Author: Sarah Shawaker

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Top 10 Weight Loss Spas in the World

Luxury weight loss spas offer a unique and holistic approach to managing weight while prioritizing overall wellness. These retreats combine personalized fitness programs, expert nutritional guidance, and cutting-edge therapies in luxurious settings, helping guests achieve sustainable weight loss. 

Beyond the physical benefits, luxury weight loss spas support mental and emotional well-being by incorporating mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and stress relief techniques. The serene, high-end environments can provide a peaceful escape from daily life, allowing guests to focus entirely on their health and transformation in comfort and luxury.

Here are some of the best weight loss spas around the world.

Euphoria Retreat 

Greece

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Euphoria Retreat, located in the heart of the Peloponnese in Greece, offers a unique wellness experience that blends ancient Greek and Chinese healing philosophies within a luxurious and tranquil setting. Nestled in Mystras, a UNESCO-listed town, the retreat is renowned for its state-of-the-art spa facilities, which include a 4-story wellness center featuring saunas, a cold plunge pool, and hydrotherapy options. Guests can indulge in an array of treatments that prioritize holistic well-being, such as Kneipp water therapy, aromatherapy, and hot stone massages.

Euphoria Retreats’ approach integrates physical fitness and mindfulness with activities like yoga, pilates, hiking, and meditation. These are complemented by tailored wellness programs, including detox services, weight management, and emotional balance retreats. The on-site restaurant serves nutritious Mediterranean cuisine that detoxes and boosts energy.

Chiva-Som

Thailand

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Set on the beautiful beaches of Hua Hin, Thailand, Chiva-Som is a luxury wellness retreat that offers a holistic and integrative approach to health and well-being. The program combines Eastern and Western therapies with customized wellness programs designed to meet individual health goals, including detox, weight management, fitness, and stress relief​. The retreat offers over 200 treatment options, including traditional Thai therapies, advanced physiotherapy, acupuncture, and spa treatments. Chiva-Som focuses on mind-body balance through various activities, such as yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and fitness training​. 

Chiva-Som crafts personalized wellness journeys, where guests undergo consultations with health professionals to develop tailored plans based on their specific needs. The serene surroundings, luxurious accommodations, and wellness offerings all create a transformative experience for guests​. 

Golden Door

USA

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Golden Door is a luxury wellness retreat in San Marcos, California that offers a truly personalized and immersive experience aimed at rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit. Set on over 600 acres of private land, it includes 30 miles of exclusive hiking trails, biodynamic gardens, and serene natural surroundings. Each guest enjoys a custom wellness plan tailored to their goals, including daily spa treatments, fitness classes, and nutritious farm-to-table meals sourced from their own organic farms. The intimate setting, accommodating only 40 guests at a time, provides a highly personalized experience with a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio.

The wellness journey at Golden Door is deeply holistic, focusing on physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual healing. Offerings range from yoga, pilates, and meditation to more adventurous activities like archery. The retreat also integrates mindfulness practices and personal empowerment workshops, making it a transformative experience for those seeking a fresh start, relaxation, or recovery from life’s challenges.

SHA Wellness Clinic

Spain

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Tucked away in serene Alicante, Spain with stunning ocean views, SHA Wellness Clinic is a unique wellness retreat that combines modern medicine with natural therapies, drawing from both Eastern and Western practices. The SHA Method is a holistic approach focused on improving long-term well-being through personalized health programs that are tailored to address a wide array of needs, such as weight management, fitness, stress relief, and anti-aging​.

The clinic utilizes cutting-edge medical treatments alongside holistic therapies like genetic testing, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. Its Integrative Health Programs are designed to help guests achieve optimal health by blending medical expertise, nutrition, physical activity, and relaxation techniques​. 

Clinique La Prairie

Switzerland

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Clinique La Prairie, located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland, is a world-renowned luxury retreat known for its innovative approach to health and longevity. Established in 1931, it combines cutting-edge medical science with holistic therapies, offering a unique and personalized approach to wellness​. 

The retreat’s Revitalization Program is based on a unique cell therapy that is integrated into a broader philosophy that blends preventive medicine, longevity research, and natural wellness practices​. The clinic emphasizes personalized care, offering tailor-made health programs that address various needs such as detox, stress management, weight loss, and anti-aging. Guests benefit from access to leading specialists, advanced diagnostic technologies, and a luxurious spa experience​.

In addition to its health programs, Clinique La Prairie is renowned for its tranquil location with views of the Alps and Lake Geneva, luxurious accommodations, and Michelin-starred dining focused on balanced, nutritious meals​. 

VIVAMAYR

Austria

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VIVAMAYR is known for its unique fusion of modern medicine and traditional healing practices based on the Mayr Cure, a detoxification method developed by Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr. Located in Austria, VIVAMAYR’s programs focus on improving gut health and overall well-being through personalized medical diagnostics, nutrition plans, and holistic therapies​.

The retreat offers various health programs tailored to individual needs, such as weight and stress management. They believe that gut health is key to overall health, so VIVAMAYR integrates cutting-edge medical treatments with lifestyle coaching, therapeutic fasting, and mindful eating practices​. The retreat combines advanced diagnostic tools with therapies like hydrotherapy, massage, and tailored fitness programs, all set in a tranquil environment, offering a holistic path to lifelong wellness​. 

Preidlhof

Italy

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Preidlhof, located in South Tyrol, Italy, is a luxurious retreat renowned for its comprehensive approach to well-being, combining relaxation, medical spa treatments, and holistic healing. With the serene backdrop of the Italian Alps, Preidlhof’s attention to personalized care, innovative treatments, and unique location combine to create a wellness retreat that offers both luxury and rejuvenation .

Preidlhof’s 6-floor spa includes saunas, steam rooms, pools, and panoramic relaxation areas, providing a unique experience. Guests can indulge in treatments ranging from massages to advanced medical therapies like anti-aging and detox treatments​. Preidlhof also offers various holistic wellness programs that integrate mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness, making it a destination for those seeking a transformative health experience.

Absolute Sanctuary 

Thailand

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Absolute Sanctuary is a standout wellness retreat located on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand that specializes in fitness, detox, and overall well-being. The facility combines holistic health programs with a luxury resort experience, and it’s particularly renowned for its comprehensive detox programs, yoga retreats, and fitness boot camps, all designed to help guests rejuvenate their body and mind.

The retreat offers an extensive range of wellness facilities, including a top-notch fitness center, yoga studio, detox center, and spa with treatments ranging from massages to specialized therapies like colon hydrotherapy​. Its programs are customizable to address specific health goals​. Absolute Sanctuary strives to provide healthy cuisine with nutritious, plant-based meals that complement guests’ wellness journeys. 

Rancho La Puerta

Mexico

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Rancho La Puerta is a pioneering wellness retreat known for its holistic approach to well-being, blending fitness, mindfulness, and nature. Established in 1940 in Baja California, Mexico, it has a rich legacy of promoting health through connection with nature and personal empowerment. The retreat offers an all-inclusive wellness program that provides 80+ fitness classes, therapeutic spa treatments, and workshops aimed at enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being​.

Rancho La Puerta’s mission and legacy focus on creating personal transformation and community through an environment where guests can unplug from daily life and focus on lasting well-being. The retreat features an organic farm-to-table dining experience, where meals are sourced from the center’s own gardens to incorporate nutrition as a key part of the wellness journey. Mindfulness is a core value and is utilized through activities such as meditation, yoga, and nature hikes across the 4,000-acre property​. 

Canyon Ranch

USA

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Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, has an integrative approach to health and well-being, focusing on whole-person wellness and offering customized programs that address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The resort provides an extensive range of services and experiences, including fitness classes, spa treatments, nutritional guidance, and specialized wellness consultations with medical experts, life coaches, and spiritual advisers​. 
Set in the Sonoran Desert, Canyon Ranch integrates nature into its wellness offerings with outdoor activities like hiking and biking to take advantage of the desert landscape. The retreat also provides mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to complement cutting-edge treatments in their spa and health centers​. Canyon Ranch’s holistic wellness approach, personalized care, and immersive desert environment makes it a standout destination for those seeking transformation and renewal.

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10 Signs You Need Anger Management and How to Find Help

Anger serves as a functional human emotion in the right circumstances, however, experiencing this in everyday life is not healthy. Anger can act as an outlet for deeper emotions such as shame, stress, and sadness1, and, when not regulated, strains work, personal life, and overall life satisfaction. Anger is usually rooted in stress, unresolved trauma, mental health conditions, and emotional dysregulation.

Anger management can help you navigate these emotions, leading to less explosive reactions. Addressing your anger can help you feel more fulfilled in all facets of your life, including your own internal world and well-being. If you exhibit some or all of these signs, anger management may be right for you.

1. Mood Swings

Experiencing and expressing extreme emotional highs and lows can be a product of anger. When someone has intense mood swings, they may react disproportionately to minor frustrations, leading to sudden outbursts. 

Frequent outbursts of anger can signal emotional regulation challenges and difficulty identifying and processing deeper feelings like hurt, sadness, or fear. Friends, family, and peers may distance themselves for fear of an unpredictable outburst. 

2. Easily Triggered

When someone is easily triggered, even minor hindrances or seemingly insignificant events can provoke an intense and disproportionately angry reaction. Their heightened sensitivity often reflects unresolved emotional struggles, stress, or trauma, where certain situations act as emotional “triggers” that activate feelings of anger.

Triggers vary by person and can include anything from perceived criticism, unfulfilled expectations, or reminders of past negative experiences. For those with anger issues, these triggers can cause them to quickly lose control, responding impulsively rather than processing the situation calmly. Sometimes, they do not fully understand why certain situations set them off, which can create a cycle of frustration and repeated outbursts. 

3. Short Temper

People with a short temper are quick to anger and react impulsively to situations that can be handled with patience and calmness. For example, someone with a short temper may lash out at a restaurant worker for getting their order wrong or be angry about typical traffic. These quick outbursts can occur over small annoyances due to a low threshold for frustration.

A short temper is often a sign that someone is struggling with underlying emotional regulation difficulties, which could be due to chronic stress, unresolved trauma, or mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. Lacking the ability to step back and process emotions before reacting leads to a pattern of frustration quickly turning into anger.

4. Frequent Outbursts

Without emotional control, anger results in outbursts, meaning frustration, stress, or emotional distress builds up and releases through sudden, intense reactions that are excessive given the situation.

Many individuals who struggle with anger issues may not have effective coping mechanisms to handle stress, disappointment, and conflict. Instead, they quickly resort to anger as a way of expressing these underlying feelings. These outbursts can also be a response to stress or mental health conditions, where anger becomes the default emotional response. 

5. Blaming Others

Someone with anger issues may blame others for their frustrations or difficulties as a defense mechanism to deflect from guilt, inadequacy, or vulnerability. By shifting the blame, they avoid confronting the underlying issues that contribute to their anger, such as anxiety, insecurity, or emotional pain.

Blaming others can be a way to justify angry outbursts or aggressive behavior, too, as the person feels that their reactions are warranted by someone else’s actions. For example, they might say, “I wouldn’t be so angry if you hadn’t done this,” which shifts the focus away from their out-of-control temper. This habit of blaming others prevents them from developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, as they fail to recognize their own role in the situation or their responsibility for managing their emotions.

6. Trouble Calming Down

If someone struggles to calm down after an angry outburst, their anger may not just be an immediate reaction but a sustained emotional state. Being unable to return to a balanced state after anger indicates their body and mind remain in a heightened state of tension or agitation, making it harder to move on from the trigger. This usually stems from a lack of emotional regulation skills or coping mechanisms to de-escalate the intensity of their anger. 

In some cases, the person ruminates on the cause of their anger, mentally replaying the situation and fueling their frustration. Deeper psychological issues, such as trauma and chronic stress, often create a lower threshold for emotional distress (meaning once they become angry, it’s hard to self-soothe). 

