Self-harm is profoundly complex and often misunderstood. For many, it becomes a way to cope when emotions feel too intense or overwhelming. It can involve cutting, burning, hitting, or other forms of self-injury to manage pain, regain a sense of control, or simply feel something when numbness takes over.
Category: Addiction
Diagnosing Addiction
By Candace Schoner A recent comment from a colleague about my “addiction” to coffee prompted me to wonder why some people become addicted to certain things while others appear to be asymptomatic. According to Psychology Today, a person with an addiction uses a substance or engages in a behavior for which the rewarding effects provide…
Children of Alcoholics
Children of alcoholic parents often share a number of characteristics in adulthood due to chronic stress and the endured unpredictable environment. A parent’s alcohol dependency can have a gradual or cumulative impact on a child’s development. While each family’s situation is unique, experts agree that there are certain patterns and beliefs common among individuals who…
Opioid Withdraw and Detox
Over 2 million people aged 12 and older were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States, comprising 0.7 percent of the population. OUD is a medical diagnosis given to those who suffer serious impairment or distress due to the continuous use of opioids. While other definitions like opioid addiction do exist,…
Addictive Behaviors and Recovery
A friend of mine recently observed that I have an addictive personality. While my addictions to things such as caffeine, bargain hunting, and social media are not life threatening, the statement prompted me to wonder why some people have addictive behaviors while others appear to be asymptomatic. .By definition, a person with…