Addiction can take many different forms. While drugs and alcohol are the most common causes of addiction, there are many other vices that can be just as damaging to a person’s physical and mental health. Gambling addiction, for instance, is a compulsive behavior in which a person has the uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the negative repercussions it may have. Those with gambling addiction are … [Read more...]
How to Manage Holiday Depression
For many, the holidays are the highlight of the year. After Halloween passes, people eagerly anticipate the festivities of Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, and New Years. As the season changes, many people look forward to spending time with family and friends, reflecting on the past year together, looking ahead to everything that the New Year will bring. While many people are buzzing with … [Read more...]
The Outdated Addiction Industry – Moving Beyond Motivational Interviewing
Regardless of your political views, Chris Christie’s town-hall talk about addiction and how we treat addicts in our society is worth watching: Christie’s mom was fortunate not to have faced any stigma when battling lung cancer. But stigmas surrounding addiction, including stigmas regarding medical complications due to drug use, … [Read more...]
“Selfie” Addiction is Nothing to Smile About
With the rise of social media, people everywhere are constantly updating each other on their activities, thoughts, and ideas via status updates and photo posts. Social media has also contributed to the rise of the “selfie”—a picture taken of oneself that is subsequently uploaded to social media sites. There is no rhyme or reason to the selfie, and there are no rules to follow. Some selfies are … [Read more...]
Is Vaping Leading to Long-Term Addiction?
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death both in the United States and around the world. Every year, nearly 480,000 American can be attributed to cigarette smoking. That equates to approximately one out of five deaths. It can negatively affect nearly every organ in a person’s body, as well as their overall health. Despite increased awareness of the risks associated with smoking, it continues … [Read more...]
The Complexities of Addiction: A Reaction to Johann Hari’s TED Talk
Today at Sober College, the treatment center where I work, a colleague picked up a copy of Jonathan Hari’s book Chasing the Scream. After a few of us who had read the book began to talk about the merits and the criticisms of Hari’s work, we were all prompted to sit at my associate’s computer and watch Hari’s TED talk. For those of you who haven’t seen it, here it is: All of us in that office– … [Read more...]
Brain Freeze – The Rise of “Ice” in Australia
Ice is one of the most destructive drugs in the world. Also known as crystal meth, speed, and glass, ice is a crystalline form of methamphetamine—a powerful stimulant drug. Abusing this drug has powerful effects on physical, mental, and behavioral attributes, quickly turning from recreational use into a dangerous addiction that is incredibly difficult to overcome. Meth is often manufactured in one … [Read more...]
Quality Chemical Dependency Counselor Training Provided by Sober College
In addition to providing young adults with a chance for a fresh start in recovery, Sober College offers its very own, CCAPP approved School of Addiction Studies Program for those aspiring to be a part of the dynamic and rapidly growing substance abuse treatment field. With rolling admissions, you can start the program at any time and attend class online or in person only one weekend per month! In … [Read more...]
Spice – The Synthetic Drug that is Taking Lives
Many people have heard of the drug “spice,” but most do not know what it is. The name “spice” is misleading, causing some to think it is simply a seasoning for food, when in reality, it is a dangerous drug that affects countless people across the world. Spice is known by a variety of names including synthetic marijuana, K2, legal weed, herbal incense, and potpourri. The drug is a mixture of herbs … [Read more...]