It sounds peculiar to laugh and meditate at the same time, especially when the general perception of meditation is to sit quietly and be still. But a few daily lighthearted chuckles and chuffs often stimulate changes in helpful “feel good” brain chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Laughing, like meditation, can reduce symptoms of...Read More

OCD and Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is having intense moments of energy, activity, and mood whereas Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is having unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations. According to the Journal of Affective Disorders study, more than 20% who have bipolar disorder have signs of OCD. It is important to have both of these disorders treated...Read More

Depression and Anger Depression is a mental illness that can cause someone not to enjoy the things they used to enjoy, suicidal thoughts, low levels of mood, and unexplained aches and pain. Another symptom, according to a study done in 1998 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, is that two-thirds with depression have anger...Read More

Why is Hookah Bad For Your Health? Hookahs are water pipes for smoking made by tobacco. There are many flavors like chocolate, mint, cherry, apple, licorice, coconut, watermelon, and cappuccino. According to Action on Smoking and Health, in 2012 and 2013, 12% of adults use hookahs in the UK and 1% frequently use them. The...Read More

Why Are 12 Step Programs Good for Recovery? Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship for men and women who have drinking problems that was founded in 1935. There is no age or education requirement to join these fellowships and there are over two million members worldwide. Narcotics Anonymous was founded in 1953 to help those...Read More

Love, Sex, and Codependence There are differences between love, sex, and codependence.  Love is an emotional state of mind often difficult to describe yet many people experience this emotion.  Love can be felt toward people, animals, art, music, and a number of other experiences.  Sex is personal intimacy between two people for which a strong...Read More

Step 10: What It Means Step 10 is one of 12 steps outlined in the principles of any 12-step program.  Step 10 states that we need to continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.  This sounds like a straightforward step; however, what does it mean. In recovery, we need...Read More

What Are Refusal Skills? When working a program of recovery for alcohol-use disorders, there are situations when you might feel like you need some extra support.  Even those who are committed to not drinking can experience social pressure to drink.  Friends can make it somewhat difficult for you especially if they do not know you...Read More

Is Workaholism a Real Problem? Workaholism does not get much attention in the psychiatric community but for those individuals who are addicted to work, there are common characteristics that are shared with other addictive disorders. The workaholic may exhibit feelings of dissatisfaction with their psychological, physical, and social lives. A workaholic may spend excessive time...Read More

Shopping Addiction A shopping addiction is a behavioral addiction. There are no chemicals to ingest or alcohol to drink, yet shopping addiction is a viable disorder. It can interfere with activities of daily living, destroy relationships, affect how one works, and ruin finances. The addiction to shopping is like a substance use disorder in that...Read More