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...
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...
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,...
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, individuals who grew up in a home with at least one alcoholic parent are four times more likely to struggle with addiction themselves later in life. This statistic raises a key question:...
It’s long been known that substance abuse can make someone more likely to have a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression, but the link between cocaine and depression remains more complicated. According to Healthline, cocaine use can cause depression in...
Heavy drinking can lead to devastating physical, mental, and emotional side effects of alcohol — but the impact of consuming this substance isn’t limited to just the drinker, especially when someone is pregnant but continues drinking. Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders, or ARND, are...
Mental health disorders and substance use disorders frequently coexist, often influencing each other in significant ways. One condition can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of the other or develop from shared underlying factors. This interplay is commonly referred to as co-occurring disorder,...
Panic attacks can be a terrifying experience, seemingly coming out of nowhere and making people feel intense dread, fear, or even like they’re dying. While panic attacks can’t kill you, they can become debilitating and greatly affect a person — especially if...
Bipolar depression and major depression do share a lot of similarities — both mental health conditions have the word “depression in them,” after all. So, what is the difference between major and bipolar depression? To answer that question, you first have to...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common mental health disorder. A specific type of anxiety disorder, people living with this condition have obsessions (intrusive or distressing thoughts) and compulsions (the urge for repetitive behaviors like hand-washing or counting to reduce anxiety). What might not...