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Millions of people in the United States are diagnosed with schizophrenia. Consequently, schizophrenia is considered to be one of the leading causes of disability in our nation today. Common symptoms of this mental illness include delusions, hallucinations, and unorganized speech and behavior patterns. Additionally, feelings like disassociation and/or detachment from oneself, general discontentment, anger, and anxiety are reported by individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Media coverage depicts schizophrenia in a negative light, generating fear around the illness due to a lack of education and understanding among the general public. Here are some facts about Schizophrenia, in hopes of dispelling some of the confusion and stigma associated with the disorder.

Note: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Your life matters. Each year, millions of people across the world die by suicide, and it’s tragic. While many people don’t realize it, what we see on the T.V. screen and how suicide is depicted in the movies plays a major role in how we view this issue and how it’s talked about in our society. Quite a few shows and movies have received negative attention over the years due to the seeming glamorization of suicide. Preventative measures were not shown in the media until people started speaking up against it.

Unfortunately, education on mental illness is greatly lacking in today’s society. As a result, the issue doesn’t receive enough support. Scenes of people acting out or breaking the law due to mental illness often perpetuate stigmas. People who don’t know someone personally with a mental illness may find it hard to empathize with someone who has a mental illness because they simply don’t understand or can’t relate. Bipolar disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses. By learning about what many people with bipolar disorder experience, we can help others understand what it really means to have this disorder and how it can affect daily life.

Benzodiazepines are man-made drugs that help treat symptoms such as inability to sleep, racing thoughts, unusual talkativeness, panic, and agitation. These drugs increase the production of a neurotransmitter in the brain, in which a person is likely to experience greater feelings of calm and relaxation. Examples of these benzodiazepines include Xanax, Librium, Valium, and Ativan. Unfortunately, all drugs in this class are highly addictive and consistent use can lead to dependency if it’s not watched closely. Once physical dependence has been established, a detox process is necessary to stop benzodiazepine use. Specific withdrawal symptoms experienced are greatly dependent upon the detoxing individual’s age, sex, weight, drug history and more. Most people would say that detoxing from benzodiazepines isn’t the most pleasurable thing on Earth, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible.

Addiction impacts people of all ages. However, teenagers are at a higher risk due to their mental, physical and spiritual vulnerability. People who battle with addiction experience harsh consequences, sometimes for many years after working towards sobriety. Some of these consequences include significant anxiety, confusion, trouble sleeping, mood disturbances, violent behavior, issues with memory, learning deficiencies, and hallucinations. Avoiding these repercussions is of great interest. Many believe that the solution lies in education and proactive measures among teens and other high-risk populations. Numerous studies have taken place in an effort to better understand teens and their particular susceptibility to addiction, in hopes of improving rates of prevention. Researchers have gained significant insight into the issue as a result.

Each year, hundreds of veterans experience PTSD. Alongside the many symptoms that accompany PTSD, such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, panic attacks and more, those who have served in the military tend to experience a tremendous amount of stress upon their return from war. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are extremely prevalent among our military veterans, and unfortunately, many don’t receive the social, financial and mental health support that they deserve.

The rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioids in the United States is known as the opioid crisis. The epidemic was largely a result of the over-prescription of opiates, as well as insufficient risk education surrounding these pain medications. Many people found themselves addicted to opiates as a result of an injury or accident, at which point they were given these medications by a doctor. Unfortunately, these individuals were largely unprepared for the detoxification process and withdrawal symptoms they would soon experience. Often, the shock of dependency leads to stronger, more deadly illegal street drugs. Regardless of the source, opioids are highly addictive and extremely dangerous. The overdoses and deaths that have taken place, as a result, have led to a decreased life expectancy overall for the average American citizen.

People who experience more severe anxiety and stress tend to have difficulties with daily tasks, such as remembering particular deadlines, communicating clearly with others, staying organized in their thoughts, and working through daily challenges. Living with untreated anxiety can be particularly difficult. Unfortunately, many people rely on illegal substances such as psychedelic drugs to self-medicate.

Vicodin is a medication that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Typically, it is used in a medical setting to treat pain. Vicodin is an opioid and, as such, has a high risk of addiction. Not only do opiates like Vicodin create physical dependency. People become mentally addicted to these medications as well, due to the feelings of euphoria experienced when taking them. Addictions to pain medications like Vicodin commonly develop after having received the prescription from a surgery or an injury. For those experiencing acute and/or chronic pain, opioids like Vicodin can calm anxiety, cultivating feelings of relief, relaxation and well-being. If you are or will soon be prescribed to these kinds of medications, it is important to know what to expect in order to use them safely and avoid physical and/or mental dependency.

We’ve known for many years now that alcohol can affect men and women differently. While both are just as likely to become addicted, the reality is that women often require less alcohol to become intoxicated than their counterparts. Typically, this is due to differing alcohol absorption and metabolization rates in men and women. However, many people often wonder how different types of alcohol affect their system, regardless of gender. Obtaining a clear understanding of types of alcohol and their effects may better prepare you to protect yourself from dependency and the dangers of addiction.

If you’ve recently completed a residential treatment program at Avalon Malibu, you may be working towards an intensive outpatient program while you transition into home and work life. Recovery is such a courageous journey, and you’ve already been taking major strides towards your health and wellbeing. However, you also have responsibilities to uphold: a family, a job, and bills to pay. Now it’s time for you to reintegrate these crucial components of daily living while also balancing your recovery journey. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are an excellent step towards building up independence while still having additional support to feel confident as you move forward.

Research shows that the highest addiction recovery success rates occur when individuals receive help abstaining from substances, as well as support cultivating healthy lifestyle changes in general. What many don’t realize, is that recovery from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol involves so much more than abstinence. The recovery process requires commitment growth in developing coping skills, building self-esteem and self-efficacy, goal setting and creating healthy habits. When treatment for addiction takes such a well-rounded approach, those recovering can create and sustain quality sobriety that will propel them into a happier and healthier future.