David W. Newton

Depression is a mental health illness. It has a number of genetic, biological and environmental causes. It contributes to a number of other mental and physical health issues including learning ability. How Does Depression Directly Affect Learning? Individuals with depression may be unable to complete tasks that require high-motor and cognitive skills. They may feel confused, … Read more

Healthy sleep is a critical element of health. Poor sleep or inconsistent sleep slows us all down, can damage emotional health, work performance, appetite, memory and immune systems. We simply cannot function without good sleep. The ability to fall and stay asleep and to wake up are largely controlled by chemical systems in the brain, … Read more

Painkillers can provide a significant amount of relief for people with cancer pain, and often, they’re considered vital in preserving a person’s quality of life. But painkillers can also be intensely strong, and issues of addiction are a concern in some people with cancer. Painkillers and Cancer Pain Cancerous cells can cause a remarkable amount … Read more

In the mind of a heroin abuser, depression and addiction are often deeply intertwined. Heroin is a powerful opiate that alters the user’s brain chemistry, causing mood changes, suicidal behavior, psychological dependence and addiction. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment estimates that close to half (48 percent) of opiate users have experienced depression at some point in their lives. … Read more

Length of stay is often an issue that patients attempt to address at the beginning of addiction treatment. Unfortunately, it’s not a question that can always be accurately answered early on. Most patients start by signing up for a standard 30-day program and then adjust that as needed, according to how their personal timeline of growth … Read more

Understand and optimize the System Behavioral health technicians (BHTs) are military personnel who are expected to provide clinical support services alongside independent, licensed behavioral health providers. When optimally integrated, BHTs can enhance the mental health capacity of military personnel and ensure that military members have access to high-quality, effective services. BHTs are trained to conduct … Read more

In the treatment of sleep disorders, there are a few different types of medications commonly prescribed to patients. Some medications address disruptive physical ailments that make it difficult for patients to sleep while others aid in helping the patient to fall asleep or sleep through the night. Because there can be a number of causes for … Read more

The existence of both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a substance abuse problem in a single patient is a common occurrence. One study on the subject, published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, found that about 27 percent of their participants – all of whom were diagnosed with OCD – met the criteria for having a co-occurring substance … Read more

Just talking with a professional is often the best way to identify a deficiency in the brain. When something is amiss in the cells of the brain, a person may find it hard to speak coherently, stay on topic or remember the details of words spoken moments before. While this conversation can sometimes help experts … Read more

Our brains manage a wide range of emotional and psychological functions. They use a sensitive and intricate system of chemical signals and responses sent via the central nervous system. A number of environmental and congenital factors can affect this system. Changes in brain chemistry can cause significant changes in a person’s mood. The Environment’s Impact … Read more

Hormones fluctuate significantly during pregnancy and during the months afterward. Many women will experience feelings of unexplained sadness as a result, be irritable or restless, and struggle with anxiety. Usually, however, these symptoms fade in the first two weeks after giving birth. Some women, however, have a completely different emotional experience after childbirth. Some will experience … Read more

The Merriam-Webster dictionary provides six definitions for the word “matrix,” including: “something from within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form.” In this definition, a matrix is used as a sort of scaffolding, allowing something to take shape in a structured and controlled way. People with addictions may need a matrix like this, allowing them to … Read more

Dual Diagnosis treatment is a relatively new innovation in the field of addiction recovery. Until the 1990s, people who were experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder — anxiety attacks, depressive episodes, delusional behavior or mood swings — were treated separately from those who sought help for drug or alcohol abuse. When these conditions overlapped, clients … Read more

Drug abuse affects every organ in your body — including your body’s largest organ, the skin. Skin picking and hair pulling are two common reactions to the physical and psychological effects of illicit drug use. Heroin and meth use can cause direct damage to the skin in the form of needle marks and abscesses. Many users … Read more

As technology changes and advances, so does the world we live in. The prevalence of high-speed internet access and plentiful smart devices shrinks our environment and increases our access to just about everything you could imagine on a daily basis. Even substance abuse and addiction are affected by the rise of the Internet, social media … Read more

Cocaine is a common drug of abuse and has been for decades. Popular with people who frequent late night clubs and those who need assistance managing at work the next morning, cocaine is referred to as an “upper” that provides users with both a high and a little boost of energy to keep going. Unfortunately, … Read more

Often referred to as binge eating, compulsive overeating is an addiction to food that helps meet any of the following needs: To hide from emotions To fill an emotional void To cope with daily stresses and problems While compulsive overeating may relieve some problems, it is often short lived and never deals with the core … Read more

