Growing up in a household with abusive alcoholic parents can have profound and lasting effects on a child’s emotional, psychological, and social development. The instability and unpredictability caused by alcoholism in the home often create an environment of fear, neglect, and confusion....
The new seasons usher in new weather patterns and interruptions in daylight hours. The drastic changes, particularly in the winter with prolonged periods of darkness and cold, can cause many people to go into a depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),...
If you have ever wondered why some people struggle to overcome drug or alcohol addiction despite their best efforts, you’ll be surprised to learn that addiction isn’t just a matter of willpower—drug addiction is a chronic relapsing illness that can affect anyone....
When we’re struggling with our mental health, it’s unfortunately common to turn to attempts to self-medicate our feelings and problems with drugs or alcohol. It’s also true that people who frequently use alcohol or drugs can be at a much higher risk...
Cocaine is a potent and highly addictive illegal stimulant that has contributed to a multitude of substance use disorders over the years. While many users prefer to snort or smoke it, some opt for injection to achieve a quicker and more intense...
Sabrina, a recent guest of WhiteSands Treatment in Fort Myers, decided to seek residential addiction treatment on her own after realizing the gravity of her disease. “This was my first time participating in a residential rehabilitation program voluntarily”, she says in a...
Addiction is a complex disease with many different causes. One of the biggest influences on how an addiction can develop involves the brain. The brain plays a central role in addiction through complex interactions between neurotransmitters and neural circuits that regulate pleasure,...
Anxiety and addiction are closely linked, creating a cycle difficult to break without the right treatment. With over 30% of adults in the United States reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, the rise in mental health struggles and addiction mirrors a surge...
Alcohol addiction comes in various forms, impacting every individual differently based on numerous factors like genetics, environment, mental health, and drinking patterns. So, how long does it take to get addicted to alcohol? The answer is not black and white as there’s...
Individuals experiencing depression are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders compared to those without depression. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders highlighted the significant prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) among those with major depression,...