Ritalin and Adderall both provide appropriate treatment options for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Over the past decade, however, these prescription drugs have been widely misused as recreational stimulants for non-medical purposes. When used incorrectly, these drugs cause increased neural activity in an individual’s central nervous system. This results in feelings of euphoria, […]
What Are Barbiturates?
Before benzodiazepines came along, barbiturates were the most commonly prescribed central nervous system depressants to treat anxiety and insomnia. Barbiturates have been widely replaced by benzodiazepines for safety reasons. Here’s where you may be wondering why barbiturates are considered unsafe. Barbiturates have a higher potential for addiction than benzodiazepines, and are more highly toxic and […]
How to Cope With Anxiety in Recovery
After gaining a new lease on life thanks to a newfound sobriety, individuals heading in recovery look forward to setting new goals, getting fit and healthy and living a life of gratitude. However, the anxiety that often accompanies early recovery is not always anticipated. Anxiety and stress can quickly hinder a person’s recovery journey if […]
What to Know When a Doctor Prescribes a Benzodiazepine
If you have ever struggled with anxiety or an anxiety disorder, you may have experienced relief from medication in the benzodiazepine family of drugs. As effective as benzodiazepines can be in managing anxiety symptoms , they can also be very habit forming. Because of this risk, most doctors will only prescribe benzodiazepines for short-term use, […]
How Are Men in Particular Impacted by Mental Health Stigma?
When someone finds themselves struggling with — or even debilitated by — a mental health condition, they may hesitate to reach out for help. Even today, the stigma around mental health remains, despite all the media attention devoted to the topic. On average, women are more apt to seek out professional help when experiencing symptoms […]
5 Signs of Using Drugs or Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism
When we feel upset, whether it is due to stress, sadness or a difficult chapter in our lives, we might go searching for a way to relieve feelings of distress. The ups and downs of daily life may overwhelm our ability to cope, which is one reason why someone might turn to a substance — […]