Heroin is a street drug derived from the poppy plant. Highly addictive, this substance may be white or tan powder, or it may be a sticky, black tar-like substance. Some people snort the powder while others smoke the drug in a pipe; others dissolve heroin in water and inject the solution. All forms and all … Read more

Medicare, just like all health insurance policies offered on the open exchanges since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, does cover the cost of drug rehab. Distinct from treatment services covered for the treatment of alcohol abuse or alcoholism, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acknowledge that different services may be necessary to treat patients … Read more

Chapter 5 — Mood Disorders Definitions and Diagnoses The term mood describes a pervasive and sustained emotional state that may affect all aspects of an individual’s life and perceptions. Mood disorders are pathologically elevated or depressed disturbances of mood, and include full or partial episodes of depression or mania. A mood episode (for example, major depression) is a cluster of symptoms that occur … Read more

According to Psychiatric Times, military members who return home from combat demonstrate high rates of substance abuse. Often, drug abuse co-occurs with other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and pain related to injuries. Research surveys demonstrate the unfortunate frequency of alcohol abuse among military personnel. Findings from different surveys regarding … Read more

When done properly, an intervention is an expression of love and support for someone who is going through a challenging time. Unfortunately, for someone with narcissistic personality disorder, an intervention can have an entirely different interpretation of the purpose of the process. To them, it’s an expression of the family’s weakness or inability to see … Read more

Going away to college is often the first time young adults are away from home for any stretch of time. Students are keen to fit in, prove themselves, and often overjoyed with their newfound freedom. These freedoms are often taken too far, however, as college campuses tend toward a higher frequency of partying and illegal … Read more

For all the popularity of alcohol, everyone knows at least one person who has struggled with alcoholism. And there have been hundreds of cases of celebrities, politicians, and other public figures getting treatment for an alcohol habit that got out of hand. We hear a lot about words like “rehab,” “detox,” and “therapy” when it … Read more

Appendix B — Treatment of Patients With Dual Disorders: Sample Cost Data To provide readers with illustrative data on the costs of running programs for patients with dual disorders, the consensus panel Chair obtained data on actual costs during fiscal year 1991-1992 from three programs in urban areas. One program, on the West Coast, provided … Read more

Antidepressant medications are not just the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of depression, but among certain groups in the United States, antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed class of drugs on the market. Though antidepressant medications can be extremely effective in helping patients to manage the symptoms of depression, it is important to … Read more

Why is alcohol such a hard drug to kick? Researchers think it’s due to the chemical changes each sip can cause deep inside the cells of the brain. In a study in Science Translational Medicine, researchers discovered that alcohol touches parts of the brain called the nucleus accumbens and orbitofrontal cortex, which are both involved in a … Read more

Although many people are not familiar with the four types of borderline personality disorder (BPD), the differences between the types are substantial and important to understand. In certain instances, borderline personality disorder co-occurs with alcoholism, presenting a complex dual diagnosis. What Is Impulsive Personality Disorder? Impulsive personality disorder is often seen as the most charismatic … Read more

The debate about the efficacy of drug courts has been waged for the past decade, and now one more study has landed solidly in the “pro” column. Research has found that sending offenders with a history of drug and alcohol abuse to addiction treatment programs rather than institutionalizing them in jail or prison is not only the … Read more

Although understanding of the science of addiction is still evolving, there is a general consensus that addiction includes physical dependence (the body habituates to a drug) and mental dependence (drug-seeking behavior and taking the drugs despite knowing they are dangerous). Although different treatment programs may employ different methodologies, most include the following programs: Detox. In some … Read more

Depression is a complex disorder – one characterized by a spectrum of symptoms. The existence – or absence – of a specific defining symptom can completely alter the diagnosis. In the case of psychotic depression, also known as delusional depression, Medline Plus reports that the condition is much like major depression in terms of how it … Read more

Most experts agree that therapy is the key to dealing with an addiction, but sometimes it’s hard for people with addictions to handle the demands of therapy sessions. They may be so distracted by cravings that they can’t concentrate on the lessons in each class. Or, they may be unable to fight off cravings at … Read more

No one starts using painkillers with the intention of becoming addicted. Yet many people find themselves struggling with abuse and addiction. The American Society of Addiction Medicine explains, “Of the 20.5 million Americans 12 or older that had a substance use disorder in 2015, 2 million had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers.”1 … Read more

Common household cleaners. Beauty products. Art supplies. They are easily accessible on store shelves or online, and many are stored under the sink and in cabinets around the house. You may think nothing of it, but in the hands of some people, these common products can turn into drugs of abuse – deadly substances that enable … Read more

