Gregg Makuch

For individuals in the early stages of addiction treatment, depression symptoms are common due to a lack of dopamine. Dopamine is a pleasure chemical that the brain creates in order for you to repeat certain actions and be happy.

Children thrive when parents raise them in a safe and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, far too many young people suffer through trauma during their formative years. Childhood trauma can often lead to substance abuse and addiction, and learning about the connection can be key to embracing change and gaining emotional stability.

Some say that struggling with a substance abuse problem is a sign of bad decision-making and poor moral fiber. Experts disagree with this somewhat flip assessment. Sure, a bad choice might have gotten you started, but biochemical changes make it extremely difficult to stop. So, is addiction a disease, and if so, what is its target?

We believe you can learn to stop drinking. While you may feel discouraged by alcohol addiction now. But, with professional help, peer support, and a solid plan, long term sobriety is possible.

Many rehab centers adopt the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to treat addiction. However, not everyone believes that this treatment method is effective. In the realm of alternatives, there's one popular method. Although many people have heard of it, they often ask, "What is cognitive behavioral therapy?"

When discussing drug use with friends and family members, we frequently don’t use the right terms. For example, did you know that the addiction definition differs significantly from a substance abuse problem? Words matter. Here’s what you need to know the next time you’re talking about the issue.

When there’s a celebration, people crack open a bottle of champagne. Bars are regular  social scenes where friends meet over a beer. However, is alcohol a drug? Not only is the answer, “yes”, but you could also make the point that it’s among the most dangerous out there.

You’re struggling with an addiction. The person who lives with you can choose to worsen your condition or contribute to your desire for treatment. How is codependency addiction's best friend? If your loved one decides to support your drug habit, that’s a learned behavior, which mental health professionals call codependency.

Detox from alcohol can begin shortly after your last drink. Depending on the circumstances, the process typically takes between 3 to 10 days in an outpatient or supervised inpatient setting.

Have you ever heard the joke about how an alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do?

If so, then you’ll see the irony in waking up and realizing: Wait a minute, I’ve become that person. I don’t like myself much anymore.