Category: Alternative Treatment

When Shopping is Out of Control: Signs You Might be a Shopaholic

Shopping is something that most people do often. Whether it is a trip to the grocery store, shopping for an outfit for a specific event, or buying Christmas gifts online, shopping is a part of life. Since it is now possible to shop with just a few clicks of the keyboard or a simple keystroke. Shopping is even easier now than at any other time in life. Unfortunately, like so many other basic activities, shopping can become a problem and even an addiction. How do you know when shopping has become addictive? Read on to learn the signs and treatment for shopping addiction – signs you might be a shopaholic.

What is Shopping Addiction

A shopping addict is someone who shops compulsively. This person may feel like they have no control over their shopping behaviors. There are several different kinds of shopping addiction. These include compulsive shopping. Usually occurring when emotional distress is felt and trophy shopping for those shopaholics who are continually looking for the perfect item. There are those who shop to keep up the image of being a big spender or love flashy items, and those who are bargain seekers who buy simply because things are on sale. Furthermore, there are bulimic shoppers who get in the cycle of buying and returning. While there are others who are collectors, needing an item in every color or a complete set. Each form of the addiction is an actual addiction that can lead to problems.

Causes of Shopping Addiction

Exactly why people become addicted to shopping is unclear. However, some believe it is because of the feelings they receive when shopping. This is a chemical reaction in the brain that releases dopamine to make people feel relaxed. Over time, these feelings can become addictive. One study claims that up to 10 to 15 percent of the population worldwide may have a predisposition to these feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and well-being.

Signs of being a Shopaholic

Identifying a shopaholic may be difficult. As shopping is a necessity of life, and one many people adore, the symptoms may be subtle at first. Those who love shopping may adore the activity and spend too much when they go. Some may even go on the occasional shopping spree. However, this is not a real issue. Although, when it goes to far, an addiction may be present.

The first symptom is that that is common to all addicts, hiding the addiction. Look for your loved one to hide credit card bills, shopping bags, and receipts on a regular basis. This can be even more subtle in that the person may admit to shopping, but lie about how much was spent. Other emotional symptoms include shopping as a response to being angry or depressed. Also, spending more than can be afforded, or even shopping as a way to feel less guilty about other shopping trips. As the addiction grows the person may lose control of their shopping behaviors, harming loved ones by spending excessive amounts of time shopping.

Shockingly, there are also physical signs of a shopping addiction. Though only one that is notable, a declining financial situation. A shopping addict may have started with a decent amount of money, but may quickly buy their way into debt and continue to spend.

Effects of being a Shopaholic

There are both short and long term effects of being a shopaholic. The first is that though you may feel happy and relaxed after a shopping trip, the feeling is short lived and anxiety or guilt sets in, forcing you back for further shopping. Long term effects are often related to intensifying debt and financial problems.

Treatment Options

Though shopping addiction has no specific treatment as far as medication, some see benefits in taking anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. There is hope that an Alzheimer’s drug called memantine can be of some help, but research is limited. Just as with all addictions, the shopaholic may have withdrawal symptoms. This means that a treatment facility in which talk therapy is available may be in order. If you or a loved one need help then DARA may be a viable option for affordable care and help. Do not be afraid to ask for the help you need.

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Dangers of Mixing Adderall with Alcohol

What is Adderall

Adderall is a prescription medication that is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. For those with ADHD, Adderall can calm the system and allow the person to focus and behave normally, much like Ritalin. These medications compensate for deficits, not increase performance as many believe.

 Adderall has a much different effect on those that take the medication without ADHD. Though some who take Adderall without a prescription believe they are more focused, it is not true. It is only because the medication increases the dopamine in the reward center of the brain that these feelings exist. This in turn makes people feel more alert and attentive. While increasing the calming effect of the brain. Additionally, some without ADHD may feel effects, but what they are experiencing these effects is actually a placebo effect. Basically this means that you feel better and more focused simply because you believe you will.

Aside from the fact that Adderall may not be effective for even those with a prescription, self medicating can be dangerous. When medications such as Adderall are mixed with other drugs, legal or not, even bigger problems may arise.

Mixing Adderall with Alcohol

As Adderall has become a commonly prescribed medication, in that relaying ADHD symptoms to a doctor are simple, so has its abuse. Unfortunately, many people are mixing this medication, prescribed or not, with alcohol creating negative effects. The first issue is with Adderall alone. As it is a schedule 2 drug, it is high on the scale for addiction and abuse. This stimulant, when used in conjunction with alcohol creates a fight between the stimulant. Adderall, and the depressant, alcohol, within the body. This is where the problem arises.