Lortab is a Schedule II prescription opioid analgesic used to treat patients suffering from moderate to severe surgical or chronic pain. A combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, the drug is highly addictive and doesn’t take long to inflict dependency. Most people would naturally assume that the opioid in this drug cocktail carries all the risk; … Read more

What Is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic behavioral disorder. While it is commonly affiliated with children, the disorder affects many adults, too. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, around eight million America adults suffer from ADHD. As of 2011, roughly 6.4 million children were affected by it, the Centers for Disease Control … Read more

A buildup of emotions like frustration, anger, self-loathing, depression and anxiety can cause someone to seek an outlet through self-mutilation. A common misconception is to lump suicidal behavior with this deliberate self-harm, sometimes referred to as DSH and other times as NSSI, non-suicidal self-injury. They are, however, not the same and should be considered separately. … Read more

How can the system be reorganised? Since the end of the Second World War, there has been repeated discussion of the need to create a unified military health system. Some observers have argued that a unified organisation could lead to cost savings, better integration of healthcare services, more efficient administrative processes and better training. A … Read more

D.A.R.E. is an acronym that stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Developed by both law enforcement and school officials in 1983, the program was provided to youths as a formal way of introducing drug use information to young people in attempts to lower the rate of substance abuse down the road. Whether or not the … Read more

Not all drugs are created equal. Some nudge open the door to addiction, and others break that door down. Some have innocuous origins, and others were crafted for no other reason than to poison and corrupt. Similarly, the attitudes and stereotypes towards different types of drugs are not all equal. Some drugs are welcomed and celebrated; … Read more

The rewards of a sober lifestyle are many and might include improved physical health, enhanced relationships and a better economic outlook. In fact, people who are sober after years of addiction often report that their lives are happier now than they ever were when drugs played a role,and they might claim that they’ll never be tempted … Read more

Today, prescription painkillers are a well-known threat to public health and safety. A contributing factor to the painkiller epidemic is a public perception that these drugs are safer than street drugs because they are manufactured by regulated pharmaceutical companies and prescribed by doctors – but this is not the case. Prescription painkiller abuse arises either … Read more

Bipolar disorder presents differently in different patients — even when the individuals have the same subset diagnosis. Some individuals experience primarily one symptom or another, and these symptoms can closely resemble those of other conditions, such as simple depression or schizophrenia. There is no clinical test for bipolar disorder; rather, a diagnosis is made on the basis of … Read more

Money and power are often linked with health and prestige. It’s assumed that professionals who have achieved some level of success just have less to worry about, when compared with the average person, and they might not develop addictions or substance abuse problems as a result. It’s assumed that their high status in their communities will protect … Read more

Marijuana comes from the plant cannabis sativa. For most of human history, cannabis was cultivated as a rich source of plant fiber called hemp, which is used to make products like rope, cloth and paper.[1] It began its relationship with humans as a camp follower. Humans would gather the plants to use and throw away … Read more

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine offers a shocking glimpse at just how broken our health care system is when it comes to delivering help to people battling addiction. The research showed that among 3,000 people who suffered nonfatal overdoses while being prescribed opioids for pain over a 12-year period, 91 percent of them … Read more

Constant deployments have strained military personnel and families, who are already burdened by frequent moves and parental absences. These stressors include children’s social or behavioral problems at home and at school. By better understanding the issues children face when parents or guardians are deployed, the Army can more effectively target services to military families and … Read more

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has traditionally provided health benefits to active and retired military personnel and their families. Active duty personnel who retire after 20 or more years of service are entitled to continue to receive medical benefits for themselves, their spouses, and dependent children through the military health care plan (TRICARE). However, … Read more

Few, if any, mental health disorders leave a person feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. In fact, more often than not, mental health problems do just the opposite. Exhausted by the constant up and downs of mood swings, persistent low feelings, and general psychological anguish, people diagnosed with mental health disorders frequently can feel subjected to the … Read more

For most adults, a normal night’s sleep lasts around eight hours and is composed of between four and six sleep cycles. Characterized by NREM (non rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement) periods, it takes the average person about 80 to 100 minutes to begin the REM, or deep sleep, portion of the cycle. … Read more

Tourism remains one of the world’s biggest industries. In 2011, international tourist receipts passed $1 trillion for the first time in history, signaling the revival of a robust and popular activity for hundreds of millions of people.[1] But there is another, more troubling side to these numbers: it’s how many people embark on drug tourism, a … Read more

Bipolar disorder, once commonly known as manic depression, is a serious mental disorder that is characterized by sudden and intense shifts in mood, behavior and energy levels. Like substance abuse, bipolar disorder poses a risk to the individual’s physical and emotional well-being. Those afflicted with bipolar disorder have a higher rate of relationship problems, economic … Read more

