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25 Reasons Why People Use Drugs

Drug Addiction

Learn about all most common reasons why people use drugs and about the most effective addiction treatments at our We Level Up Lake Worth FL facility.

Reasons Why People Drink Alcohol

Alcohol Addiction

There are many reasons why people drink alcohol, even though it can have many negative effects. Learn more from our We Level Up Lake Worth FL experts.

The Dangers of Mixing Suboxone and Cocaine

Drug Addiction

Mixing Suboxone and cocaine can lead to severe physical and psychological risks. Learn all about the dangers from our We Level Up Lake Worth FL experts.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal Fever?

Alcohol Addiction

According to the latest data from the National institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about one in five people who…

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Does Drug Rehab Work?

Starting Recovery

Does drug rehab work? How do we measure drug rehab success? What factors contribute to drug rehab success? We Level Up Lake Worth FL answers all of these questions and more. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, we are here to support you. Give us a call.

How Long Are Drug Rehab Programs?

Starting Recovery

Drug rehab program durations depend on several factors, such as the severity of addiction, the type of substance abused, individual…

30 Things To Show Gratitude For While In Recovery

When you feel grateful, your brain releases feel-good chemicals that help you reduce stress and increase happiness. On the spiritual…

How Does Cocaine Cause Anxiety?

Mental Health & Addiction

The American Psychiatric Association estimates that anxiety affects nearly one-third of all adults. It can be caused by genetics, environmental…

What Is Moderate Drinking?

Alcohol Addiction

Moderation is key to living a healthy life, but that can be hard to do if you don’t know where…

What Is Gabapentin Used For?

Drug Addiction

Even if you’ve never used gabapentin personally, you likely know someone who has. Initially created as an anti-seizure medication, off-label…

Is Addiction A Disease?

Drug Addiction

Is addiction a disease? According to the definitions used by most medical associations, yes, and a chronic one at that.…

How Much Alcohol Is Safe To Drink Daily?

Alcohol Addiction

Many people across the globe enjoy a glass of wine with their dinner or whiskey on the rocks for a…

Is Alcoholism Genetic?

Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism may not be the preventable and self-inflicted disease we believe it to be--at least, not entirely. Evidence of the…

Stress is a negative emotional state that affects far more than just your mental health. It takes quite a toll on your physical health, as well, as stress is known to cause or aggravate a number of serious health issues. These include heart disease, diabetes, depression, and even Alzheimer’s. When it comes to addiction recovery, stress isn’t just a silent killer but a major sabotager. Read on to learn about the interconnectedness of stress and addiction relapse. How Stress Can Lead To Addiction To better understand how stress can underscore attempts to get (and stay) sober, we must first look into how it can contribute to addiction in the first place. In most instances of alcohol or drug addiction, it’s brought about by a person using a substance as a coping mechanism for stress. Studies have shown that individuals who resort to such behavior typically are more easily overwhelmed by stressors or and have difficulty communicating their emotions. As such, they turn to mind-altering substances as a means to self-medicate. While they may provide temporary mental relief, turning to drugs and alcohol ultimately makes things worse. These substances interfere with serotonin and dopamine, the same neurotransmitters that regulate mood, resulting in individuals becoming even more sensitive to stressful situations and continuing the cycle. This same mechanism simultaneously makes individuals more susceptible to becoming addicted to a substance in the first place. Stress & Mood Disorders Another major contributing factor of how stress can influence addiction and relapse is the relationship between stress and psychiatric disorders. The same neurological imbalances that can be found in individuals with PTSD, anxiety disorders, or mood disorders are also replicated by drug abuse. This can make those psychiatric disorders even worse. The relationship between drugs and mental illness is complex, and why specialized treatment programs like dual diagnosis are necessary. How Stress Affects Relapse After stress sets the stage for addiction to develop, it can then trap individuals in that negative loop through a series of neurological reactions. The parts of the brain involved in stress response are the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These deal with memory and impulse control, and can play a significant role in someone’s likelihood to develop addiction. In the long-term, these neurobiological mechanics have been shown to contribute to the impaired cognitive control enhances the likelihood of a drug user seeking out drugs. Additionally, it can cause enhanced feelings of cravings, compulsion, and a lack of control. All of which can contribute to a drug addict finding it difficult to fight the compulsion to stop using despite the abundance of negative consequences.

Stress and Addiction Relapse: The Enemy of Sobriety

Mental Health & Addiction

Stress is a negative emotional state that affects far more than just your mental health. It takes quite a toll…

The Relationship Between Alcohol and Anxiety Attacks

Mental Health & Addiction

Anxiety is a normal and naturally occurring feeling that arises when people are faced with challenging circumstances. However, when this…

How to Heal Veins From IV Drug Use

Drug Addiction

Veins are a vast and intricate network of blood vessels located throughout every inch of the body. They are tasked…

World Bipolar Day: How You Can Help

Mental Health & Addiction

What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder and chronic mental illness that was previously known as manic-depressive…

Side Effects of Mixing Meloxicam and Alcohol

Alcohol Addiction

It’s well known that taking alcohol and painkillers together is a terrible idea, but how dangerous would it be to…

What Is A Halfway House? (It’s Different from Sober Living Homes)

Recovery Support

Halfway House: Definition A halfway house is a type of temporary residence with a controlled environment that allows individuals to…

Mixing Lithium & Alcohol

Mental Health & Addiction

People who experience any health issue that is treated with pharmaceuticals, or really any drugs, need to be aware of…

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