7. Verbal or Physical Aggression

When anger escalates to the point of aggression, whether through hurtful words or violent actions, it indicates that the person is overwhelmed by their emotions and cannot express or process them constructively.

Verbal aggression, including yelling, insults, name-calling, threats, and using intimidating language, arises when the person feels emotionally out of control, leading them to lash out in frustration. Although verbal aggression doesn’t cause physical harm, it can be emotionally damaging, causing lasting harm to relationships. Resorting to verbal attacks to express anger shows a need for better communication skills.

When anger leads to physical aggression, such as hitting, pushing, throwing objects, or causing property damage, the person has likely lost control of their emotions entirely, turning to violent behaviors as an outlet. Physical aggression is specifically concerning because it can result in harm to others or oneself, legal consequences, and long-term emotional and psychological damage.

8. Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation involves difficulty in managing or controlling intense emotions2, including anger. For someone with anger issues, even minor stressors can trigger an intense and uncontrollable surge of anger, often leading to outbursts or aggressive behavior.

When a person experiences emotional dysregulation, they find it hard to pause, reflect, and respond calmly. Instead, their emotional response to a situation is disproportionate to the actual event. For example, they might become extremely angry over a small comment that wasn’t meant to be a criticism, reacting as if they need to defend against an attack. 

Emotional dysregulation is often associated with underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression3, trauma, or personality disorders. For anger, emotional dysregulation prevents the individual from using healthy coping mechanisms, such as calming themselves down or communicating their feelings constructively. Instead, their emotions rapidly escalate, making it difficult for them to manage the situation on their own.

9. Difficulty Managing Stress

When a person struggles to cope with stress, it can leave them vulnerable to frustration, irritability, and anger. Stress enhances emotional sensitivity and lowers the threshold for triggers, meaning they are more likely to react angrily to situations when stress levels are high.

People with difficulty managing stress often feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, challenges, or environment, making it hard to stay calm or rational in frustrating situations. Instead of responding to stressors with problem-solving or healthy coping strategies, they lash out or express anger as a way to release the built-up tension. In this context, anger becomes a default reaction to stress because it provides a temporary outlet for emotions that feel unmanageable.

10. Strained Relationships

When someone struggles with anger management, they can lash out at loved ones, friends, or colleagues in moments of frustration or stress, creating a cycle of hurt and mistrust where others feel unsafe and disrespected. In romantic relationships, this constant tension results in arguments, miscommunications, and emotional distancing, as the partner feels they need to protect themselves from the person’s unpredictable and hurtful anger.

For those with anger issues, their emotional reactions can feel justified in the heat of the moment, but the long-term effects can lead to deep resentment and isolation. Partners, friends, or family members might avoid difficult conversations or distance from the relationship to prevent triggering an angry response.

Additionally, in professional environments, anger issues can lead to strained relationships with coworkers. Angry outbursts can result in a lack of respect and career setbacks as colleagues avoid working with the person for fear of conflict.

What Causes Anger Issues?

Anger issues often stem from various underlying emotional, psychological, and environmental factors. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly contribute to irritability and anger4. Feeling overwhelmed or frustrated while grappling with these mental health symptoms can cause anger to be an unhealthy emotional release. 

Past trauma and grief are also major contributors, as unresolved trauma and losses can manifest as anger5—acting as a defense mechanism or part of the grieving process. People with PTSD may be easily triggered, leading to angry outbursts when reminded of previous traumatic events.

Chronic stress from work, relationships, or ongoing life challenges can lower emotional tolerance and make it harder to manage anger (without emotional regulation strategies). Substance use, physical health issues, or even lack of sleep can also aggravate these tendencies by impairing impulse control and judgment.

Those with a naturally pessimistic or realist mindset may struggle with anger, too. Seeing situations in black-and-white terms or believing that others’ actions are personally directed at them causes frustration and defensiveness, leading to anger. Low self-esteem or insecurity further fuels anger, often as a defense mechanism to mask vulnerability. In some cases, anger can be a learned behavior from childhood, when anger was the primary form of communication. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for addressing and managing anger in a healthy, constructive way.

Try this guided meditation and visualization to find the root cause of your anger.  

Do I Need Anger Management?

If you came to this article, you may need some guidance. If your anger spirals out of control, there are ways to live happier. You may notice adverse effects on your relationships (especially romantic ones) and work life and decide enough is enough. Fortunately, there are solutions available—through personal growth and professional help. 

A general practitioner can be a good first point of contact when asking for directions. They can perform an initial assessment to evaluate potential care options. You can ask questions like:

  1. Is my anger related to an underlying mental health issue?
  2. ​​Could my anger be associated with any physical health issues?
  3. Are there medications that could help with my anger issues?
  4. How can I better manage stress or anxiety that are contributing to my anger?

They can refer you to specialists and programs that best suit your needs.

Finding Help to Manage Anger

Finding help to manage anger can be an empowering step toward improving emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. 

Therapy is one of the most effective tools for anger management. A therapist can help you address your anger and co-occurring trauma, grief, or mental health conditions. You can explore different types of therapy, like:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This helps you understand the thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anger and teaches coping strategies.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Particularly useful if your anger is related to emotional regulation issues, DBT focuses on mindfulness and distress tolerance.
  • Individual counseling: A therapist can help you identify triggers, develop emotional regulation techniques, and work through past trauma that may fuel anger.
  • Family or couples therapy: If anger affects your relationships, involving loved ones in therapy can improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Joining an anger management support group allows you to share your experiences with others facing similar struggles. These groups provide a sense of community, accountability, and encouragement. Some organizations, such as Mental Health America or Rageaholics Anonymous, offer in-person or online support groups for anger management.

Many anger management apps and online resources provide guidance on the go. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer mindfulness exercises, while others like Quit Anger provide tailored anger control tools.

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What Happens When You Quit Drinking Alcohol “Cold Turkey”

While the idea of immediately cutting off alcohol may seem like a fast path to recovery, it can actually be very dangerous, especially for those with long-term dependence. The body and brain become accustomed to alcohol’s presence, and suddenly removing it can trigger severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. 

Safe recovery begins with knowing when to seek medical supervision and creating a plan that prioritizes your health and well-being.

Understanding Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is defined by a loss of control over drinking habits1, leading to a need for alcohol and compulsive drinking. What may begin as social or stress-related drinking can cause a cycle where alcohol becomes the central part of life, regardless of its negative impact on health, relationships, and responsibilities. 

Key signs of alcohol addiction include

  • Increased tolerance
  • The inability to cut back or stop drinking
  • Withdrawal symptoms like tremors, nausea, or seizures

At large, alcohol dependence is a widespread issue, affecting around 283 million people worldwide2. It’s not confined to a specific demographic or region, but actually a global issue that affects young and old, rich and poor alike.

Alcohol dependence affects both the mind and body, creating a dual grip of addiction that makes it challenging to break free. Psychologically, alcohol becomes a coping tool. Many struggling with dependence may drink to manage underlying mental health issues3 like anxiety, depression, and trauma. 

Regular drinking interferes with the brain’s neurotransmitters4, especially those related to pleasure and reward, such as dopamine. Eventually, the brain begins to expect and depend on alcohol to maintain this pleasant state, and without it, the person experiences discomfort and distress. As the body adapts to the constant presence of alcohol, tolerance builds, requiring more to achieve the same effects. As the body becomes used to the presence of alcohol, suddenly removing it can be dangerous. 

What Does Quitting “Cold Turkey” Mean?

Quitting alcohol “cold turkey” refers to abruptly stopping alcohol consumption without safely tapering off or using any form of medical assistance—which can cause serious health consequences or be fatal. 

Brain chemistry changes when the body adapts to chronic alcohol use5. Alcohol depresses the nervous system6, so in response, the brain creates more receptors to stimulate the system. When alcohol is quickly removed, these receptors become hyperactive, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Sudden alcohol cessation can trigger tremors, seizures, or even delirium tremens, a life-threatening condition. For this reason, it is vital to taper off alcohol under medical guidance. Medical professionals can monitor your vital signs, assess the severity of your withdrawal, and provide prescribed medications such as naltrexone if appropriate7 (this helps safely manage withdrawal symptoms). While quitting cold turkey may seem like a quick fix, the dangers outweigh the supposed benefits.

Immediate Risks of Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey

When alcohol is abruptly removed from the body, common withdrawal symptoms often emerge within hours to a couple days8, including tremors, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Many people also experience rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and restlessness.

The brain, accustomed to the depressant effects of alcohol, can become hyperactive and dysregulated, making it difficult to manage emotional responses. Quitting drinking cold turkey can cause heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings. For some, these distressing feelings can be overwhelming and lead to agitation or panic. 

Severe Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal

In the worst case scenario, seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) are the most severe and potentially life-threatening risks of suddenly quitting alcohol. Without immediate medical treatment, both seizures and delirium tremens can be fatal, which necessitates detoxing under medical supervision. 

Delirium tremens is a severe withdrawal condition that can lead to confusion, hallucinations, agitation9, and in extreme cases, heart failure. This medical emergency is characterized by sudden and extreme confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and severe changes in nervous system function. DTs usually appear 48 to 72 hours after the last drink.

The rebound effect of hyperactivity that the brain experiences after alcohol cessation leads to the intense symptoms associated with DTs.

Not everyone who experiences alcohol withdrawal will develop DTs, but some factors increase the likelihood including:

  • Chronic heavy alcohol use: Long-term, high-volume drinkers are at higher risk.
  • Previous episodes of withdrawal or DTs: Those who have gone through alcohol withdrawal before, especially if they’ve experienced DTs previously, are at greater risk.
  • Other medical conditions: Underlying health issues, particularly related to the heart, liver, or nervous system, can increase the risk of developing DTs during withdrawal.
  • Older age: Older individuals are more susceptible due to the cumulative effects of alcohol on the body and the slower withdrawal recovery rate.
  • Co-occurring substance use: Using other drugs in conjunction with alcohol, such as benzodiazepines or opioids, increases the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms like DTs.

DTs are fatal in 5-15% of untreated cases, due to complications like heart failure, severe dehydration, or head injuries from seizures. For those who survive, uncontrolled seizures can lead to permanent brain damage, cognitive impairments, or other neurological complications.

Medical Supervision and Detoxification

Detoxing under medical supervision is essential for your safety and well-being. Medically supervised detox programs provide proper care and attention to help individuals safely withdraw from alcohol, offering professional support every step of the way. 

These programs are usually held in hospitals or recovery facilities where compassionate medical staff closely monitor your condition to ensure the process is as safe as possible. The first step is a thorough assessment to understand your medical history, alcohol use patterns, and any co-existing mental or physical health issues. From this, a personalized detox plan is crafted, tailored specifically to meet your needs.

During detox, medical professionals may provide medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent serious complications. Throughout the process, they regularly check your vital signs to catch any potential concerns. In this supportive environment, any complications can be immediately managed, ensuring your safety in a way that isn’t possible when trying to detox alone.

The most effective way to manage withdrawal is a gradual tapering approach to alcohol detox, meaning slowly reducing alcohol intake or using medications to ease symptoms. This method allows time for your body to adjust, reducing both physical discomfort and emotional distress. With gradual tapering, the detox process becomes more manageable and less overwhelming. 

Psychological and Emotional Support

Therapy offers a safe space to explore the underlying reasons behind alcohol use and helps address the emotional struggles that often accompany recovery. Whether through 1-on-1 therapy sessions or group counseling, these services provide tools for managing cravings, coping with stress, and developing healthier thought patterns. A trained therapist can guide you through the ups and downs of recovery, offering encouragement and strategies to help you maintain your progress, even when challenges arise.

Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), also play a vital role in long-term recovery. These groups offer a sense of community and belonging, providing a space to share experiences, struggles, and successes with others who understand what it’s like to overcome alcohol addiction. Regular meetings help keep you grounded in your commitment to sobriety and remind you that you’re not alone in this process.