Treatment services for drug abuse and addiction can get expensive, even if the patient opts for outpatient care. The good news is that this cost is extremely modifiable, determined based on the combination of services chosen and whether or not health insurance will cover all or part of the cost. What treatment services will best help … Read more

It’s reported that approximately 26 percent of Americans have a mental health condition that is diagnosable by the DSM-IV. Unfortunately, an estimated 45 percent of those people go untreated as a result of the high costs of mental health care, according to the Washington Post. This is a startling statistic as so many need treatment for … Read more

Mental illnesses are often implicated in cases of Dual Diagnosis, and it’s certainly true that schizophrenia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders can contribute to both the acquisition and the maintenance of an addiction issue. However, some physical conditions can also impact the way a person heals in an addiction treatment program. These are just … Read more

The addiction recovery process is sometimes described in mystical terms. People who get sober often say that they “hit bottom,” “change their lives” and make connections with “something bigger.” They do more than simply put down the bottle or throw away the pills. They come to a new understanding about how life should be lived, … Read more

Alcohol use disorders, including chronic drinking, binge drinking and alcohol dependence, negatively impact the drinker physically, emotionally and mentally. No part of a drinker’s life is unharmed by alcohol addiction, and even moderate drinking can add up to increased risk of a number of issues, including liver damage and cirrhosis. Watching your loved one harm their … Read more

Oxycodone is an opioid that is typically prescribed for the treatment of pain. Taking oxycodone according to a doctor’s instructions should only lead to minimal side effects, but even this comes with risks. Recreational or non-prescription use of oxycodone can lead to a number of serious physical and mental health issues including moderate to severe … Read more

Benzodiazepines, or sedatives, are usually prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and sleep disorders. Though they are classified as Schedule IV drugs and therefore less likely to cause addiction in the user when taken as prescribed as compared to Schedule III or Schedule II substances, they are still addictive and those who abuse these drugs very … Read more

Dual diagnosis can be defined simply as the coexistence of both a mental illness and an addiction in the same individual. After that, things aren’t so simple. Treating a dual diagnosis patient is complicated because the different conditions tend to aggravate each other – making them worse if untreated. What’s more, the symptoms for certain … Read more

The amount of time you should stay in a sober living home – like the amount of time you should stay in treatment – should be determined based on your individual needs. As a general rule, as long as you are benefitting from the support provided by sober living and can afford to stay, then it’s a … Read more

Alcoholism is one of the leading lifestyle-related causes of disease and death in the United States. According to statistics from the University of California at San Francisco, alcohol abuse is responsible for 1,400 disease-related deaths, 17,000 motor vehicle fatalities and 500,000 injuries in the US each year. The longer you drink heavily, and the more alcohol you … Read more

Each Vicroprofen pill contains two active ingredients: hydrocodone and ibuprofen. When these two elements work together, they can bring about a great deal of pain relief. But the pills are designed to deliver that relief for a very short period of time. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors shouldn’t provide Vicoprofen pills for longer than 10 … Read more

Psychosocial treatments are arguably the most important aspect of treatment for all depression diagnoses. Though medication can play a part in the initial stabilization of the patient as well as ongoing management of symptoms, it is the work done through psychosocial treatments that can have the longest lasting impact and, in some cases, may render … Read more

Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analogue similar to diazepam or Valium. It works like other benzodiazepines, although it has a slightly different chemical makeup. Where benzos have a benzene ring, etizolam has a thiophene ring. Etizolam depresses the central nervous system and animal testing seems to point toward its effectiveness as a muscle relaxer, anti-convulsion medication, … Read more

Chapter 4 — Linkages For Mental Health and AOD Treatment Overview Conventional boundaries between single-focus agencies have impeded the clinical progress of patients who have psychiatric disorders and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders (Baker, 1991; Schorske and Bedard, 1988). The treatment of patients with dual disorders is a clinical challenge, as well as a systems … Read more

If you know someone who is suffering from the ravages of addiction, you are probably familiar with the concept of a crisis. Individuals who abuse drugs often have emergencies in their lives, ranging from overdoses to evictions as well as legal issues concerning them and their children. Crises, while exhausting and stress-inducing, can be great … Read more

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) is one of a number of diagnostic tools that may be useful in helping to evaluate patients effectively when depression is an issue. Depression is not only a spectrum disorder but also a symptom caused by other mental health issues. Therefore, effective treatment starts with a thorough understanding of … Read more

Alcohol may be the most popular drug in the world, but the misery and anguish of an alcohol problem can be as devastating as that of hard narcotics. The signs of alcoholism are sometimes easily missed or not taken seriously because of the popularity of alcohol and drinking culture. Nonetheless, spotting the signs of alcohol … Read more

