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How to Support a Loved One Who Has Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe condition that can devastate an individual’s life. It can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm to the person suffering from it and those around them.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2019, an estimated 14.3 million adults ages 18 and older (5.7 percent of this age group) had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Of those adults, 8.6 million reported that their AUD was “severe.” Anytime someone has an alcohol use disorder or drinks excessively, they are in danger of health concerns and related risks like liver disease, depression, high blood pressure, accidents and injury, suicide attempts, and other substance abuse disorders.

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What type of doctor do I need for drug abuse?

Drug abuse is a serious issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It can be a complex problem to overcome, but with the right help, it is possible to recover and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Here’s a guide to finding the proper support to overcome drug abuse:

Recognize the Problem

The first step in overcoming drug abuse is recognizing that there is a problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, seeking help as soon as possible is essential. This may include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking professional counseling, or joining a support group.

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Dealing with Guilt

Guilt is a common emotion that we all experience at some point. Understanding the triggers that cause guilt can help us deal with this emotion healthily.

Various factors, including our actions, thoughts, and beliefs can trigger guilt. It is important to recognize when guilt is justified and when it is not. When we feel guilty, we should try to identify the cause of our guilt and take steps to address it. This may involve apologizing to someone we have wronged or making amends for our actions. We should also learn to forgive ourselves and let go of unnecessary guilt that may hold us back. Understanding guilt and its triggers, we can learn to deal with this emotion positively and constructively.

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7 Tips for Building and Cultivating Your Resilience

Resilience is a critical factor in achieving success, whether personally or professionally.

It is the ability to navigate challenging situations and bounce back from setbacks. Resilience helps us stay positive and manage stress, essential for maintaining good mental health. It enables us to develop effective coping mechanisms and adapt to changes in life. Resilience is not about avoiding stress but developing the skills and resources to handle it. We all face challenges and setbacks in life, and building resilience helps us to overcome them and emerge stronger. With resilience, we can face tough situations such as job loss, relationship issues, or health problems with confidence and determination.

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Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Reduce Pain Better Than Opioids?

The opioid epidemic has become a significant public health concern in recent years, with millions of people addicted to prescription painkillers.

As a result, there has been a growing interest in alternative pain management strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). But can CBT help reduce pain better than opioids? Let’s take a closer look. CBT is one of the most widely used psychological treatments for pain. Unlike opioids, it has no physical or chemical effects on the body. Instead, it focuses on changing pain-related thoughts and behaviors that can help reduce their intensity and frequency. Studies have shown that CBT can effectively reduce chronic and acute pain in various conditions, including headaches, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. In one study, participants with chronic pain who received CBT experienced a more significant reduction in pain intensity than those who received opioids. Additionally, they reported fewer side effects and improved quality of life. Furthermore, research suggests that CBT may be more effective than opioids in reducing pain in the long term. A systematic review found that CBT was superior to opioid treatment for reducing pain and improving function. The authors concluded that CBT should be used as a primary treatment for chronic pain instead of opioids. While more research is needed to understand the full implications of CBT in pain management, these results suggest that it may be an effective alternative to opioids for reducing pain.

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What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist, Social Worker, and Counselor?

It can be overwhelming for individuals seeking mental health support to navigate the different types of professionals available.

The terms “psychologist,” “social worker,” and “counselor” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences in their training, education, and scope of practice. To make informed decisions about mental health care, it’s important to understand each profession’s unique roles and qualifications.

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Living with Someone with an Addiction

Living with someone with an addiction can be a problematic experience, both for the person struggling with the addiction and their loved ones.

It is essential to recognize that addiction is not a moral failing but rather a medical condition. Just like any other medical condition, it needs to be managed and treated if progress is to be made. For those living with someone who has an addiction, it can be hard to watch them suffer as they struggle to cope. The levels of guilt and shame can be overwhelming, and you may find yourself trying to pick up the pieces while also dealing with your emotions. It is important to remember that this situation is not your fault; though you may feel helpless trying to help your loved one out of their situation, you must look after your well-being. Remember that their condition is not something you can solve for them; instead, it requires their commitment to overcome their struggles. The most effective way of helping someone in this situation is by providing emotional support, understanding and non-judgmental, and listening and validating their feelings. It is also essential to encourage them to seek professional help and support, such as therapy or a recovery program.

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Finding the Right Help: A Guide to Overcoming Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is a serious issue affecting millions of people worldwide.

It can be a complex problem to overcome, but with the right help, it is possible to recover and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Here’s a guide to finding the proper support to overcome drug abuse:

Recognize the Problem

The first step in overcoming drug abuse is recognizing that there is a problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, seeking help as soon as possible is essential. This may include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking professional counseling, or joining a support group.

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Vivitrol: What You Need to Know

Vivitrol is a prescription medication used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. Unlike other drugs, like methadone and buprenorphine, Vivitrol is administered only once a month as an intramuscular injection. This makes it particularly useful for individuals needing additional addiction recovery and relapse prevention support.  Vivitrol works by blocking the receptors in the brain that opioids and alcohol bind to, thus reducing the pleasurable effects of these substances. This helps to decrease cravings and prevent relapse. It is important to note that Vivitrol is not a cure for addiction but rather a tool to aid recovery.

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