What Are Behavioral Addictions?

What Are Behavioral Addictions?

Most people understand that we can become addicted to substances like alcohol or drugs. But they may not realize that we can also become addicted to behaviors. Physical dependence is the cornerstone to the compulsive use of drugs and alcohol. However, behavioral...
Rise of Synthetic Drugs

Rise of Synthetic Drugs

Illicit drugs that come from natural sources are extremely dangerous, and now a new danger is on the rise: synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs contain chemical substances artificially manufactured to mimic the effects of drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. Spice...
Heavy Drinking versus Alcoholism

Heavy Drinking versus Alcoholism

There is a fine line between heavy drinking and alcoholism. Many people tiptoe that line and struggle with trying to determine whether they might have developed an addiction. Addiction is a disease: someone who has become addicted to a substance like alcohol has lost...
How Easy is it to Get Addicted to Heroin?

How Easy is it to Get Addicted to Heroin?

Opiate addiction is hitting our communities hard. Many people who are addicted to opiates started with prescription pain pills but then turned to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to attain than ever before. In 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or older (or 1.6...
PTSD and Addiction

PTSD and Addiction

Suffering from PTSD and addiction is like being on a dangerous roller-coaster ride. Many people who are suffering from addiction may not even be aware that symptoms of PTSD are at the root of the issue. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health...