Adderall can dull the senses making it seem you are not as drunk as you actually are. This can easily lead to alcohol poisoning as you drink more to reach that ‘drunk’ feeling. Not feeling as drunk can also lead a person to partake in risky behaviors. Such as driving, unprotected sex, and otherwise poor decision making. This may also include an increase in behavioral aggression, leading to fights. Mixing Adderall and Alcohol can also lead to heart problems. All stimulant medications carry some risk of heart problems. However, this is higher when abusing the drug or pairing it with something such as alcohol. When combined your body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure may rise and your heart can beat irregularly.

What to Do

If you or a loved one are prescribed Adderall, the best option is to take it appropriately and to avoid alcohol as the combination may actually make ADHD worse. However, if you are abusing Adderall and/or Mixing it with alcohol then you should be aware of the effects it can have on your body. If you find yourself or a loved one with an addiction problem then seek help right away. Those with ADHD tend to have problems with the control center of the brain, making impulsivity, attention, and critical thinking problematic. This may mean it is harder to fight addiction overall. When you or your loved one are ready, try a center such as DARA for help with medication management and lifestyle changes that can help you get life back on the right path. Never be afraid to ask for help, you are worth it.

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Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Depression in Men

What is Depression

Depression is a mental illness. It is outlined in the DSM with specific criteria that must be met in order to receive the diagnosis. Although depression is often used interchangeably with the word sadness, it is very different. Depression does not necessarily depend upon circumstances and is persistent, even when life is good. Depression can be tricky and can present a bit differently between men and women. This article will focus on general symptoms of depression. As well as those more common in men.

Depression Symptoms

When first recognized, clinical depression was seen as a women’s disease. The truth is that both sexes suffer from depression. The problem is that many men go untreated because of the feeling that depression tends to be a ‘female problem’.

The common symptoms of depression include weight loss or gain and changes in appetite when the person is not trying to diet. It’s also common experiencing Insomnia or hypersomnia, and fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day. Common symptoms also include psychomotor agitation or retardation, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and an impaired ability to think that occurs almost daily. Some may also have recurrent thoughts of death or suicide with or without a plan. These are the most common of symptoms and what physicians tend to look for when first diagnosing. It is fully possible that men and women alike can have these symptoms, but for men the list is a bit different.

What are Depression Symptoms in Men

Men experience emotional issues differently from women, this often includes depression symptoms. Men are more likely to feel very irritable or tired. They are also more likely to lose interest in things such as work, family, and hobbies. Some may also have difficulty sleeping, worrying about even minor issues. Men may also show extreme symptoms in other areas. You may notice excessively overeating or not eating at all, sleeping too much or not at all, and have difficulty concentrating. They may also complain of feeling very tired with feelings of irritability, hopelessness, and even anger being prominent. Men may also be more prone to suicidal thoughts, as well as somatic complaints like aches and pains, headaches, or even digestive issues.

Treatment

Though the symptomology may vary slightly between men and women, the treatment is more or less the same. Typical treatment involves medication and psychotherapy, but lifestyle changes can also help. For mild depression, daily exercise can help tremendously. This does not have to be extreme, but getting up and out and moving around can be helpful. Improved eating habits, meaning healthy choices, as well as a specific sleep routine with set bedtimes and awake times can also be beneficial. While these simple changes may not alleviate all symptoms of depression, they are a step in the right direction in the case of mild symptoms.

Beyond lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, behavioral or talk therapy, can also be helpful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown effective for depression, as has problem solving therapy to deal with basic life stressors. Medication may also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms, but should not be considered a cure all as daily changes and therapy are also often needed. Finally, in severe cases, especially those in which the person is suicidal, hospitalization may be necessary until the person has reached a better frame of mind.

Whether man or woman, depression is real and can wreak havoc in a person’s life and overall well-being. If you or a loved one is showing signs and symptoms, seek help. There is never shame in asking for help when it is needed and can change your life for the better.

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Sadness or Depression: What’s the Difference?

Sadness Defined

Everyone gets sad. This is a fact of life. Everyone will feel down at some point. Unfortunately, the terms depression and sadness are often used interchangeably these days. The fact remains, depression and sadness are not the same. There are distinct characteristics that make one an emotion and the other a mental health issue. The confusion between the two can mean that the serious condition of depression is ignored by many.

