Addiction
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This time of year brings joy for many, but those struggling with addiction could be experiencing a particularly difficult time. With increased stressors such as family conflict, financial strain or loneliness, many may turn to drugs or alcohol.
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Research is showing that alcohol sales are up since the start of the pandemic. With ongoing isolation and boredom, people may be turning to alcohol to cope with the stress.
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Just like insulin is used to treat diabetes, medications are available to treat addiction. Historically, misinformation about this treatment option has prevented people from getting the necessary care to overcome addiction. However, people are becoming increasingly aware of the facts about addiction and the benefits of medications used to treat addiction.
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The term “wellness” can have a variety of definitions depending on who you ask. Some will suggest that wellness is an active pursuit of strong physical health through regular exercise, mindfulness and a healthy diet. While others might believe that wellness is a state of spiritual well-being, mental clarity or intellect.
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When a close friend finds out they have Alzheimer’s disease or cancer, our hearts instantly stir with empathy and compassion. We begin thinking of ways we can help our friend and their family prepare for a long health battle.
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Experts agree that brains do not fully develop until about age 25. For most people, this is the age when decision-making skills and impulse control begin to stabilize, and adults begin to understand the consequences of actions and make better choices.
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One of the most common reasons people use opioids is to manage pain from an injury, surgical or dental procedures or joint damage. Degenerative disease, autoimmune disease, cancer and infectious diseases can also trigger chronic pain requiring long-term pain management.
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In 2019, more than 9 million adults in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 25 were diagnosed with at least one mental health condition while also being diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
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Once patients begin their road to recovery from addiction, counseling is an important component for short-term and long-term success. Counseling, also called therapy or psychotherapy, may be different for each person depending on what form of addiction they have and how long they have been struggling.
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Veterans who live in rural areas face unique health care challenges such as higher rates of chronic disease, a lack of access to health care providers and specialty services, as well as substance use and mental health services.
