What is an Internet Addiction?
Internet Addiction Disorder, or Problematic Internet Use, affects daily life, work, and relationships. While not officially recognized as a disorder, it is a growing concern. Excessive online activities can lead to isolation, financial issues, and relationship difficulties. Standardized diagnosis is lacking, resulting in varying prevalence rates. Further research is needed.
5 Tips for Surviving Your First Week After Rehab
“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” – Michael John Bobak, U.S. contemporary artist and songwriter The day I walked out of rehab had to be one of the most… confusingly emotional moments of my life. How could I possibly feel so elated, proud, and hopeful, and yet so absolutely terrified at exactly the same time? The only way I can describe it is that my stumbling legs felt like they belonged to a newly-born giraffe from some wildlife documentary, and I honestly didn’t know if they would be able to carry me the short distance to our family car, where my Mom, Dad and little brother were waiting…
The Ethics of Prescription Drugs: Playing With Fire?
The ethical prescription of drugs, especially those that have a high risk of forming a dependency, is more important today than ever before. The opioid epidemic sweeping across the United States did not happen overnight, and in fact happened under current legal regulatory and prescription guidelines that doctors, FNPs, and pharmacists must adhere to. Those who are prescribing these potentially addictive and dangerous drugs to patients need to exercise more caution before writing these prescriptions in order to uphold one of the most important tenets of the Hippocratic Oath: to first, do no harm. Prescribing Ethically Healthcare professionals often face ethical and legal issues when it comes to prescribing medicine…
For Fast and Sure Relief from Opioid Dependence, Rapid Detoxification Is an Excellent Choice
Everybody knows that drugs cause health problems for drug addicts. However, it is not the addicts alone who suffer from the influence of harmful drugs because their actions and behavior pose health risks for the larger section of the society. Therefore, making people free from drug addiction acquires much more importance. While families of drug addicts have to suffer, others who do not have a direct association with addicts remain exposed to health risks arising from the addicted. The consequences of addiction can harm the people in the society in many ways. Pregnant women who suffer from drug abuse pose serious health risks for the unborn child. After birth, the…
4 Signs You Should Cut Back On Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is something that’s accepted as an integral part of many social situations. From going to dinner parties with friends to attending weddings to watching a sports game, alcohol plays a huge role. Since it is such a regular part of many situations, it’s often hard to tell when you’re going over the limits. Some people aren’t sure if they’re over-doing it until it’s too late. Try to make an honest assessment of your relationship with alcohol before you let things get to this point. Here are some of the biggest telltale signs that it may be time to cut back or even quit drinking altogether. Trouble With The Law…
3 Things to Help You Get Through the Detox Process
Nobody enjoys going through detox. Whether you’re detoxing from drugs and alcohol or something less dramatic like sugar or even gambling, kicking an addiction can be very challenging. And though nothing about it is apt to be pleasant, you can do a few things that might help you get through this stage of your recovery with a little less discomfort. Here are three strategies that might help you get through the detox process. Try To Avoid Going Cold Turkey While you might be tempted to just get your detox done and over with, trying to go cold turkey may not be the best option. According to Walter Ling, a contributor…
Proven Ways to Conquer Drug Addiction
So, you want to quit drinking or abusing drugs and get sober? Well, committing to sobriety is an excellent first step since the recovery and healing process can only begin once the addict gains the courage to seek help. But what next? Whether you are a passive smoker or you’re addicted to an illicit drug, it’s never easy to give up the addiction. Yes, professional drug addiction rehab centers can help you get sober but conquering addiction also demands a lifestyle overhaul. Evaluating the causes that led to addiction, finding a support network, setting goals, and nurturing healthy habits can help you rebuild your life. Here’s a list of some…
The Opioid Crisis: a National Public Health Emergency
In mid-October, Ex-DEA Agent Joe Ranazzisi appeared on 60 Minutes to expose details of how pharmaceutical lobbyist and the US Congress have worked in conjunction to knowingly derail DEA efforts at curtailing the opioid epidemic. “Rannazzisi accuses the distributors of fueling the opioid epidemic by turning a blind eye to pain pills being diverted to illicit use,” says 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker to the viewing audience. Then, to Rannazzisi, he asks: “You know the implication of what you’re saying, that these big companies knew that they were pumping drugs into American communities that were killing people?” “That’s not an implication,” responds Rannazzisi, “that’s a fact. That’s exactly what they…
Understanding The Challenges of Cross-Addiction And How To Combat It
When those struggling with substance abuse indulge in that addiction, their brain releases a ‘feel good’ chemical called dopamine into the synapses. Dopamine signals body that something pleasurable has happened or is about to happen. When the addicts undergo addiction treatment, they often feel a frequent sense of something missing from in their life. That missing thing is usually dopamine. To fill this emptiness, recovering addicts sometimes turn to something else, such as coffee, food, shopping, cigarettes, pills, or anything that mimics their original addiction. It is called cross-addiction In simple terms, cross-addiction means you’ve traded one addiction for another. For example, if you’re working through an alcoholism treatment program,…
Mental Health And The Law: Are We Managing The Situation?
Mental health is a minefield. While society has become more understanding of such problems, there’s still a long way to go. Those suffering from issues experience discrimination at work, and stigma on the streets. And, that’s just their day to day lives. When someone suffering from a mental condition comes into contact with the law, things are even more complex. The risk of individuals with mental conditions are exaggerated, but there’s no denying such conditions can lead to violent behavior. During a psychotic break, a person may lose touch with reality. Thus, they may commit crimes they would never usually consider. It’s easy to see why issues like these are…