Building a support network of family and friends is equally important. The people closest to you can offer emotional support, encouragement, and accountability, helping you stay focused on your goals. Surrounding yourself with loved ones who understand your commitment to recovery makes a significant impact, as they can provide a shoulder to lean on during tough times and celebrate your milestones with you. 

Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention

Long-term recovery from alcohol dependence extends well beyond detox—it’s a journey that requires ongoing effort, self-awareness, and commitment. After detox, you can develop a plan with practical steps to stay on track, such as attending regular therapy sessions, continuing with support groups, and setting clear goals. These tools help provide structure and accountability, giving you the resources needed to navigate life without alcohol.

A critical part of relapse prevention is learning to recognize and manage your triggers (situations, emotions, people, or environments that may prompt the urge to drink). Understanding what triggers you and developing coping strategies—such as breathing exercises, reaching out to a trusted friend, or practicing distraction techniques—can help you manage these moments of vulnerability. 

Long-term recovery isn’t just about avoiding alcohol; it’s about creating a life you don’t want to escape from. With the right strategies, support, and self-care, you can maintain sobriety and build a future full of promise and possibility.

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Prescription Drugs Misuse and Addiction

Prescription drugs are powerful tools in modern medicine, offering relief and healing for a wide range of conditions; however, when misused, these medications can lead to serious consequences, including addiction. 

By understanding the signs, treatment options, and proactive prevention measures, we can work together to promote safe use and support recovery for those affected.

If someone is overdosing, call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately. If you are qualified, administer CPR. Use Naloxone (Narcan) if available.

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications that healthcare providers prescribe to treat specific health conditions. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) medications available for purchase, prescription drugs are carefully selected and dosed by a medical professional to address unique health needs. 

Prescription drugs can range from antibiotics that fight infections to pain relievers for managing discomfort to medications that help control conditions like diabetes, anxiety, or high blood pressure. When used as prescribed, prescription drugs can significantly improve quality of life, but they must be taken correctly to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What Does It Mean to Misuse Prescription Drugs?

Someone may use prescription drugs in a way that isn’t aligned with a healthcare provider’s instructions—this could look like taking higher doses than prescribed, using the drug more frequently, or taking it for reasons other than intended, such as using a pain reliever to achieve a “high” rather than to manage physical pain. Some may even use someone else’s prescription, believing it will help with issues like studying or dealing with stress. 

Using prescription drugs outside their intended purpose can alter the body and brain’s functioning, leading to physical dependence, health risks, and addiction. 

Types of Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs

While prescription drugs are intended to support health, certain types are more prone to misuse and addiction due to their effects on the body and mind. 

Opioids

Opioids are powerful pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl. They are typically prescribed to manage severe pain, especially after surgery or for chronic pain conditions like cancer. When used as directed, opioids can provide relief by blocking pain signals to the brain.

Opioids affect the brain’s reward system, causing euphoria—factoring into their potential for misuse1. When misused—either by taking higher doses, using them more frequently, or combining them with other substances—opioid use can lead to dangerous consequences. Tolerance builds, meaning users may need more of the drug to achieve the same effect, leading to a cycle that ends in addiction. Opioid use also increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal2, necessitating detoxing with professional medical care.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are a type of sedative prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep disorders. Medications like diazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam calm the nervous system3, providing short-term anxiety and stress relief.

Similar to opioid misuse, benzodiazepine misuse can quickly lead to tolerance and dependence by increasing dopamine and GABA neurotransmitter release4, triggering the brain’s reward system. Long-term use may cause memory impairment, mood swings, and coordination issues. 

Benzodiazepine detox requires tapering and medical care, as abrupt cessation is extremely dangerous.

Stimulants

Stimulants, including medications like amphetamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate, are prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain sleep disorders like narcolepsy. These drugs enhance the release of dopamine, which can improve focus and concentration5.

When misused, someone may take higher doses of stimulants to increase energy and focus—which is commonly seen in academic or high-stress environments in an attempt to enhance performance. 

However, stimulant misuse can lead to serious side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, paranoia, and even psychosis5. Over time, misuse may also result in dependency, as the brain relies on the increased dopamine levels for motivation and focus.

How Do People Misuse Prescription Drugs?

Taking medication differently from how it was prescribed leads to misuse:

  • Taking Higher Doses: Someone may take more than the recommended dose for enhanced effects, like stronger pain relief or a more intense sedative or stimulant effect. 
  • Using Them More Frequently Than Prescribed: Even if the dose is correct, taking medication more often than prescribed can lead to tolerance and dependence. For example, unnecessarily taking a pain reliever can reduce its effectiveness over time, leading to a cycle where the person feels they need even more of the drug.
  • Taking Someone Else’s Prescription: Prescription drugs are tailored to individual health needs, so using someone else’s medication can be risky. A medication that helps one person might have dangerous side effects for another.
  • Ingesting Them Differently Than Prescribed: To enhance drug effects, people may snort or inject prescription drugs to enter the bloodstream quickly. This behavior heightens the risk of addiction, overdoses, and severe physical damage, such as respiratory problems or infections.
  • Combining Them With Other Substances: Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol, over-the-counter medications, or illicit drugs can amplify side effects and lead to dangerous reactions. For example, someone may combine benzodiazepines with alcohol for a stronger effect; however, this severely slows the respiratory system, increasing the chance of negative health effects. Refer to your doctor for what you should avoid when taking prescription drugs.

All of these practices increase the risk of overdose, addiction, and adverse health effects. Taking medication strictly as prescribed and staying informed about its effects can help avoid these adverse reactions.

Signs and Symptoms of Misuse and Addiction

Wellness Resource Center describes the physical symptoms6 of those misusing sedatives like opioids or benzodiazepines, including drowsiness, confusion, or slowed breathing. For stimulant misuse, symptoms look like increased energy, rapid speech, reduced appetite, dilated pupils, and heightened blood pressure. 

Behavioral changes can be equally telling, including erratic behavior, social withdrawal, or unexplained financial troubles as the person attempts to obtain more medication. Drug use and addiction significantly impact an individual’s emotional and psychological state, causing heightened anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or depression. 

Addicted individuals may prioritize obtaining and using the drug over their responsibilities, relationships, and personal well-being. Developing a tolerance, needing increasingly higher doses to achieve the desired effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea or agitation also signal dependence. 

Prescription Drugs Misuse and Addiction Statistics

Prescription drug misuse is a significant concern in the United States. In 2021, approximately 14.3 million individuals ages 12+ reported misusing prescription psychotherapeutic drugs7 within the past year. Breaking this down, about 8.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million misused tranquilizers or sedatives, and 3.7 million misused stimulants. Additionally, an estimated 5 million individuals had a prescription opioid use disorder during the same period. 

Alarmingly, there were approximately 16,706 overdose deaths involving prescription opioids, underscoring the critical need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Why Do People Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

Addiction is complex—while these medications are often prescribed with the best intentions, their misuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. This happens not only because of their chemical effects on the brain but also due to psychological, societal, and environmental factors. 

Psychological Factors

Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, can be significant risk factors for prescription drug addiction. People struggling with mental health challenges may turn to prescription drugs as a form of self-medication to alleviate their emotional pain or manage symptoms. 

For example, someone with anxiety may misuse benzodiazepines to feel calmer, while a person with chronic depression might misuse stimulants for a temporary sense of energy or motivation. Over time, this reliance can create a cycle of misuse, tolerance, and dependence as the underlying mental health condition remains untreated.

Societal Influences

Societal pressures can play a powerful role in prescription drug addiction. Peer pressure could encourage the misuse of stimulants like Adderall to enhance academic performance or opioids to achieve a euphoric effect. 

Social media and film can further glamorize prescription drug misuse by showcasing it as a trend or coping mechanism. These societal influences can make it difficult to resist experimenting with prescription drugs, even when they understand the potential dangers.

Accessibility and Availability of Prescriptions

Many people have unused medications in their homes, making it easier for others to obtain them without a prescription. Also, healthcare systems sometimes overprescribe certain medications, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, which can unintentionally create opportunities for misuse. So, easy access lowers the barriers for initial experimentation and increases the likelihood of repeated use.

Misunderstanding of the Risks Associated with These Medications

Often, people assume that medications prescribed by a doctor are inherently safe, even when taken in ways not intended. This can lead to downplaying the risks of increasing their dosage, sharing medications, or using them for recreational purposes. 

Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction

Recovering from prescription drug addiction requires a well-rounded approach that addresses both physical and emotional challenges. Medical detox is often the first step, helping patients safely manage withdrawal symptoms under professional supervision. While detox is essential, it’s only the beginning, as lasting recovery requires addressing the root causes of addiction.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is particularly effective for opioid or benzodiazepine addiction8, using medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When combined with counseling, MAT helps individuals focus on rebuilding their lives. Therapists play a key role in offering tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify harmful patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.

For those with co-occurring mental health issues, dual diagnosis treatment is essential, addressing addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously to reduce relapse risk and improve overall well-being. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery also provide community and accountability, offering encouragement from others with shared experiences. 

Preventing Prescription Drug Misuse

Preventing addiction requires proactive measures—from yourself, healthcare providers, and communities. Patient education from healthcare providers can explain proper medication use, risks of misuse, and the importance of not sharing prescriptions. Safe prescribing practices, such as using prescription drug monitoring programs and prescribing the lowest effective dose, can also reduce misuse.

At home, secure storage and proper disposal of medications help prevent unauthorized access. You can look up your local community take-back programs to find a safe way to dispose of unused drugs. 

Especially for influential adolescents and young adults, awareness campaigns in schools and communities can educate about the risks of misuse. And encouraging open communication in the family and peer groups can support responsible medication use, creating a strong foundation for prevention. Together, these measures create a comprehensive approach to reducing prescription drug abuse before it begins.

Find Treatment for Prescription Drug Misuse

View treatment centers for prescription drug misuse in your area to see reviews, methods of care, and accepted insurances. 

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The 12 Most Dangerous Drugs in the World

If someone is overdosing, call 911, or your local emergency services number, immediately. If you are qualified, administer CPR. Use Naloxone (Narcan) if available.

Dangerous substances like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are known not just for their immediate effects but for how quickly they can lead to addiction, wreaking havoc on one’s body; however, mental health effects can be as equally severe. In most cases, addiction co-occurs with mental health issues like depression1 or can cause the onset of others, like psychosis. 

The unpredictability of dangerous drugs adds another layer of risk. Often, these substances are mixed with other harmful or deadly chemicals, especially in unregulated street sales.

Recognizing these dangers is vital for not just those directly at risk but for society as a whole. And awareness isn’t just about scare tactics—it’s about equipping people with the knowledge they need to make informed choices, and to understand that one experiment can turn into a life-altering struggle.

1. Heroin

Heroin is considered one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs2 in the world due to its powerful effects on both the brain and body. Heroin acts as a depressant on the central nervous system3, slowing down critical bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate. The drug can be injected, smoked, or snorted, and each method of use comes with its own set of health risks, such as infections like HIV and organ damage. Heroin also damages the brain through deterioration of white matter4, negatively impacting decision-making skills, emotional and behavioral regulation, and stress tolerance. 

Heroin is notorious for being highly addictive. When a person uses heroin, the drug rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier, creating a euphoric rush by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This intense pleasure, as well as harmful withdrawal symptoms, reinforces the desire to use the drug again, leading to repeated use. 

Heroin users also have a high overdose risk since it’s often mixed with potent substances like fentanyl. Fentanyl-laced heroin has led to a significant spike in overdose deaths5, as users often don’t know they are ingesting such a potent drug. Even a small amount of fentanyl can cause immediate death. 

2. Alcohol

Alcohol, while legal and widely consumed across the world, is one of the most dangerous and commonly misused substances6. It has a perilous long-term impact on physical and mental health, has the potential for addiction, and causes societal harm. Because alcohol is so deeply embedded in many cultures and social practices, its risks are often underestimated, but it remains a major public health issue worldwide.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant7, impairing brain function, motor skills, and judgment in the short term and ultimately leading to adverse changes in mental health. Excessive drinking can also lead to dangerous behaviors like impaired driving, risky sexual activity, and violence. 

