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There's no doubt that drugs are a serious issue in the United States, but a fair amount of controversy surrounds the country's "war on drugs" approach to the problem. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson is a vocal participant in this debate, speaking out in favor of drug decriminalization on his blog. In one essay, Richard Branson urges countries to follow the example of Portugal, which has decriminalized the possession and use of drugs. Is this approach a viable alternative to the current war on drugs? Let's take a closer look at Portugal's drug policy and see what we can learn from their example.

When battling an addiction, the entire process of recovery must be maintained and engaged throughout. Many people who struggle with addiction fail to apply the proper level of gravity to the aftercare element of the recovery process. An article published by DualDiagnosis.org suggests that paying proper attention to aftercare will significantly increase the chance of long-term recovery success. If you are struggling with an addiction, the quicker that you seek help from a reputable treatment program, the better the chance of achieving a complete recovery. Finding a good aftercare program is essential to increasing the possibility of long-term success in recovery.

There is new research that reveals that a person’s music listening habits has the capacity to reveal a substantial amount about their mental health. A recent study published by the Academy of Finland revealed that men who process existing negative feelings through music tend to react to sad and aggressive music in a negative manner. What makes these new findings so significant is the fact that the ability to manage emotions is a vital component to effectively managing mental health.

Addiction is a complex disease with a number of environmental, genetic and social factors. The most effective way to treat the condition is with a multi-faceted approach that addresses these different factors. One complementary therapy that has become frequently used in addiction treatment is neurofeedback. This therapeutic technique allows participants to identify and change certain types of activity in their brains. Neurofeedback has already displayed promising results in the treatment of epilepsy, ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, it is also being used to treat addiction. A growing number of studies has shown that it can help recovering individuals avoid a relapse.

The term “addiction” is rarely automatically associated with caffeine; however, caffeine addiction is extremely common, and it can be difficult to overcome. If you find it impossible to get through your day without your daily dose of caffeine, there is a good chance that you may be suffering from a caffeine addiction. It is also worth noting that the common conception that coffee products are the only method through which the vast majority of people consume and become addicted to caffeine is slightly over-exaggerated. The consumption of soft drinks represents a substantial amount of the U.S. intake of caffeine.

Talking about a problem helps people vent their emotions and work through the issue. Writing can have many of the same positive effects, and it's a particularly helpful practice for people recovering from addiction. Many rehab centers include writing therapy as a complement to traditional addiction treatment. The writing process helps clients come to terms with the nature of addiction and move forward toward long-term recovery.

Sleep disorders can be caused by a number of factors, but many people's sleep troubles are directly related to their drug or alcohol use. Prescription and non-prescription medications, illegal drugs and alcohol all have the potential to cause sleep problems, and the severity of these problems will vary from person to person. The most effective way to combat a substance-induced sleep disorder is by addressing the underlying drug or alcohol addiction; however, a number of therapeutic techniques can help individuals ease their symptoms and get a better night's sleep.

Anyone can become addicted to alcohol or drugs. The disease of addiction affects people of every age, race, gender and economic status. However, a few genetic and environment factors can boost the likelihood of developing an addiction, and family life is one of those key factors. A tense family situation or lack of family involvement can increase the risk of addiction and make the path to recovery more difficult. In other cases, family support can be instrumental in helping an addicted person during treatment and recovery. Family therapy can help an addicted individual and their loved ones strengthen their bonds and communicate more effectively.

Losing someone you love or something you valued is a very painful experience. At times, you may feel like the sadness and pain will never get better, and you'll experience a huge range of emotions. These reactions are normal after a major loss. Grieving is a slow process that can last for months or years, but a few healthy coping strategies can help you deal with the pain and allow you to move on.

When the temperatures cool and the days get shorter, it's not uncommon to feel a bit of the "winter blues," but for some people, the onset of winter brings a more serious form of depression: a condition is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People afflicted with SAD are likely to experience symptoms of the disorder from the beginning of fall until the weather warms up in the spring. If you think you might be struggling with SAD, effective treatments are available to help you keep your mood stable all year long.

Substance abuse and drug addiction have become increasingly widespread over the last couple of decades. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the aggregate cost associated with substance abuse and addiction in the U.S. exceeds $712 billion, making drug use one of the most prevalent socioeconomic issues of today. With drug addiction being such an issue of concern, people who suffer from addiction (and their loved ones) are looking for the best possible treatment options available. One of the oldest and yet consistently successful treatment modalities for drug addiction is psychodrama. Psychodrama is a form of therapy in which the individual experiences correction by re-experiencing certain events combined with active expression and role rehearsal.

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago, and it remains in wide use today all over the world. Considered a form of alternative and complementary medicine in the U.S., many of the principles of Ayurveda have nevertheless come into the mainstream, with physicians trained in modern medicine incorporating some of the practices into their own roster of treatments for various conditions. Ayurveda is particularly suited for helping people with a substance abuse disorder tune in more closely to their physical and spiritual condition. It embodies a holistic approach to healing that addresses mind, body, and spirit, which is increasingly regarded as the best way to treat the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of substance addiction.