Addiction and Substance Abuse

There has been a lot of disagreement over the years as to whether addiction is a disease or a choice. Lots of recent research into neurochemistry has shown that addiction makes actual physical changes to the brain. Addiction hijacks our natural hierarchy of priorities and claims a space in the brain that can supersede all other needs. Check out my blog post to learn more about why addiction is a disease.

by Joe Borders, MFT Therapist in Roseville, Ca The Common Symptom of Addiction Recovery that Nobody Talks About. Recovering from

Every now and then I like to document whats going on in the world of substance abuse. In this blog post you will learn about:
A drug that has been available OTC for many years that the DEA has recently made illegal.
A California proposition that would legalize recreational marijuana use.
And an update on powdered alcohol, which I wrote about in April of 2015.

In recent years mental health practitioners have increasingly began to recognize the role of attachment and healthy relationships in the formation and maintenance of addiction. As social creatures we need healthy relationships in our lives. We need to have the internalized sense that we are loved, cared for, and supported by those we love. We are designed to cope with stress and difficulty through these healthy relationships. When things happen to negatively affect our attachment in those relationships things can go awry. In this way, addiction can be an attempt by the individual to fill the holes left by unmet relational needs.

Substances of abuse are always changing in form, potency, and methods of delivery. This blog details a few relatively new trends that you may not be aware of. Do you know about “palcohol”, and dabs (AKA waxes, budders, and honey)?