Alcohol affects vital organs8, including the brain, liver, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, and kidneys. Additionally, alcohol is a cancer-causing agent9 directly associated with multiple forms of cancer, including liver, breast, colon, mouth, throat, and more. 

3. Fentanyl

Fentanyl is one of the most potent and dangerous opioids in the world, and it has played a significant role in the ongoing opioid crisis. Initially developed for medical use, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and about 50 times stronger than heroin10. Doctors can prescribe it in specific cases to manage severe pain, particularly for cancer patients or those recovering from major surgeries. When used under medical supervision, fentanyl can be effective, but its extraordinary potency and widespread illegal use have made it incredibly lethal outside controlled settings.

Due to its strength, even a very small dose can suppress breathing to the point of being fatal. This risk is amplified in street fentanyl, which is often mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine without the user’s knowledge, dramatically increasing the risk of accidental overdose. The amount of fentanyl required to cause an overdose is so small that just a few milligrams—equivalent to a few grains of salt—can be deadly.

The widespread availability of illicit fentanyl has had devastating effects on communities, contributing significantly to the opioid overdose epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids like fentanyl are now the leading cause of overdose deaths11, surpassing those caused by prescription opioids and heroin.

4. Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant in South America. Cocaine is highly addictive, as the intense craving and quickly developed tolerance make it difficult to quit. This tolerance often leads to higher doses and more frequent use, which significantly increases the risk of overdose. 

Cocaine overdoses are often fatal, especially when the drug is combined with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids. The combination of cocaine and heroin, known as a “speedball,” is hazardous, as the opposing effects of the two drugs can cause respiratory failure and death. 

Cocaine use also significantly increases the risk of heart attacks12, strokes, and arrhythmias, as it raises heart rate and blood pressure while constricting blood vessels. Even young, healthy individuals risk sudden death from heart complications after using cocaine. 

In addition to cardiovascular issues, cocaine can cause long-term damage to the brain, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and an increased risk of strokes and seizures. Chronic users often develop mental health issues, including paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis.

5. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a synthetic drug related to amphetamines13 but with more intense and longer-lasting effects on the central nervous system. Meth can be smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed. These consumption methods make meth particularly dangerous, as they deliver enormous amounts of the drug into the bloodstream, amplifying the risk of addiction and overdose.

Meth’s impact on the body is both immediate and catastrophic14, leaving visible consequences over time. Users experience heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias, as well as “meth mouth”—or severe dental decay. Methamphetamine often causes users to compulsively pick and scratch at their skin, leaving sores and scars.

Mentally, methamphetamine use has devastating implications. The drug creates intense psychological dependence due to its powerful effects on the brain’s reward system, leading to addiction after just a few uses. Chronic users often experience severe paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis. Eventually, meth can cause permanent cognitive damage, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and poor decision-making.

6. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are a class of drugs primarily prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and other conditions. While Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin are highly effective in treating short-term anxiety or helping with sleep disorders, they carry significant risks, especially when misused or taken over a long period of time. The soothing effects that make benzodiazepines helpful also make them dangerous, as they can lead to physical dependence, psychological addiction, and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

When used regularly over a period of weeks or months, the brain begins to rely on the drug to maintain its calm state15, and natural GABA production (a neurotransmitter) is reduced. This dependence can happen even when the medication is taken exactly as prescribed. If the person tries to reduce their dose or stop taking the drug abruptly, they can experience intense withdrawal symptoms.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is severe and can be life-threatening. Unlike some other drug withdrawals, which can be intensely uncomfortable but not fatal, stopping benzodiazepines suddenly after prolonged use can lead to serious complications such as seizures, delirium, hallucinations, and psychosis16. Common withdrawal symptoms also include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, muscle pain, insomnia, and agitation. It is vital to detox from benzos under medical care.

7. Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and potent form of cocaine that appears as solid “rocks.” The user smokes the crack rocks, delivering an immediate and intense high that is more potent than snorting powdered cocaine but far shorter in duration. 

The stimulant properties of crack cause a dramatic increase in heart rate and blood pressure, putting immense strain on the heart and blood vessels. This can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and permanent heart damage17. Smoking crack also causes lung damage18, leading to chronic bronchitis, persistent coughing, and respiratory infections. In more severe cases, long-term crack use can result in acute respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening.

Chronic crack cocaine use can lead to seizures and permanent cognitive disabilities18, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making. Over time, many users experience lasting brain function alterations, which can leave them struggling with basic cognitive tasks. Crack cocaine also leads to anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.

8. Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids, often marketed under names like “Spice,” “K2,” “Black Mamba,” or “Cloud 9,” are man-made chemicals designed to mimic the effects of THC found in marijuana19. These substances are typically sprayed onto plant material and smoked, or they can be sold as a liquid for vaporizing. 

While synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes advertised as a “legal” or “safe” alternative to marijuana, they are anything but. In fact, synthetic cannabinoids are among the most unpredictable and dangerous drugs20 in circulation today. They can cause extreme reactions that are vastly different from natural cannabis, posing serious risks to both mental and physical health.

Synthetic cannabinoids are extremely potent—which significantly increases the risk of overdose and severe reactions. Unregulated production causes some batches to contain highly concentrated chemicals while others may be weaker. 

The chemical formulations of synthetic cannabinoids are ever-changing—meaning that one batch of “Spice” or “K2” may contain entirely different chemicals than another, making it impossible to predict how the drug will affect the user. In many cases, the effects of synthetic cannabinoids are much more intense and dangerous than natural cannabis, often leading to severe health problems that can result in hospitalization or even death.

9. Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids are a class of powerful pain-relieving medications prescribed for pain following surgery, injury, or in the treatment of chronic conditions like cancer. These medications, including oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and fentanyl, come with significant risks, like the potential for addiction, overdose, and health complications. Their widespread availability and misuse play a central role in the opioid crisis, as well.

Sometimes, people misuse prescription drugs by taking higher doses than prescribed, using them without a prescription, or continuing to use them after their medical need has passed. This can quickly lead to dependence, causing withdrawal symptoms—such as anxiety, nausea, muscle aches, and intense cravings21—when they stop taking the drug.

10. PCP (Phencyclidine)

Phencyclidine, or PCP, is a powerful dissociative drug initially developed as an anesthetic for medical use, though it is no longer in practice due to its severe and unpredictable psychological effects. Today, PCP is a street drug used for dissociation, hallucinations, and altering perception, leading to violent behavior, self-harm, and life-threatening health consequences. PCP is typically sold as a white crystalline powder, though it is often found in liquid or tablet form. It can be smoked, snorted, ingested, or injected. It is sometimes sprayed on marijuana or tobacco and smoked.

PCP can cause severe psychological disturbances22, even at low doses. Users experience paranoia, delusions, aggression, and psychosis, contributing to long-term memory loss and cognitive decline. Some people slip into permanent psychosis, which may require long-term psychiatric treatment.

11. MDMA (Ecstasy)

MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. Despite its reputation as a party drug, MDMA carries significant risks. In the long-term, MDMA causes serious damage to the brain’s serotonin system23 and has potential neurotoxic effects. Because MDMA releases large amounts of serotonin, frequent use can deplete the brain’s natural reserves of this neurotransmitter, leading to issues with mood regulation, memory, and cognition over time. 

MDMA is typically used in recreational settings and in conjunction with other substances, so it can be cut with other chemicals, such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and caffeine. These substances can significantly alter the effects of MDMA, leading to more dangerous outcomes like overdose, extreme agitation, or psychosis. 

12. Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in both medical and recreational settings for decades. While ketamine has legitimate medical uses, when misused it can cause physical harm, psychological effects, and addiction. 

Ketamine is widely used as a recreational drug, and in these settings, ketamine is typically snorted or taken in pill form. Frequent ketamine use can lead to bladder and kidney damage, including ketamine-induced cystitis24, a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the bladder. It can also cause memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive function.

Similarly to MDMA, ketamine can be mixed with other dangerous substances, and as an unregulated party drug, it’s possible to have severe psychological reactions or overdose.

Treatment Options For Dangerous Drugs

A multifaceted treatment approach can support healing from drug addiction. No single treatment works for everyone, and the most effective programs are often tailored to meet each person’s unique needs.

Detox is a crucial first step in recovery, clearing the body of harmful substances while managing the often painful or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. In cases where withdrawal can be life-threatening—such as from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines—medical detox is a necessity.

For those battling opioid or alcohol addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has proven to be an effective tool. By combining medications with counseling and behavioral therapy, MAT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the road to recovery less overwhelming. Depending on your needs, your care team may recommend methadone, naltrexone, or others. 

Residential programs offer a structured, immersive environment, free from distractions, where you can focus entirely on healing. For patients who have been in inpatient rehab for 30+ days, it includes intensive therapy, medical care, and life skills training. You may participate in various evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and holistic approaches like yoga.

Outpatient care is another pathway, offering flexibility for those who need to balance treatment with work, school, or family commitments. With therapy sessions scheduled throughout the week, outpatient rehab allows you to remain at home while still receiving support. Like residential rehab, you may engage in individual, group, and family therapy.

Once formal treatment is complete, transitioning back to daily life can be daunting. Sober living homes provide a safe, drug-free environment where you can ease back into everyday life while continuing to receive support. These residences often require residents to attend therapy, maintain sobriety, and participate in household responsibilities, reinforcing the skills needed for long-term recovery. 

Find the Best Drug Rehabs

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Taking that first step toward seeking support can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a step toward reclaiming your life. There are resources designed to guide you through the challenges of recovery and help you build a healthier, more fulfilling future. You don’t have to face this journey alone—reach out, lean on others, and know that with the right support, you can break free from addiction and rediscover your strength.
Use Recovery.com to find drug rehabs and see photos, reviews, insurance information, and more.

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Adderall Addiction Treatment

Many see adderall as a “safe” drug because it can be medically prescribed and appears to lack negative side effects; however, adderall is one of the most addictive drugs on the market today1, especially for teens. Emerging adults, a population with developing, vulnerable brains, are more likely to take adderall to navigate school work, their social lives, and other stressors. 

Understanding the potential for addiction, health risks, and early intervention techniques can prevent long-term complications with this drug.

Understanding Adderall Addiction

Adderall is a prescribed stimulant drug that boosts nervous system activity2 by increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain3. Individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can take adderall to help enhance attention, memory, self-regulation, and executive function4. Those with narcolepsy can use it to improve wakefulness.

While adderall benefits those with a diagnosed condition, it does not substantially improve cognitive function in other individuals4. So for the students using adderall in hopes of better academic performance, or just using it recreationally, they are simply taking a stimulant drug. 

A stimulant use disorder alters the brain5 by: 1.) affecting cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and other functions, and 2.) acting on the brain’s reward system. The repeated use of the drug boosts dopamine, creating a craving to ingest it. With time, adderall use can destroy dopaminergic terminals3 and disrupt the natural production of dopamine—meaning, without consistent drug consumption, mood and cognition decline.

A dependence forms when individuals need adderall to feel happy or “normal,” since, without it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like cravings, sleep disturbances, and stress. These negative consequences can also enforce the addiction. 

Despite common stereotypes, adderall is a serious drug that can cause addiction. Spotting the signs early can help prevent dependence. 

Signs of Adderall Addiction

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a renowned treatment provider, lists signs of adderall misuse6:

  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep 
  • Often “spacing out” 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Restlessness 
  • Hair loss (often coming out in clumps) 
  • Headaches 
  • Dizziness 
  • Nausea 
  • Excessive fatigue 
  • Constipation or diarrhea 
  • Changes in libido 

If you are concerned for a loved one, a change in their behaviors can indicate an addiction. They may lie about their adderall consumption, isolate themselves, have mood swings, and lose interest and motivation in important activities so they can use. If their dependence continues, more severe health complications can follow.