Sadness is, as mentioned, a normal human emotion. Sadness is often triggered by an event that is hurtful, difficult, disappointing, or even challenging. When sadness comes it is typically about something specific. Fortunately, this also means that when something changes in that situation. The emotion changes and sadness is alleviated.

Depression Defined

Depression is different from sadness as it is an abnormal emotional state. This is a mental illness that can affect emotions, perceptions, thinking, and even behaviors. Depression means feeling sad about everything, not a specific circumstance. A certain trigger, a loss or change, is not necessary to bring about depression. Even those with diagnosed depression will often tell you that their lives are fine, or even great, but the feeling of sadness persists.

Depression has the unfortunate ability to color all areas of life. This makes everything, even enjoyable activities, less interesting, worthwhile, and lovable. Depression can alter energy levels and motivation while impairing the ability to experience pleasure, satisfaction, and joy among others. It can also quickly lead to a lower threshold for other emotions. Meaning you get angry or frustrated quicker, leading to a breakdown that may take longer to recover from than someone without depression.

Depression Diagnosed

Since sadness is normal, yet depression is a mental illness, there are criteria that must be met to receive the diagnosis of depression. There are several, but at least five must be met in order to consider depression over sadness. These include: a depressed or irritable mood most of the time; a loss or decrease of pleasure or interest in most activities; significant changes in appetite or weight; sleeping disturbances (more or less); feeling slowed down or restless most days; tired or having low energy most days; worthless or guilty most days; problems with focus, thinking, and concentration most days; and thoughts of dying or suicide. Not only should at least five of these be present, but the level to which they are felt must be ascertained. It can be scary to receive a diagnosis of depression, especially if it is severe, but help is available.

Getting Help

If you have received a diagnosis of depression or suspect you or a loved one may have depression then seek treatment. Without some form of treatment, depression can become worse and lead down a dangerous path. While not everyone with depression attempts suicide, it is a possibility if left untreated. A more likely possibility is that the depression will take over and life will not be lived, but simply survived. Medication and talk therapy can help. Seek help if you need it, DARA can help, just make the call.

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Oxycodone and Hydrocodone: What’s the Difference?

What is Oxycodone and Hydrocodone

Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are medications that are commonly discussed in the news. While they are often touted for their effectiveness on pain by doctors, they are often heard of due to their highly addictive properties. Unfortunately, both of these things are true. Those who suffer from chronic pain have a need of medications that can alleviate pain. However medications such as these are highly addictive and often misused. This is a well known problem, but no real solutions have yet to be found. While alternative medications do exist, they are often not as effective in pain management. Given that oxycodone and hydrocodone are common and serve the same purpose, what is the difference?

The Differences

Oxycodone abuse can be devastating to you and your family members. Oxycodone is commonly sold under the names OxyContin, Troxyca, or Percocet. These indicate the delivery method as controlled release or mixed with acetaminophen or naltrexone. The active ingredient originates with thebaine. Thebaine is synthesized from poppy plants. One side effect is a euphoric feeling, which can easily lead to abuse.

Hydrocodone comes from codeine. This is an opiate and is associated with the opium poppy. It is commonly prescribed as Vicodin or Damason-P which is mixed with acetaminophen or aspirin respectively. It is also possible to mix this with expectorants when it is given for persistent cough. Hydrocodone can also act on the brain’s pain receptors to basically rewrite the brain’s chemistry. This will lead to a euphoric feeling. Creating a higher likelihood of abuse.

Both drugs are considered at the heart of the opioid crisis. This is a problem, because although they are effective, the rate of abuse is extremely high. This happens because a tolerance is built up so quickly and more medication is required to achieve both the feeling and pain relief. As more is taken, the brain’s chemistry is further altered. Creating a vicious cycle in which the Dopamine release in the brain becomes dependent on the actual drug.

How to Stop

If you or a loved one has an addiction to pain killers, even if they were prescribed for pain, then help is available. The downfall to stopping is that you may initially feel very depressed. This may happen as the drug works its way out of your system. The brain must relearn to produce Dopamine on its own. This is why it is important to talk to a substance abuse counselor. A therapist who specializes in substance abuse can offer you different options. One option is detoxification, which may be intense for heavy users. Another option is a pain recovery program. There is also individual and group therapy, as well as holistic treatments are available too if you are interested.

There is no shame in seeking help for an addiction to either of these medications. Whether the medications were originally prescribed for chronic pain or you stumbled upon them while using other substances, help is readily available. DARA is one place that can offer such help, especially through the detoxification process. If you suspect you have a problem or know you do, make a call and get the help you deserve.

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