include periods of deep depression and manic, high-energy periods. People with this condition also experience periods between these two extremes when they feel quite "normal," but various factors can ... Read More
Should I Get an Emotional Support Animal?
From miniature pigs to ducks to marmosets, emotional support animals have become an accepted part of human society in the 21st century. Just a few decades ago, the term "emotional support animal" did not exist. Instead, it was common to see disabled individuals relying on assistant dogs (usually Labrador retrievers) to ... Read More
Chronic vs. Acute Night Terrors: Are They Treatable?
Waking up to a partner or child screaming and finding them thrashing under the covers can be very alarming. It's upsetting to see a loved one in distress, especially when there doesn't appear to be a clear cause or simple solution. While these episodes are rarely troubling to the person experiencing them firsthand, ... Read More
Sleepwalking, Nightmares, and Night Terrors— The Mental Health Connection
Sleep disorders involving night terrors, nightmares, and sleepwalking are clinically referred to as "parasomnias." A parasomnia interferes with non-REM and REM sleep by causing a person to awaken themselves with sometimes vigorous physical actions or verbal outbursts. While parasomnias are common, especially among ... Read More