The Impact of Adderall Addiction

Adderall addiction, like any addiction, affects all areas of a person’s life, making this even more volatile for the young adult population using it.

Health Risks

As a central nervous system stimulant, adderall alters blood and oxygen flow, contributing to irregular or erratic heartbeat, cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), and high blood pressure. Over time, these alterations can cause a slew of negative health effects, including cardiac arrest and stroke7. Chronic adderall use can also lead to skin disorders, seizures, brain damage, and kidney damage6.

Additionally, adderall addiction is closely linked with depression, aggression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, and psychosis-like symptoms.

Social and Emotional Consequences

The impact of addiction goes beyond physical and mental health—it affects all facets of life. Adderall addiction often leads to secretive behavior and isolation, such as lying about drug use or hiding the extent of the problem, eroding trust with loved ones and straining relationships. And as addiction takes hold, the person may neglect their relationships to prioritize using adderall. They may withdraw from social activities, fail to fulfill commitments, and become emotionally unavailable to those who care about them.

While adderall is sometimes used to enhance focus, addiction can lead to decreased overall productivity. For example, someone may become less effective at their job due to the need for higher doses to achieve the same level of focus. They may also frequently skip work due to the physical and mental toll of addiction.

Students may initially use adderall in an attempt to enhance focus and academic performance; however, over time, addiction can lead to a dependency, impairing cognitive function and reducing overall academic performance.

First Steps in Seeking Help

You can ask yourself questions like 

  1. Would you be able to quit using adderall right now?
  2. Has your adderall use caused tension or conflict with friends, family, or colleagues?
  3. Do you miss important events or obligations because you are high?
  4. Do you use adderall to cope with stress, sadness, loneliness, or boredom?
  5. Have friends, family, or co-workers expressed concern about your adderall consumption?
  6. Have you given up hobbies or activities you used to enjoy because you prefer to take adderall?
  7. Are you concerned where your health and happiness might lead to if you keep using adderall at your current rate?

The answers will likely be straightforward and telling if you need medical treatment. Telling a trusted loved one can help get you on the right path to recovery. They can listen to what you’re going through, help make doctors appointments with you, and offer comfort throughout the journey.

Your primary care physician can provide an initial evaluation and refer you to a specialist for a more comprehensive assessment, like a mental health professional or addiction specialist. During this appointment, you can ask questions such as:

  1. How is my current adderall consumption affecting my overall health?
  2. What are the signs and symptoms of adderall dependence I am exhibiting?
  3. Based on my evaluation, do you believe I have a mild, moderate, or severe adderall use disorder?
  4. What kind of treatment do you think I need?
  5. How can I safely reduce or quit my adderall use, and what steps should I take to do so?
  6. Can you refer me to any support groups or resources that might help me?

Treatment Options for Adderall Addiction

As you embark on your recovery journey, you and your care team can explore treatment options to determine the best fit for your needs.

Detoxification

Many people begin their journey by going through the detox process, so you can safely rid your body of adderall. You’ll have medical professionals there to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. This can help you feel more focused and prepared to take on therapy. It is crucial to detox under medical supervision, as withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In some cases, FDA-approved medications, such as Bupropion and Modafinil, can be prescribed8 to assist the tapering process. These medications help keep you safe during detox, ease withdrawal symptoms, and alleviate mental health concerns. Medication-assisted treatment can last for a few weeks or for years to maintain recovery. Your clinical team can help you decide what treatments and procedures are right for you.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Programs

Residential Programs

Residential rehab provides an intensive, distraction-free environment to focus on psychotherapies and learning healthy coping skills. Individuals in this stage of care live in the center and have 24/7 support. Ideally, the clinical team creates a personalized treatment plan to address the unique needs of each individual in recovery. 

You might participate in evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as holistic and alternative healing methods like yoga and massage therapy. The center may provide a blend of individual and group therapy sessions. Your loved ones can engage in family therapy, so you can find common ground, improve communication skills, and work towards healthier relationships. 

Outpatient Programs

Your care team may recommend an outpatient program if your recovery does not require 24/7 support. Outpatient treatment has varying levels of care, with partial hospitalization (PHP) providing a more intensive level of care and outpatient (OP) providing the least intensive. You’ll participate in the program for a few hours a day on certain days of the week, allowing you to go to work or attend school simultaneously. You’ll likely participate in therapies similar to a residential program and build your support network as you heal with others in therapy.

Support Systems and Recovery

Joining support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery provide a sense of community, understanding, and accountability in your recovery. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and receive ongoing support.

Family and Community Support

Creating a support network with strong relationships is a foundational aspect of long-lasting recovery. Social support in recovery can reduce stress, increase self-efficacy, and motivate lasting sobriety9. Your relapse prevention plan can detail how you will connect with loved ones who supported you through the treatment process. You may make new friends through sober activities and groups. Try your best to plan regular get-togethers with friends and family, as avoiding isolation and bolstering these relationships can make recovery easier. 

Setting and communicating boundaries in recovery is a practice of self-love and can enhance your relationships. Without boundaries, you may say “yes” to things you don’t want to, avoid necessary conversations, and be consumed by others’ negative feelings. Prioritizing your boundaries ensures that you’re aligned with what’s best for your well-being.

Managing Relapse

Not everyone in recovery will relapse, but it can be a part of the recovery process10—and that’s okay. Relapse prevention can help you address these obstacles and keep you on the right track.

Relapse prevention planning focuses on identifying and addressing early warning signs before they lead to a physical relapse, such as using adderall after a period of sobriety. This approach utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques to prevent relapse while equipping individuals with practical skills to manage relapse if it occurs. It combines education, coping strategies, trigger identification, support network development, and lifestyle adjustments to create a comprehensive prevention plan.

You and your care team can begin to build your relapse prevention plan by reflecting on 3 key recovery components: 

  1. Reflect on your recovery history. In treatment, what worked and what didn’t work? If you’ve relapsed before, what led to it? What were your triggers before you got treatment? Learn from mistakes of the past to make a realistic relapse prevention plan.
  2. Write down personal, relationship, and employment goals to highlight situations you want to be in and people you want to be around. 
  3. Identify your triggers—all the people, places, and things that could cause stress. Developing coping strategies for each trigger can empower you to live life without fear.

One of the most essential parts of a relapse prevention plan is building skills to navigate uncomfortable feelings and situations. You may practice coping techniques such as breathing exercises, regulating emotions through journaling, saying “no” to situations that do not serve your recovery, and exercise. This can help you walk into any situation with confidence. 

Attending outpatient care or talk therapy sessions can help you navigate foreign situations and continue skill-building. During individual therapy sessions, you’ll likely engage in various therapeutic methods like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). 

Creating a daily routine that promotes physical and mental health, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep, can bolster sustainable recovery11. A scheduling system, such as time blocking in a calendar, can help you avoid idle time that might lead to thoughts or behaviors associated with relapse.

A day of sobriety is a day worth being celebrated! The effort to choose your health and well-being every day is a great feat, so continue to reflect and pride yourself on your hard work.

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25 Inspiring Quotes for Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our military veterans. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the extraordinary individuals who have served to protect them.

Words have a unique power to connect, uplift, and inspire. On this day, we use them to express our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Through heartfelt quotes and messages, we aim to convey the appreciation they deserve for their selfless service and enduring commitment.

Join us in honoring these heroes by sharing words of gratitude that celebrate their unwavering bravery and dedication to our nation.

25 Inspiring Quotes for Veteran’s Day

Quotes about Honor and Sacrifice

#1: “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” — Joseph Campbell

#2: “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.” — Unknown

#3: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” — Elmer Davis

#4: “On this Veteran’s Day, let us remember the service of our veterans and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families.” — Dan Lipinski

Quotes about Courage and Bravery

#5: “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” — G.K. Chesterton

#6: “Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.” — Franklin P. Jones

#7: “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” — Winston Churchill

#8: “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” — Maya Angelou

Quotes of Gratitude for Veterans

#9: “To be free is the most wonderful thing in the world, but it comes at a great cost. Thank you, veterans, for paying that price.” — Unknown

#10: “In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it.” — Barack Obama

#11: “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” — Jeff Miller

#12: “Veterans are a symbol of what makes our nation great, and we must never forget all they have done to ensure our freedom.” — Rodney Frelinghuysen

Quotes from Veterans Themselves

#13: “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” — G.K. Chesterton

#14: “America’s veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded more than 229 years ago.” — Steve Buyer

#15: “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran doesn’t have that problem.” — Ronald Reagan

#16: “I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.” — Bob Riley

Famous Historical Quotes for Veterans

#17: “The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.” — Abraham Lincoln

#18: “Freedom is never free.” — Unknown

#19: “In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” — José Narosky

#20: “My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place—police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces.” — Sidney Sheldon

Modern Quotes for Veteran’s Day 2024

#21: “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause.” — Abraham Lincoln

#22: “A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.'” — Unknown

#23: “To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, God bless you and thank you.” — Anonymous

#24: “For it is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.” — Unknown

#25: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy

How to Use These Quotes on Veteran’s Day

Sharing on Social Media

Veteran’s Day is an opportunity for all of us to come together and show our appreciation for the incredible sacrifices made by veterans. Sharing a heartfelt message or a meaningful quote is a simple but powerful way to honor their service. Consider taking a moment to reflect on what veterans’ sacrifices mean to you personally, and share those thoughts with others. Whether it’s through a conversation, a handwritten note, or a post on social media, your words can make a difference.

You can encourage others to join in by tagging veterans you know, thanking them directly, or highlighting the importance of their contributions. Using hashtags like #VeteransDay2024 and #ThankYouVeterans can help connect your message to a larger community of gratitude. 

More than anything, let your voice be a part of the collective recognition and support for those who have served. Your words of appreciation, no matter how small, have the power to remind veterans that their sacrifices are seen, valued, and deeply respected.

Including in Speeches or Letters

Veteran’s Day quotes hold the power to deepen our expressions of gratitude and honor for those who have served. Whether used in speeches, public ceremonies, or personal letters, they help us articulate the profound respect we feel for veterans’ sacrifices and dedication. 

In a speech, a well-chosen quote can set the tone or leave a lasting impression, highlighting the significance of their service. At public ceremonies, including a quote during a moment of silence or tribute, such as a flag-raising, adds depth and solemnity to the occasion. Personalized letters gain even greater meaning with a thoughtful quote that frames your message of thanks. In group gatherings, sharing a quote during a toast, prayer, or discussion encourages reflection on veterans’ contributions and sacrifices. 

However they are used, these quotes serve as a powerful connection to the enduring legacy of our nation’s heroes, ensuring their service is remembered and honored.

Creating Veteran’s Day Cards

Creating Veteran’s Day cards with meaningful quotes is a powerful way to honor the sacrifices and service of our veterans. These cards serve as a personal gesture of gratitude, showing veterans that their efforts and dedication are recognized and deeply appreciated. Including a meaningful quote alongside a heartfelt message allows you to convey your respect and admiration in a thoughtful way. Reminding veterans that their service has made a lasting impact and that their sacrifices are valued, offering them a tangible reminder of the gratitude felt by those they have served.

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How to Stop Shopping Addiction

What may start as harmless shopping can turn dangerous when it becomes compulsive spending. If your shopping feels out of control and you’re spending excessive amounts on clothes, gadgets, makeup, or other items, shopping addiction can be just as damaging as drug addiction.

By understanding shopping addiction and its treatment you can learn how to manage your purchasing decisions and well-being.

Understanding Shopping Addiction

Shopping addiction, also called compulsive buying disorder, involves excessive buying behavior that leads to distress or impairment1. An individual with compulsive buying disorder is unable to control their thoughts and actions around spending, and feels relieved after a purchase. 

Shopping addiction often co-occurs with other behavioral health conditions involving impulse control, particularly mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Compulsive shopping tends to run in families, especially those with mood and substance use disorders.

