Author: Alex Thompson

Author

Alex Thompson, with a decade of commitment in social work, obtained his psychology credentials from the University of San Francisco. Immediately following his academic journey, Alex embarked on a mission to support individuals battling with substance dependencies. Currently, he channels his expertise into crafting insightful pieces aimed at overcoming challenges related to alcohol and drug addiction, offering guidance and solidarity through his online publications.

March 05, 2024

Alex Thompson

Trazodone Withdrawal: How To Manage Discontinuation Syndrome

In this article, we outline the symptoms of trazodone withdrawal and the timelines for recovery. Trazodone detox is when a patient works with medical staff to safely cleanse their body off the drug and the lingering effects of its use. At its most basic, this can involve nothing more than a tapering schedule, diet, and […]

Treatment

March 05, 2024

Alex Thompson

Alcohol Withdrawal Insomnia Overcoming Sleep Problems

Sleepwalking can lead to injuries, disrupt sleep, and leave a person feeling fatigued and not well-rested after waking. Researchers believe the link between insomnia and alcohol consumption to be bidirectional, meaning that each contributes to the other. Alcohol can lead to fragmented sleep and waking up during the night, as it disrupts the sleep cycle. […]

Alcohol Addiction

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

Is marijuana addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA

This condition can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional such as a medical doctor or psychologist. Treatment methods include psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. More specifically, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used. Medications to control cravings may be used alongside nonmedicinal interventions. Volkow explained that the patterns of activity […]

Drug Addiction

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

How To Help Your Alcoholic Loved One 20 Tips To Keep In Mind

Some are surprised to learn that there are medications on the market approved to treat alcohol dependence. The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD. “When a loved one has AUD, it is often difficult for the people around them to understand what’s going on and why […]

Alcohol Addiction

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

Marijuana Statistics in the US: Cannabis Use & Abuse 2024 Data Update

68% (17 in 25 Americans) believe that the federal government should legalize marijuana. 74%, 248 million, or nearly three-quarters of the United States 332.4 million population, now have access to some form of legal cannabis [19]. Colorado comes in second place, earning one-third of California’s tax revenue at $423.5 million [15]. 43% of noncollege youth […]

Drug Addiction

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

Drug Overdose: Definition, Treatment, Prevention, and More

When someone overdoses on a CNS depressant, their breathing usually slows or stops. Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants include opioids, sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. These medicines can slow brain activity, which helps to treat anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders. You can get naloxone for free through discrete harm reduction programs like NEXT […]

Treatment

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

How To Identify An Alcoholic: Signs And Symptoms Of Alcohol Abuse

That someone has become a staunch addict or that he is abusing beer or any other alcohol might not be obvious at a first glance. Despite its prevalence, alcoholism often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Understanding certain terminologies related to alcohol use will help facilitate a better understanding of the disorder. In other words, their behavior, […]

Alcohol Addiction

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

Treatment of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism: How To Stop Drinking

Ask different programs if they offer sliding scale fees—some programs may offer lower prices or payment plans for individuals without health insurance. Ideally, health professionals would be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person. NIAAA and other organizations are conducting research to identify genes and other factors that can predict […]

Treatment

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

A Timeline for the Restoration of Cognitive Abilities after Quitting Alcohol

Future event simulation (FES) is a memory technique involving strategies such as making linked and indexed lists. A study in Psychopharmacology in 2016 showed that FES helped people remember event-based tasks, but not time-based tasks. Alcohol’s most severe long-term consequences are brain damage and nerve cell death. Unlike in other parts of the body, some […]

Alcohol Addiction

March 04, 2024

Alex Thompson

Alcohol use disorder Diagnosis and treatment

If you are thinking about quitting drinking, talk to your healthcare provider. Medical supervision, behavioral health treatment, and mutual-aid groups can help you through alcohol withdrawal and stay stopped. The alcohol withdrawal timeline varies, but the worst of the symptoms typically wear off after 72 hours. Studies show support groups play an instrumental role in […]

Treatment