Dissociative Disorders and Addiction

From time to time, every person experiences a lapse in memory or struggles with personal identity. However, some people experience this to a much greater extent. When this occurs, it may be called a dissociative disorder. The struggles associated with these disorders are often highly distressing and can lead an affected person to abuse drugs … Read more

Despair and Drug Addiction

Despair can often be an overpowering and overwhelming emotion that can lead to excessive drug abuse and sometimes overdoses. Despair differs from feelings of sadness and depression because it is the absolute bottom of an emotional state. Despair is characterized by a complete abandonment and absence of hope. It leaves people in utter turmoil with … Read more

Non-Military Causes of PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with military experiences and violent crimes. However anyone can get PTSD, and there are a variety of stressful, traumatic or upsetting situations that can contribute to its development. The duration and severity of trauma influence the likelihood of developing PTSD, and those experiencing repeated and ongoing trauma, such … Read more

Substance-Induced Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar is a mood disorder characterized by alternating emotional episodes, which can include the following: Depressive episode – Extreme state of sadness, despair, hopelessness and apathy Manic episode – Emotional high featuring overconfidence, restlessness, and irritability Mixed state – Symptoms of manic and depressive states appearing concurrently The Schizophrenia Bulletin journal in 2007 cited several … Read more

You Don’t Have to Self-Medicate Your PTSD

The symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not always readily apparent. You or someone you love may attempt to self-medicate PTSD symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This can lead to a pattern of abuse that can lead to addiction. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Self-Medication Posttraumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder caused by experiencing … Read more