When spending becomes compulsive, other life facets suffer because of the energy spent on purchasing. Pre-spending anxiety can govern a person’s entire life, only to be relieved by a purchase. The individual can neglect their personal relationships, health, and employment to shop, and they can also be in serious financial trouble. 

Signs and Symptoms of Shopping Addiction

Shopping addiction usually has 4 phases: 1) Anticipation; 2) Preparation; 3) Shopping; and 4) Spending1. Phase 1 includes thoughts and urges with a specific item or spending. In the second phase, the person prepares for shopping and spending, including decisions on when and where to go, on how to dress, and which form of payment to use. Phase 3 involves the actual shopping experience, which is intensely exciting and can even lead to sexual arousal2. Finally, the item is purchased, often followed by disappointment with oneself.

As this cycle repeats, loved ones may notice shifts in behavior and mood that make the shopping addiction apparent. Spotting these signs within oneself or another can help prevent further damage.

Behavioral Signs

You may notice a change in someone’s behaviors as compulsive buying disorder takes hold. Signs include

  • Frequent shopping sprees
  • Impulse buying 
  • Financial struggles due to excessive spending
  • Hiding purchases
  • Chasing sales and deals
  • Accumulating unused items
  • Often returning items (due to buyers remorse)

Emotional Symptoms

A person with compulsive buying disorder will cycle through different emotions1 as they move through the 4 phases.

  • Anticipatory signs of compulsive purchases include
    • Depression 
    • Anxiety  
    • Boredom  
    • Self-critical thoughts 
    • Anger 
  • Immediate consequential emotions after spending include
    • Euphoria 
    • Relief from negative feelings
  • Emotions following the purchase after the initial euphoria fades include
    • Guilt
    • Shame
    • Low self-esteem
    • Emotional numbness

Financial Consequences

A shopping addiction can cause severe financial consequences that impact both the individual and their loved ones. The person often collects debt from maxed-out credit cards and personal loans, which is accompanied by additional fees, higher interest rates, and a damaged credit score. 

As the addiction progresses, they may be unable to pay essential bills, such as rent, utilities, groceries, or medical expenses, leading to unpaid invoices and the potential loss of services or even housing. In extreme cases, compulsive buying disorder can result in personal bankruptcy, as the person is unable to repay their debts and meet financial obligations.

Causes of Shopping Addiction

Compulsive buying disorder is a multi-pronged condition caused by various factors. Understanding the developmental, neurobiological, and cultural influences of shopping addiction can guide treatment efforts.

Psychological Factors

The Diamond Rehab in Thailand details the prevalence of co-occurring conditions that can precede and worsen compulsive spending behaviors3, forming a complex and chaotic concoction. These conditions often involve impulse control and emotional regulation, specifically obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and other avoidant personality disorders. 

Impulsive spending acts as a coping mechanism to manage negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem, using shopping to solve the negative feelings temporarily. Shopping addiction can be both a product of and the cause for mental health concerns, necessitating personalized treatment when unraveling these conditions.

Environmental Influences

In a world consumed and fueled by media, people are taught that material possessions equate to happiness, success, and social status. Advertisements are designed to create desire, often exploiting emotional triggers to encourage impulsive purchases. This is especially true nowadays, with social platforms using targeted ads based on internet history.

For example, if you search for winter jackets on Google, you may encounter ads for trench coats on your social media platforms.

Consumerism is deeply ingrained in many cultures, with immense pressure to keep up with fashion, technology, and lifestyle societal norms. Social media amplifies this pressure by showcasing small, curated portions of people’s lives, often filled with luxury items and experiences, leading to anxiety and a desire to conform to these perceived standards4.

The internet also provides easy access to spending with online shopping. The convenience of being able to shop anytime, anywhere, has removed many of the barriers that previously limited impulsive purchases. Individuals may feel less inhibited and guilty for spending money as they have fewer in-person interactions, like handing money to a cashier, creating a false illusion of security behind a screen.

Biological Factors

Neurobiological theories credit compulsive buying disorder to abnormal neurotransmission1, particularly in the serotonergic, dopaminergic, or opioid systems. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and reinforcement5, is a key player in “reward dependence.” Dopamine is released when spending, creating a sense of euphoria. This reinforcement can lead to repeated behaviors in an attempt to experience that pleasurable feeling again, contributing to the cycle of addiction.

Irregular serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control, are connected with various impulse control disorders, including compulsive shopping. Low levels of serotonin disrupt the ability to manage urges, leading to compulsive shopping behaviors as a way to temporarily alleviate negative emotions.

There is also evidence that individuals with a family history of addictive behaviors, such as substance use or gambling addiction, may be more genetically predisposed to developing other types of compulsive behaviors, including shopping addiction6.

Strategies to Overcome Shopping Addiction: Professional Treatment Options

Navigating compulsive buying disorder recovery requires a comprehensive approach that often demands outside professional help. Building an extensive toolkit of skills to manage negative feelings and impulses tied to shopping behaviors can empower you to save and spend your money confidently. 

Therapy and Counseling

Individual, group, and family therapy each offer a unique approach to help manage compulsive behaviors. Individual counseling, often through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), creates a personalized setting where you and your therapist collaborate to identify the specific emotional and psychological issues driving the addiction. You can learn tailored coping mechanisms and practice using them when in stressful or triggering situations. 

Group therapy provides a supportive environment to share experiences and challenges with others facing similar issues. A group setting can help you feel less isolated and gain insight from peers’ experiences. You’ll practice accountability, build connections, and develop healthier social interactions, which can be a crucial part of the recovery process.

Family therapy is another important option, especially when shopping addiction negatively affects relationships and family dynamics. Your family unit can improve communication, address underlying family conflicts, and learn more on how to support you in recovery. Loved ones can learn how to set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling compulsive shopping behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Shopping Addiction

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy to navigate compulsive buying disorder7. CBT helps individuals identify and address the underlying thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that trigger compulsive shopping. By recognizing these patterns, you can learn healthier thought processes, coping mechanisms, and strategies to manage impulses. 

CBT helps individuals recognize the triggers and irrational thoughts that lead to their compulsive shopping behavior, such as stress or low self-esteem, as well as external factors like social pressure. You can learn to critically examine these thoughts and replace them with more rational, balanced perspectives. For example, you might learn to question whether buying an item will improve your mood or help you gain social approval, leading to a more realistic assessment of your needs. 

Medication

Sometimes, medication is necessary to manage the impulsive urges as well as the co-occurring mental health conditions like OCD and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, and Sertraline can treat compulsive buying disorder1 due to the similarities in neurotransmission and behaviors with other compulsive disorders. 

A comprehensive evaluation can guide medication usage for shopping addiction. Your professional care team can help you navigate your needs to find the appropriate medication and dosage. 

Financial Counseling

In many cases, financial counseling helps individuals regain control over their monetary struggles, especially if the person is in debt or battling legal issues. The proper counselor or mentor can help you manage finances, develop better money management skills, and repair the financial damage caused by compulsive spending. You may benefit from creating a debt repayment plan, learning budgeting skills, and developing a healthier relationship with money. 

Financial counseling skills can serve as a strong foundation for lifelong budgeting methods. You and your counselor may set savings goals for major life events, such as buying a home, funding education, or preparing for retirement. Developing realistic savings plans and making investment decisions can help you align your long-term financial goals.

Support Groups 

Joining support groups like Spenders Anonymous provides a sense of community, understanding, and accountability in your recovery. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and receive ongoing support.

Developing Healthy Shopping Habits

Overcoming shopping addiction requires a combination of self-awareness, discipline, and practical strategies. Recovery stories are built on everyday habits that support a sustainable, healthy mindset.

Creating a Budget

Adopt a strict budget that you and your financial counselor create for discretionary spending, limiting the amount of money available for shopping. By tracking your spending and sticking to this budget, you can prevent impulsive purchases and stay within your means. Apps and websites like YNAB and Goodbudget keep users on track with time-tested budgeting methods, as well.

You may motivate yourself to adhere to your budget by giving yourself a small reward, such as going for ice cream if you do not overspend each week. A day of recovery is a day worth being celebrated! The effort to choose your health and well-being every day is a great feat, so continue to reflect and pride yourself on your hard work.

Mindful Shopping

When shopping for necessities, ask yourself whether you truly need the item, how it aligns with your values, and what the long-term consequences of the purchase will be. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and make more intentional decisions.

Consider using cash instead of credit cards to make purchases, as this can help you directly feel the impact of spending. You could remove saved payment information from online shopping accounts, making it less convenient to make impulsive purchases, too.

You can also practice delayed gratification. By implementing a “cooling-off” period—waiting 24+ hours before making a purchase—you give yourself time to evaluate whether the item is truly necessary, which can help reduce impulsive buying.

Lifestyle Changes

Occasionally deleting social media apps can offer solace from advertisements and convincing influencers who tell you to try the newest product. You can also try unsubscribing from marketing emails or limiting time spent on shopping sites with website controls to reduce the urge to shop.

Real dopamine from healthy activities is the best kind of dopamine. Rediscover and reignite your passions by reading, painting, taking walks, and volunteering to keep you occupied and fulfilled.

Preventing Relapse

Relapse prevention planning aims to recognize and address warning signals before they escalate to the physical stage—compulsive spending. It takes a cognitive behavioral approach to preventing relapse and provides appropriate skills for what to do if a relapse does occur. It blends education, coping strategy development, trigger identification, building support networks, and lifestyle changes.

Identifying Triggers

You and your care team can begin to build your relapse prevention plan by reflecting on 3 key recovery components: 

  1. Reflect on your recovery history. In treatment, what worked and what didn’t work? If you’ve relapsed before, what led to it? What were your triggers before you got treatment? Learn from mistakes of the past to make a realistic relapse prevention plan.
  2. Write down personal, relationship, and employment goals to highlight situations you want to be in and people you want to be around. 
  3. Identify your triggers—all the people, places, and things that could cause stress. Developing coping strategies for each trigger can empower you to live life without fear.

One of the most essential parts of a relapse prevention plan is building skills to navigate uncomfortable feelings and situations. You may practice coping techniques such as breathing exercises, regulating emotions through journaling, and saying “no” to situations that do not serve your recovery. This can help you walk into any situation with confidence. 

Ongoing Support

Attending outpatient care or talk therapy sessions can help you navigate foreign situations and continue skill-building. During individual therapy sessions, you’ll likely engage in various therapeutic methods like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). 

What Real People are Doing

A user on Reddit shares their practical and realistic lifestyle changes that helped them overcome shopping addiction8, serving as an inspiring example for others facing similar struggles. They walk through the importance of decluttering, adopting mindful shopping practices, and creating a monthly budget to track their spending. 

By focusing on delayed gratification and shifting their mindset from impulsive buying to intentional purchasing, they successfully broke free from compulsive shopping. Their experience highlights how small, sustainable changes in daily habits and financial awareness can make a significant impact on their physical, mental, and financial well-being.

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The Signs a Young Adult May Have an Eating Disorder

Adolescence and early adulthood are pivotal periods for navigating life’s challenges and developing a sense of identity, particularly when it comes to mental health. During this time, external pressures can contribute to the rise of eating disorders, which have become a silent epidemic among young adults. Disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating not only impact physical health—leading to malnutrition, heart complications, and other severe conditions—but also take a profound toll on mental well-being.

Recognizing the signs early during these formative years can make the difference between a lifelong struggle and a successful recovery. Early intervention allows young adults to regain their health, rebuild self-esteem, and restore a healthy relationship with food and body image.

Listen to our podcast episode with Dana Sedlak (LCSW, CEDS-C) to learn more about eating disorders and adolescent treatment options. 

Common Types of Eating Disorders in Young Adults

Eating disorders can affect anyone, but especially young people. The average onset begins between ages 18-211, a time when individuals are particularly vulnerable to societal pressures and body image concerns. Each eating disorder is a complicated and multifaceted condition that requires specialized care.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake1. People with anorexia often have an obsession with being thin and extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or other behaviors to avoid weight gain.

