The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain Once a drink is consumed, it works its way through your bloodstream and hits the brain.  Alcohol is a depressant but it can also be an indirect stimulant.  Alcohol affects the brain by altering levels of neurotransmitters.  A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that sends signals throughout the...Read More

What Are Psychological Models of Addiction? Models of addiction include medical and social models; however, psychological models of addiction receive professional and research support.  According to this model, substance abuse arises from psychological abnormalities.  Many professionals and researchers do not agree with the idea of an addictive personality; however, there is some agreement that substance...Read More

Rationalization Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person invents reasons for problem behavior.  Addicts rationalize their behavior to the point where it becomes okay to use drugs and drink alcohol—at least in their mind. The reasons given for engaging in destructive behavior distract from the unreasonableness of the response.  There are no logical...Read More

What Is Kleptomania? Kleptomania is when you cannot resist the urge to steal unneeded items. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 1.2 million Americans have kleptomania. This is an impulse control disorder that involves you to have emotional and self-control problems. It is important for kleptomaniacs to seek treatment before you end...Read More

Internet Addiction Internet addiction does not involve substances that one ingests nor does it involve compulsive shopping, eating disorders, or other process addictions.  This does not minimize the effects of an Internet addiction.  This addiction is not listed in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) but is seen...Read More

Five Myths About Problem Gambling 1. Problem gambling is really about not having enough money to gamble with. The truth is problem gambling has little to do with money, either having too much of it or not having enough to participate in gambling activities.  Money is the means in which to gamble but even those...Read More

What are Factitious Disorders? Factitious disorders are when a person will deliberately try to look and behave like they are sick. They can present doctors with fake symptoms and medical records. Those with this disorder are not lying for the purpose of insurance payouts, money, or to acquire more prescription drugs. It can all be...Read More

What is Cocaine? Cocaine is a powerful stimulant made from the coca plant in South America.  It is an illegal drug; however, it was used in the past as an anesthetic for surgeries and other medical purposes.  Cocaine is sold by such names as coke, blow, rock, or snow and is often mixed with other...Read More

Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder or BED is an eating disorder that can be life-threatening but is also a disorder that can be treated.  BED is characterized by a person eating large quantities of food to the point of discomfort followed by purging to counter the binge eating episode.  It is the most common...Read More

What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar Disorder was once referred to as manic-depressive disorder.  The disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings of emotional highs (mania) and emotional lows (depression).  Individuals with bipolar disorder differ in how these highs and lows are experienced.  Approximately 2.6% of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  Bipolar...Read More