Relapse is, sadly, part of the healing process for many people who have addictions. At one moment, they make a commitment to leading a life that’s free of any kind of intoxicating substance at all. But in the next moment, they seem overwhelmed by the urge to use, and they comply with that urge by … Read more

Perhaps nothing brings Americans together like alcohol. Sports game? Beer. Weddings and Christmas parties? Champagne. Romantic evening? Wine. Birthday party? Take your pick. For a country founded by Puritans and a country that once went so far as to ban anything to do with alcohol for more than 10 years, the American infatuation with – … Read more

Approximately 23.1 million Americans over the age of 11 were abusing drugs and alcohol in 2012 enough to warrant treatment, despite only 2.5 million of them receiving it.[1] A large portion of these substance abusers are fans of marijuana, which has been decriminalized and legalized in several states in recent years. What few recognize is … Read more

In the United States, 5.5 million men and women care for a current or former soldier with a disability or illness. We call these people military caregivers. Of these, 4.4 million care for veterans who served before September 11, 2001 (pre-9/11 caregivers) and 1.1 million care for veterans who served after September 11, 2001 (post-9/11 … Read more

What do you do if you or someone you love undergoes a big personality change? Learn the warning signs of a deeper problem associated with sudden personality changes in adults. If a loved one has been acting strangely or suddenly concerning you with unusual behavior, it may be time to seek help. What Is a … Read more

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is a network of self-help groups for addiction to cocaine, crack, and other stimulants. As a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), members come together with the common goal of abstaining from substance use. Like other Anonymous groups, CA teaches that members should abstain from using all substances, not just the drug in question … Read more

Autophobia is the fear of being alone or of loneliness. Solitude, even in a safe place like home, can cause extreme anxiety in those who struggle with the disorder. Even if it is clear that they are physically safe, patients still may fear: Strangers or intruders Being unloved or unwanted Developing an acute medical issue Unexpected or … Read more

Rehab gives people a break from pressures and responsibilities so they can focus solely on sobriety. The next step in recovery is leaving treatment and learning to live in the real world. For some people making that leap feels too daunting. Recovery experts recommend that those individuals consider transitional living environments also called halfway houses or … Read more

What’s the difference between drug abuse and drug dependence, and are they connected? It’s a common question, and it may not always be easy to tell when someone you care about crosses the line from abuse of a substance into a full-blown addiction. The difference is in the number of diagnostic criteria as per the Diagnostic … Read more

Hoarding and substance abuse may seem unrelated. However the two often accompany each other, reinforce each other and reduce overall quality of life. When you learn more about hoarding and treatment options, you give yourself and your loved ones the chance to heal. What Is Hoarding, and How Does It Affect Daily Life? Some people … Read more

(TS) is a disorder of the nervous system that causes involuntary and repetitive movements or vocalizations called tics. These tics can be hugely disruptive in the life of the patient, making it difficult to maintain relationships in some cases or take on certain types of employment or activities. A spectrum disorder, not all who are … Read more

“I need a drink.” That’s the phrase characters on television shows use when they’ve been exposed to some type of tragic event. The implication is that substance use allows these characters to soothe their minds and forget about the trauma they’ve seen, so the plot can move forward and the writers can inflict yet more … Read more

The modern world is loaded with stressful situations, high conflict issues, and ongoing demands. For most, the occasional bad day or bad temper is expected and normal, but for others, the littlest thing sets off an angry explosion that can leave a ton of negative consequences in its stead. Things like being stressed out at … Read more

Prescription drugs were designed to help people get well, but unfortunately they have become a tool that millions of Americans use to abuse their bodies and destroy their lives. Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem, especially among the young, who have access to these medications online and in their parents’ medicine cabinets. With prescription drug abuse … Read more

The Health Behavior and Behavior Survey (HRBS) is the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) primary survey of the health, health behaviors and well-being of military personnel. The HRBS, which has been conducted regularly for more than 30 years, covers areas that may affect military readiness or the ability to meet the demands of military life. … Read more

Almost all patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, will be prescribed medication to help them balance their moods and mitigate the difficult symptoms that often define the disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), mood stabilizers are often the first medication measure implemented in the pharmacological treatment of Bipolar disorder, … Read more

Dysphoric mania refers to a group of symptoms that fall under the umbrella of bipolar disorder. Individuals with these symptoms usually experience depression and mania at the same time, which can trouble patients greatly. The combination of depression and the agitated state of mania can lead to extreme behaviors, such as attempted suicide or violence. Also … Read more