A person with anorexia nervosa can drastically lose weight, refuse to maintain a healthy weight, and fixate on calorie counting or food-related rituals. Despite the risks such as malnutrition, fatigue, and weakened immune function, the fear of gaining weight drives the person’s cycle of restrictive behaviors.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, or “purging,” to prevent weight gain2. During a binge, the individual can feel “out of control” while eating and consume a large amount of food in a short period of time, followed by intense guilt, shame, or distress. To counteract the binge and these negative feelings, the person purges by self-induced vomiting, excessive laxative use, or extreme exercise. 

Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia may maintain a normal or above-average weight, making the disorder less immediately visible. However, bulimia can lead to serious health complications, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, dental erosion, and heart issues, making it a dangerous and harmful disorder if left untreated.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) has recurrent binge episodes, and, unlike bulimia nervosa, individuals do not purge3. During a binge, the person may eat rapidly, eat until uncomfortably full, eat large quantities even when not hungry, and isolate themselves, then feel ashamed or guilty afterward. These intense emotions can lead to a cycle of emotional eating. 

Someone with BED does not take immediate action to counteract the calories consumed, leading to weight gain and health risks like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. 

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Some eating disorders may not neatly fit into the traditional categories but still have severe health implications. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), for example, is when individuals limit food intake due to a lack of interest in eating4 or an aversion to certain textures or tastes, rather than concerns about body image. Orthorexia nervosa, though not officially recognized as an eating disorder, involves an unhealthy obsession with eating foods deemed “pure” or “healthy,”5 which can lead to severe dietary restrictions and malnutrition.

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) can also be a diagnostic category for individuals who exhibit significant eating disorder behaviors but do not meet the full criteria6 for anorexia, bulimia, or BED. OSFED can include a wide range of disordered eating patterns that still pose serious health risks, such as night eating syndrome or purging disorder. 

Physical Signs of an Eating Disorder

While weight fluctuation is perfectly normal, staying vigilant to your child’s physical and mental well-being can help you discern if the changes are healthy or warning signs of an eating disorder. 

Noticeable Weight Changes

Restrictive eating behaviors can result in weight loss, as seen in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, where food intake is drastically reduced or purging prevents weight gain. This weight loss often comes with other red flags, including fatigue and dizziness as the body becomes deprived of essential nutrients.

Conversely, rapid weight gain can indicate BED with frequent episodes of overeating. 

When talking to your child about weight loss or gain, remember that this topic is sensitive and accompanied by a host of negative feelings. Instead of focusing on their weight, you can discuss your concern about their eating habits and its impact on their health.

Physical Health Issues

Outside of weight, unhealthy eating behaviors impact all parts of the body via inadequate nutrition or harmful behaviors like vomiting. Carbohydrates serve as the brain’s main energy source7, so severely restricting food intake causes low energy levels, dizziness, and fatigue8 as well as cognitive impairment and decline.  

Symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain can manifest from irregular eating patterns9, starvation, or the misuse of laxatives.

For women, hormonal imbalances due to extreme weight loss or nutritional deficiency can cause amenorrhea10, or disruptions or complete cessation of their menstrual cycle. In these cases, the body prioritizes essential survival functions over the reproductive system, which has the potential for long-term harm.

Changes in Appearance

Due to a lack of essential nutrients, particularly protein and vitamins, hair and nails become brittle and dry11. Malnutrition and dehydration can also cause the skin to lose its elasticity and moisture, leading to a dry and flaky appearance.

Purging behaviors, such as vomiting, create dental problems as stomach acid erodes tooth enamel12. This can lead to tooth decay, sensitivity, discoloration, and even gum disease. Chronic vomiting can also damage the throat and mouth lining.

Behavioral Signs of an Eating Disorder

Often, someone with an eating disorder will try to hide their unhealthy eating habits. If you suspect that your child has an eating disorder, try to pick up on the subtle behavioral indicators that they may need help.

Obsession with Food and Weight

In an attempt to maintain control over their weight and emotions, they may constantly track every calorie consumed, often to an extreme degree, indicating an unhealthy relationship with food. Chronic dieting or switching between restrictive eating plans disrupt normal eating patterns, contributing to a cycle of weight loss and gain, damaging both physical health and mental stability.

By fixating on their body image, they may have a distorted view of their own size, even when underweight. You may notice frequent body checking (e.g., excessively looking in mirrors, pinching skin). 

Secretive Behavior

Rooted in deep emotional struggles related to body image and self-worth, someone with an eating disorder may isolate themselves and exhibit sneaky behavior around meals. They may stash or hide food in their room, bags, or other secret locations and consume large quantities of food privately. 

The person can lie about their eating habits, claiming to have eaten when they haven’t or significantly downplaying how much they ate. Or they may immediately leave the table after eating to purge. 

Emotional and Psychological Signs

While the most obvious signs of an eating disorder appear physically, the emotional distress behind the changes can sometimes have the most negative impact. 

Mood Swings and Irritability

When the body is fighting to function without proper fuel (food), cognition declines. Malnutrition and restrictive behaviors can affect brain chemistry13, leading to a lower tolerance for life’s ups and downs and causing sadness, frustration, or mood swings. 

Eating disorders like anorexia can lead to structural changes in the brain14 such as loss of gray matter and decreased thickness of the cerebral cortex and the outer layer of the brain. These mutations influence emotional regulation, lending to an overall negative affect.

Anxiety and Depression

It’s no coincidence the rise of anxiety and depression among young adults correlates with the onset of eating disorders15. These conditions provoke more severe disordered eating symptoms and create a complex web of co-occurring conditions necessitating specialized treatment. 

Much like anxiety and depression, someone with an eating disorder tends to have low self-esteem and withdraw from social activities, either due to fear of eating with others or from fatigue. A constant preoccupation with food, weight, and body image also creates emotional exhaustion, exacerbating the symptoms.  

Perfectionism and Control Issues

For some, controlling their eating is a way to process and cope with situations that are out of their control—usually spiraling into unhealthy and restrictive habits. Perfectionism can manifest as strict dietary rules and an extreme exercise regimen to feed the obsession of an ideal body type. And when they fall short of these unattainable standards, the person can experience intense self-criticism and guilt, perpetuating disordered eating patterns.

Eating disorders often coincide with conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other compulsive disorders as both are driven by intrusive, distressing thoughts16. Someone with these co-occurring conditions may severely restrict their food among other behavioral rituals in an attempt to control their anxieties and thoughts. Each disorder has a unique impact on the brain and body, requiring individualized care.

Impact on Daily Life

Physical, behavioral, and emotional disruptions can blend into a symphony of destructive daily habits, worsening the eating disorder. Over time, this degrades the person’s overall well-being.

Academic Performance

Depriving the brain of proper nutrition leads to poor attention, concentration, and problem solving skills13, therefore decreasing academic performance. Students can then feel overwhelmed and frustrated by their poor performance, contributing to a cycle of restrictive behaviors and underperformance.

Beyond the physical impact of malnutrition, obsessive thoughts and anxieties can further disrupt concentration as they fixate on counting calories, planning meals, or their weight. Mood swings may also make it hard to stay present in academic settings.

Social Withdrawal

People with eating disorders tend to distance themselves from loved ones, avoiding social interactions and family gatherings to hide their food habits. They may feel ashamed of their eating disorder and concerned about judgements from worried friends and family. 

Isolation can only worsen the negative thought patterns involved in an eating disorder as a cycle of rumination grows. If you’re concerned about your child, you can try to do low stress, fun activities with them without mentioning their weight or eating habits to break this habit.

Daily Routine Disruptions

Eating disorders often interfere with healthy sleep17 due to energy and hormonal imbalances, leading to issues such as insomnia and irregular sleep patterns. This lack of sleep and food can contribute to poor concentration, irritability, and more.

Many individuals, particularly those with anorexia nervosa, orthorexia, or bulimia nervosa, compulsively or excessively exercise as a way to control weight or “burn off” calories. This overexercising can become a rigid part of their routine, often prioritized over other aspects of life, including social activities, rest, or work. 

Whether through lost hours of sleep, a preoccupation with exercise, or difficulty completing daily tasks due to fatigue, an eating disorder can take over much of their mental and physical energy.

When to Seek Professional Help

There is no such thing as a “bad” time to ask for help—whether you’re noticing the onset of eating disorder warning signs or the person needs serious medical care, professional treatment and family support can help your young adult not feel alone in their struggles.

Consulting Healthcare Providers

A healthcare professional can offer tailored insights for eating disorders and collaborate with you to create an achievable care plan. 

A pediatrician or general practitioner can be a good first point of contact. They can perform an initial physical assessment to evaluate the individual’s overall health, checking for signs of malnutrition, weight loss, or other physical symptoms associated with eating disorders (heart irregularities, electrolyte imbalances, or gastrointestinal issues). After these initial meetings, the practitioner can refer you to a specialist.

You may employ a diverse range of professionals to treat the eating disorder and any co-occurring conditions. Eating disorders are often linked to deep-seated emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, so a psychologist can help address the mental and emotional aspects of each disorder through therapy. A registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders plays a crucial role in nutritional rehabilitation, as well. They can help restore a healthy relationship with food by creating personalized meal plans that support both physical and emotional recovery.

When necessary, eating disorder treatment centers offer intensive, multidisciplinary care based on the client’s needs. Some people with eating disorders may need a more intensive level of care to help monitor and manage their symptoms. When talking to your doctor, you can figure out which level of care best fits your needs:

  • Outpatient (OP): You’ll meet 1-2x per week with your provider and others in treatment.
  • Intensive outpatient (IOP): You’ll meet 3-5x per week for several hours at a time for more intensive care.
  • Partial hospitalization (PHP): You’ll meet 5-7 times a week for a full day.
  • Residential: You’ll live in a rehab for 28+ days and engage in treatment with a comprehensive staff and a community of peers.
  • Inpatient: You’ll live in a treatment center or hospital-like setting and have 24/7 monitoring.

Supporting a Young Adult with an Eating Disorder

Your child might be going through a confusing and complex time, and your support can set them on the path to a healthy relationship with their mind and body.

Open Communication

When talking to your young adult, it’s important that they feel safe in their space and in the conversation to be honest and vulnerable. Try to approach them with a non-judgemental tone, and calmly voice your concerns. You can say phrases like “I’ve noticed that you seem to be struggling with eating lately, and I’m concerned about your health.” This approach focuses on your feelings and observations rather than making the person feel judged or blamed.

Avoid talking about their physical appearance. Comments about their size, even if intended to be positive or neutral, can reinforce the focus on body image and exacerbate shame and guilt. 

Change takes time, and they may not be ready to acknowledge their problem immediately. Be patient and try to avoid threatening language, as this may push them away or increase their resistance to seeking help.

Let them know that you are there for them, regardless of their response to your concerns. Make it clear that your support is unwavering, and they can talk to you whenever they feel ready.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Your home can be a safe space where your young adult feels encouraged, understood, and supported in their journey toward health and well-being. In addition to having filling, nutrient dense foods, you can create a comfortable environment that encourages discussing emotions, struggles, and progress without fear of judgment.

You can be a positive role model for your child. Try to avoid dieting and weight talk, as this can reinforce disordered thinking. Shift the focus from appearance and weight to overall health and well-being, as this helps reduce the pressure they may feel to meet certain body image standards.

Recovery from an eating disorder is often a long and complex process, with setbacks and challenges along the way. Be patient and compassionate as they navigate their journey.

Resources for Further Help

These resources provide various levels of support, from immediate crisis intervention to long-term recovery assistance, and are available to individuals, families, and caregivers.

