Since the first behavioral therapies were developed early in the last century, psychologists have understood that negative, unhealthy, or destructive behaviors can be changed by shifting the thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that underlie human behavior. Behavioral therapy was originally developed for mental health diagnoses, but it has been established as being highly effective for addiction…
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Crystal meth is a purified form of the stimulant methamphetamine. The dangers of crystal meth are largely related to how easy it is to manufacture, combined with its extremely addictive qualities. It is so addictive that anyone abusing crystal meth is best served by enrolling in a meth addiction treatment program quickly, without waiting for…
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Cocaine — or at least the coca leaves from which this drug is derived — has been in use since 3,000 BCE in Central and South America when the stimulant and euphoric qualities were valued, often in ceremonial uses. Eventually, cocaine’s effectiveness was discovered — as a topical anesthetic and also as a vasoconstrictor during…
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Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI, is a compulsive behavior usually in response to depression, anxiety, and/or extreme stress. Teens are the most common sufferers of this mental health disorder, with more than one in 10 teens engaging in at least one act of self-harm. NSSI often co-occurs with other mental health disorders.…
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There are moments in life that we don’t really notice when they happen. For example, when drinking stops being an occasional indulgence and becomes a problem. It’s often not until much later, when the problem has become a life-altering disease known as addiction, that we realize what has happened. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge…
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In the US, heroin was originally used in pain relief, along with morphine which is, like heroin, also derived from the opium poppy. However, heroin became illegal in 1924 when its highly addictive qualities were realized. Morphine, much less potent, is still in use today for medical purposes. Heroin and other opiates, like all recreational…
DetailsIt’s important to understand the difference between methamphetamine and crystal meth. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II synthetic drug. On the other hand, crystal meth is a highly purified form of methamphetamine that is created specifically for illicit use. The intense stimulant effects of crystal meth, its extreme addictiveness, and the fact that it is easy…
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Teenagers aren’t of legal age to drink alcohol. Unfortunately, consuming alcohol is portrayed in the media as being cool, fun, and even thrilling. Teens believe alcohol will make them more interesting and fun to be with, freer, happier, and less scared. And they aren’t wrong. Alcohol can loosen them up and, for a short time,…
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About seven out of 10 people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. No one is unaffected by trauma and some experience severe emotional and psychological fallout. It is estimated that about 12 million Americans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, trauma-induced mental health challenges, including PTSD, are treatable. Unfortunately, it often…
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Addiction does not always fit into neat categories. In fact, most people who suffer from a substance use disorder regularly take more than one substance. Polysubstance abuse refers to the misuse of two or more substances taken in combination. There are several underlying risk factors for polysubstance abuse, but one of them is the presence…
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