Category Archives: Disorders

It’s not uncommon for people struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using drugs or alcohol, to self-medicate symptoms. However, prolonged drug or alcohol use can result in a substance use disorder, which is why PTSD and addiction often go hand in hand. These co-occurring disorders can exacerbate each […]

The connection between depression and addiction is complicated. People with mood disorders often battle substance abuse, and vice versa. While depression and addiction are distinct conditions, they frequently co-occur, with each disorder influencing the other and making it worse. People diagnosed with mood disorders are more likely to develop substance abuse issues for various reasons, […]

The relationship between bipolar disorder and substance abuse is complex. People with bipolar disorder often turn to substances to self-medicate and alleviate the intense emotional roller coaster they experience during manic or depressive episodes. However, research suggests that people with a dual diagnosis of bipolar and addiction don’t respond well to treatment and have a […]

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), eating disorders and substance abuse commonly coexist. Up to 50% of people diagnosed with eating disorders frequently report abusing alcohol and other recreational drugs. At least 35% of people who have substance abuse problems have suffered from an eating disorder. Several underlying factors are shared by individuals […]

Do you frequently have to take a shot of something strong to find the courage to get out of bed and face the day? Or do you discreetly take a few hits of weed throughout the day to calm your nerves, even when there’s nothing specific to agitate you? Substance abuse occurs when you misuse […]

Bipolar disorder is a mental health diagnosis that 2.8% of the United States population had in the past year. Approximately 4.4% of American adults have experienced the disorder at some point in their lives. When a family member is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it often affects everyone in the household. Living with a bipolar family […]

Schizophrenia is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions worldwide. In the United States alone, 0.25%-0.64% of people either have or are suspected to have some form of the disease. The disturbed thinking and behavior this condition induces is a leading cause of homelessness, drug abuse, arrest and other negative life outcomes. People […]

When someone falls into substance abuse, their partner may start wondering, “How does addiction affect relationships?” Change might not happen right away, but as the disorder progresses, arguments become more frequent. Both parties feel like they can’t trust each other and like they aren’t being understood. Sometimes, drugs ruin relationships. However, seeking help in time […]

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme and unpredictable mood swings. There are two types of bipolar disorder — bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 is diagnosed when the person has had a manic episode — an elevated level of expression and energy for over a week. People with a bipolar […]

When most people think about eating disorders, bulimia and anorexia come to mind. However, recent trends have caused an increase in a healthy eating disorder: orthorexia nervosa. This disorder causes rapid weight loss and an obsession with food like anorexia, but instead of trying to lose weight, people starve themselves in the name of clean […]