Hotlines:

  1. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline

Phone: 1-800-931-2237

Text: Text “NEDA” to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support

  1. Crisis Text Line

Text: Text “HELLO” to 741741

  1. The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth)

Phone: 1-866-488-7386

Text: Text “START” to 678678

Websites:

  1. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Offers comprehensive resources, including a screening tool, information on treatment options, and support forums.
  2. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD): Offers free, peer-led support groups, mentoring programs, and educational resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
  3. Eating Disorder Hope: Provides resources on eating disorder treatment, recovery tools, and educational information for individuals and families.
  4. BEAT (United Kingdom): Offers support, resources, and a helpline for individuals with eating disorders in the UK.

Support Groups:

  1. ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
  2. Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA)
  3. Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
  4. The Body Positive
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I Drink Every Night. Am I an Alcoholic?

If this is a question that you have asked yourself, then you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. 

Alcohol dependence can appear differently in everyone. The stereotype of an alcoholic as unemployed and disheveled is just that: a stereotype. Someone struggling with alcohol consumption can have healthy relationships, a successful career, and look great.

 However, these positive aspects can quickly deteriorate if an addiction is left untreated. Spotting warning signs early and making changes can help you create a healthier lifestyle.

Understanding Alcohol Consumption

The recommended alcohol consumption and amount that turns excessive varies based on factors such as gender, age, and overall health. To understand your drinking habits, consumption can be split into these categories1: 

  • Moderate drinking typically refers to up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men; however, it is not recommended to drink daily.
  • Binge drinking is characterized by consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, leading to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. For men, binge drinking usually occurs after consuming five or more drinks within two hours, while for women, it is after four or more drinks in the same timeframe.
  • Heavy drinking means consuming more than the moderate drinking guidelines, such as more than one drink a day.

Remember, the healthiest amount of alcohol is no alcohol. If you’re interested in decreasing your regular consumption or giving up alcohol completely, learn more about the sober curious movement.

Alcohol Consumption Chart

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use1 despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can vary in severity, and heavy alcohol use causes lasting changes in the brain that perpetuate AUD and make individuals vulnerable to relapse.

If you currently drink every night and feel it would be hard to stop, it may be time to assess your relationship with alcohol.

Evaluating Your Drinking Habits

Reviewing your alcohol consumption through self-reflection and with the guidance of a medical professional can reshape your lifestyle choices and help you moderate or abstain from drinking.

Frequency of Alcohol Consumption

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) does not recommend daily alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption is entirely advised against special groups, such as pregnant women, those on medication, and those with certain medical conditions. 

Drinking every day can deteriorate multiple areas in the body2, including the heart, liver, stomach, and brain. Moreover, it can create a biological need for alcohol3 as the brain and body adjust to daily consumption. The more regularly you drink, the harder it will be to decrease consumption or stop altogether.

Consistent drinking can also interfere with daily responsibilities, relationships, and overall well-being. If you find alcohol is becoming a priority over other activities or obligations, that could indicate a problem.

Quantity and Type of Alcohol

For most people, moderate drinking is inconsistent and includes only a couple drinks at a time. Someone with a healthy relationship with alcohol can have 2 drinks at dinner and then not drink for a number of days. 

Excessively drinking any type of alcohol is unhealthy, even though some say that wine is healthier than beer, for example. The best way to maintain well-being is to limit your amount of any type of alcohol. Beer, wine, and spirits are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen4, or a cancer-causing agent—and the more alcohol is consumed, the higher the risk of developing cancer.  

Context and Patterns of Drinking

Drinking can become psychologically unhealthy when it’s used to escape uncomfortable feelings. Sometimes, people drink to relieve stress from work, relationships, or other areas of life. Others use it as a social lubricant to feel less inhibited and more outgoing. This can evolve to a solitary activity, frequenting the same bar every week and drinking until drunk every time.

The truth is: Alcohol may help for the moment of unease, but consistent consumption can degenerate physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual aspects of your life. As patterns become habits that soon become unshakable routines, drinking turns into dependence. 

Signs of Alcohol Dependence

Your brain and body can indicate if you’re forming an alcohol dependence. The Priory Group, owner of Life Works Rehab in the United Kingdom, breaks down the signs5:

  • Secretive or dishonest behaviors related to alcohol
  • Drinking heavily in solitude
  • Heavy drinking or binge drinking
  • Drinking at inappropriate times such as first thing in the morning
  • Avoiding contact with loved ones
  • Withdrawing from responsibilities at home or work
  • Continuing to drink despite the negative effects that this has had on home, work, or social life
  • Losing interest in activities that were once important to you

Alcohol dependence can take a toll on the body, including serious, long-term health complications. 

The Impact of Regular Drinking

The body can become far too acquainted with alcohol, so much so that it alters the ways organs and systems function. These changes can sometimes evolve to permanency; however, early intervention decreases that risk.

Physical Health Risks

Alcohol consumption impacts vital organs in the body, including

As mentioned earlier, alcohol is a cancer-causing agent directly associated with multiple forms of cancer15, including liver, breast, colon, mouth, throat, and more. Researchers hypothesize that multiple factors contribute to the increased risk of cancer, such as 

  • The metabolization process turns alcohol to acetaldehyde (a dangerous chemical compound).
  • The creation of molecules that damage proteins, lipids, and DNA through oxidation.
  • The impairment to the body’s ability to break down and absorb various nutrients.
  • The increase of estrogen, a sex hormone, is linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

Consistent and excessive alcohol consumption is strongly linked to co-occurring mental health disorders16. The bidirectional relationship between alcohol and mental health can cause complex thoughts and behaviors to untangle—meaning, alcohol use can contribute to the development of mental health disorders, and pre-existing mental health issues can lead to the use of alcohol as a form of self-medication.

While alcohol causes an initial feeling of euphoria or relaxation17, it is a central nervous system depressant18, ultimately leading to adverse changes in mood. The depressing effects lead to chemical imbalances in the brain, contributing to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Additionally, cortisol, the stress hormone, is released each time you drink19, causing daily anxiety if you are drinking every day. 

Someone in the throes of addiction will continue to drink despite the negative effects. The compounding physical and psychological symptoms can be managed through professional treatment and the commitment to stop excessive drinking.

When to Seek Help

Knowing when to get help for drinking can be simple: Once you realize that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, seek out help. The earlier you get professional care, the less likely you’ll need intensive treatment, have lifelong health complications, and have lasting social, emotional, and spiritual consequences. 

Recognizing Problematic Drinking

You can ask yourself questions like 

  1. Would you be able to quit drinking right now?
  2. Has your drinking caused tension or conflict with friends, family, or colleagues?
  3. Do you miss important events or obligations because you are drinking or hungover?
  4. Do you use alcohol to cope with stress, sadness, loneliness, or boredom?
  5. Have friends, family, or co-workers expressed concern about your drinking?
  6. Have you given up hobbies or activities you used to enjoy because you prefer to drink?
  7. Are you concerned about where your health and happiness might lead to if you keep drinking at your current rate?

The answers will likely be straightforward and telling if you need medical treatment.

Resources for Assessment

Self-assessment tools, such as online quizzes, can help you gauge whether your alcohol use may be problematic and if you might benefit from professional help. These tools are not diagnostic but can give you a clearer picture of your relationship with alcohol.

Your primary care physician can provide an initial evaluation and refer you to a specialist for a more comprehensive assessment, such as a mental health professional or addiction specialist. During this session, you can ask questions such as

  1. How is my current level of drinking affecting my overall health?
  2. What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence I am exhibiting?
  3. Based on my evaluation, do you believe I have a mild, moderate, or severe alcohol use disorder?
  4. What kind of treatment do you think I need?
  5. How can I safely reduce or quit drinking, and what steps should I take to do so?
  6. Can you refer me to any support groups or resources that might help me?

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

As you embark on your recovery journey, you and your care team can explore treatment options to determine the best fit for your individual needs.

Detox

Many people begin their journey by going through the detox process, so you can safely rid your body of alcohol. Medical professionals will be there to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. This can help you feel more focused and prepared to take on therapy. 

It is crucial to detox under medical supervision, as withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening. In some cases, FDA-approved medications can be prescribed, such as Naltrexone and Disulfiram20, to assist the tapering process. Your clinical team can help you decide what treatments and procedures suit you.

Residential Programs

Residential rehab provides an intensive, distraction-free environment to focus on psychotherapies and learning healthy coping skills. Individuals in this stage of care live in the center and have 24/7 support. Ideally, the clinical team creates a personalized treatment plan to address the unique needs of each individual in recovery. 

You might participate in evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and holistic and alternative healing methods like yoga and massage therapy. The center may provide a blend of individual and group therapy sessions. Your loved ones can engage in family therapy so you can find common ground, improve communication skills, and work towards healthier relationships. 

Outpatient Programs

Your care team may recommend an outpatient program if your recovery does not require 24/7 support. Outpatient treatment has varying levels of care, with partial hospitalization (PHP) providing a more intensive level of care and outpatient (OP) providing the least intensive. You’ll participate in the program for a few hours a day on certain days of the week, allowing you to go to work or attend school simultaneously. You’ll likely participate in therapies similar to a residential program and build your support network as you heal with others in therapy.

Support Groups

Joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery provide a sense of community, understanding, and accountability in your recovery. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and receive ongoing support.

Building a Support Network

Creating a support network with strong relationships is a foundational aspect of long-lasting recovery. Social support in recovery can reduce stress, increase self-efficacy, and motivate lasting sobriety21. Your relapse prevention plan can detail how you will connect with loved ones who supported you through the treatment process. You may make new friends through sober activities and groups. Try your best to plan regular get-togethers with friends and family, as avoiding isolation and bolstering these relationships can make recovery easier. 

Setting and communicating boundaries in recovery is a practice of self-love and can enhance your relationships. Without boundaries, you may say “yes” to things you don’t want to, avoid necessary conversations, and be consumed by others’ negative feelings. Prioritizing your boundaries ensures you’re aligned with what’s best for your well-being.

Preventing Relapse

Not everyone in recovery will relapse, but it can be a part of the recovery process22—and that’s okay. Relapse prevention can help you address these obstacles and keep you on the right track.

Relapse prevention planning aims to recognize and address these warning signals before they escalate to the physical stage—drinking after a period of sobriety. It takes a cognitive behavioral approach to prevent relapse and provides appropriate skills on what to do if a relapse does occur. Relapse prevention blends education, coping strategy development, trigger identification, building support networks, and lifestyle changes.

You and your care team can begin to build your relapse prevention plan by reflecting on 3 key recovery components: 

  1. Reflect on your recovery history. In treatment, what worked and what didn’t work? If you’ve relapsed before, what led to it? What were your triggers before you got treatment? Learn from mistakes of the past to make a realistic relapse prevention plan.
  2. Write down personal, relationship, and employment goals to highlight situations you want to be in and people you want to be around. 
  3. Identify your triggers—all the people, places, and things that could cause stress. Developing coping strategies for each trigger can empower you to live life without fear.

One of the most essential parts of a relapse prevention plan is building skills to navigate uncomfortable feelings and situations. You may practice coping techniques such as breathing exercises, regulating emotions through journaling, and saying “no” to situations that do not serve your recovery. This can help you walk into any situation with confidence. 

Attending outpatient care or talk therapy sessions can help you navigate foreign situations and continue skill-building. During individual therapy sessions, you’ll likely engage in various therapeutic methods like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). 

Creating a daily routine that promotes physical and mental health, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep, can bolster sustainable recovery23. A scheduling system, such as time blocking in a calendar, can help you avoid idle time that might lead to thoughts or behaviors associated with relapse.

A day of sobriety is a day worth being celebrated! The effort to choose your health and well-being every day is a great feat, so continue to reflect and pride yourself on your hard work.

A Step in the Right Direction

If you feel like you can’t drink at a healthy pace and use alcohol to cope with uncomfortable feelings, it might be time to seek treatment. You can discover and sustain a healthy and balanced lifestyle that prioritizes your well-being. Embrace a life without alcohol. Begin your search by browsing our list of alcohol addiction treatment centers.