Addiction

How Do You Treat Opioid Addiction?
How Do You Treat Opioid Addiction? 2560 1706 Aware Behavioral Health

The opioid epidemic has been a constant in America for many decades. Legislation, lawsuits, and learning have each helped us understand the severity of this epidemic better, but treatment for those suffering from addiction has often lagged behind. The stigma against drug use in America has made opioid addiction research an uphill struggle, to the point that it is a topic often absent in medical schools. Since declaring the opioid epidemic to be a Public Health Emergency in 2017 though, America has seen a lot of progress in the field of addiction therapy and the treatment of those struggling with…

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The U.S. Opioid Epidemic – A Brief History
The U.S. Opioid Epidemic – A Brief History 2560 1644 Aware Behavioral Health

Due to decades of misuse and abuse of opiate substances, America has been grappling with a persistent drug crisis. Although a significant amount of legislation has been passed, medical practices reformed, and treatment methods developed over the years to address this epidemic, there is still much work to be done. Opioids claimed the lives of over 64,000 Americans last year. Understanding the history of the opioid epidemic and its spread through America is crucial for our future progress. Recognizing our past mistakes is essential to preventing their recurrence. How Opioids Made Their Way onto American Streets Initially, opioids were not…

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Why the “High Functioning Addict” is a Myth
Why the “High Functioning Addict” is a Myth 2560 1056 Aware Behavioral Health

When you or a loved one is dealing with substance use disorder, successfully managing work, school, relationships, and other responsibilities while using substances or drinking can make you feel like there is no problem. Contrary to common depictions of those struggling with addiction which can show them hurting their careers and families. This has led to the myth of a “high functioning addict” who is dependent on substances but otherwise unimpacted. While a person who is able to maintain these areas of their lives may not feel like they are struggling, any reliance on alcohol or other substances can be…

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Understanding Comorbidity from a Mental Health Standpoint 
Understanding Comorbidity from a Mental Health Standpoint  150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

Comorbidity occurs when a person suffers from two illnesses at the same time. They can be both chronic illnesses that affect your physical health, a mental health issue and a physical health issue, or two or more mental health conditions that impact you simultaneously. One of the most common comorbidity combinations in mental health is a mood disorder, like depression or bipolar disorder, combined with a substance abuse problem. These form a complex pairing in which both will continue to exacerbate the effects of the other, creating a cycle of depression and dependence that can be extremely difficult to break…

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Managing Cravings After Addiction 
Managing Cravings After Addiction  150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

With many substance addictions, the temptation to continue using even after you have given up regular use and are in recovery can continue long past the time when you have given up regular use and are in recovery. These cravings for alcohol, opioids, and other substances can be extreme, but giving in to a craving could potentially set you back months in your recovery process. Knowing that it is alright to expect cravings and what to do when you feel one can help you achieve another victory over your addiction and continue to stay in control of your cravings. Coping…

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Alcohol and Sleep – How Drinking May Be Keeping You from Getting Enough Rest
Alcohol and Sleep – How Drinking May Be Keeping You from Getting Enough Rest 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

Sleep is essential for good health, both mental and physical. This does not mean naps or a few hours of sleep each night, but a full 7 to 9 hours of sleep that includes periods of deep sleep. This helps your mind process events, deal with challenges and stresses in your waking hours, and let your cells and organs continue to work efficiently. Alcohol is a significant obstacle when it comes to sleep, however. Although it can often make you feel tired, drinking actually interrupts your sleep, which is a large part of the reason that alcohol abuse can often…

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How to Prevent Addiction with Benzos for Anxiety Treatment 
How to Prevent Addiction with Benzos for Anxiety Treatment  150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

Benzodiazepines, often shortened to benzos, are an extremely beneficial drug to treat different anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety. They are highly effective in providing intermediate relief when someone is experiencing a panic attack or intense anxiety by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and making the body feel more relaxed, similar to the way alcohol relaxes. But like opioids and other prescription medication, misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to addiction. This is why it is important to work with your psychiatrist when taking medication for anxiety and be aware of any signs that could indicate that you…

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Support Solutions for Giving Up Alcohol 
Support Solutions for Giving Up Alcohol  150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

If you have alcohol use disorder and are looking to get control back over your life, you will need to be aware of the withdrawal process. It is important to know that this process can be a difficult one and there are often challenges along the way. Setbacks are normal as you change behavior that both your mind and body have formed a dependency on. But you can increase your chances of a successful withdrawal and recovery by collecting the right resources and adopting a particular mindset before you begin the process of giving up alcohol. Getting the Right Resources…

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How to Support a Loved One in Overcoming Addiction
How to Support a Loved One in Overcoming Addiction 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

When you have a family member, significant other, or a friend who is experiencing addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol, or illicit substances, it can be a significant stress for your relationship. You want what is best for them, but they can often seem incapable of doing what is best for themselves. Meanwhile, your efforts to help them may only put further strain on the relationship. Important Facts to Understand About Addiction  When someone you love is struggling with addiction, one of the most important things you can do, but also one of the hardest, is to stay compassionate and not…

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Differences Between Drug Misuse, Substance Abuse, and Drug Addiction
Differences Between Drug Misuse, Substance Abuse, and Drug Addiction 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

The incorrect usage of drugs is a leading concern in Dallas and elsewhere. As a result, you may frequently hear the terms misuse, abuse, and addiction in the conversation surrounding the drug epidemic. But these words are not exactly interchangeable and each describes a particular set of challenges. While all of these can require help and intervention, they also often require a separate approach depending on what a patient is actually experiencing. Here is how each of these drug usage concerns is differentiated and what the solutions are for each use. Specific Drug Problems Based on Usage Type Drugs, including…

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