Caregivers often provide essential physical, emotional, and practical support to older adults, children, people with disabilities, and individuals recovering from illness or addiction. Most caregivers work hard under demanding circumstances. However, some caregiving relationships can become unhealthy, controlling, neglectful, exploitative, or abusive. Although a title such as “How to Spot a Toxic Caregiver Instantly” gets … Read more
For people trying to cut back or quit vaping, nighttime can be one of the most challenging periods. Cravings that seem manageable during the day may suddenly feel more intense as the evening progresses. This does not necessarily mean nicotine dependence becomes stronger after midnight. Instead, several factors—including nicotine withdrawal, learned routines, fatigue, emotional stress, … Read more
Talking about addiction recovery with someone who shows narcissistic traits can be challenging. They may become defensive when confronted, minimize the consequences of substance use, blame other people, or interpret concern as criticism. However, narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum and are not the same as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which requires professional assessment and … Read more
Reality dating programs such as The Bachelor combine romance, competition, rejection, social status, physical attraction, and dramatic uncertainty into an emotionally intense environment. For viewers, the repeated cycle of anticipation, conflict, romantic validation, and cliffhangers can make these programs particularly engaging. But does that make The Bachelor a “recipe for addiction”? And does hypergamy—the preference … Read more
The phrase “addicted politician” can easily become a sensational label, but substance use disorder (SUD) is a health condition that can affect people in every profession and level of society—including elected officials. A politician experiencing addiction may face many of the same challenges as anyone else: cravings, impaired control, secrecy, relationship difficulties, health consequences, relapse, … Read more
Youth vaping has become an important public health concern, particularly because of its relationship with mental health and nicotine dependence. Adolescents experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or social pressure may be more likely to use vaping as a way to cope with uncomfortable emotions. At the same time, repeated nicotine exposure can lead to dependence, … Read more
Bradley Cooper’s experience with addiction demonstrates that substance use disorders can affect anyone, regardless of talent, ambition, career potential, or eventual success. Before becoming an internationally recognized actor and filmmaker, Cooper has publicly described struggling in his twenties with cocaine addiction, problematic alcohol use, depression, and extremely low self-esteem. He has explained that professional uncertainty … Read more
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including medications such as semaglutide, have gained attention not only for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity but also for their potential role in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers are investigating whether these medications may influence brain pathways involved in reward, motivation, and craving, potentially reducing the desire for alcohol or the … Read more
Underage drinking can affect a teenager’s physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, academic performance, judgment, and future risk for alcohol-related problems. Because adolescence is an important period of brain and social development, helping teenagers recover requires more than simply telling them to stop drinking. Effective recovery involves understanding why alcohol use began, identifying triggers and peer … Read more
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) provide an important level of care for individuals managing substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mental health conditions. These programs offer intensive, structured treatment during the day while generally allowing participants to return home or to supportive housing in the evening. PHPs can combine addiction treatment, individual and group therapy, psychiatric … Read more