Substance Use Disorders

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    My Picture Story

    I experienced child sexual abuse, among other things. I wanted to express what I go through trying to forever process things. Every day, hour, minute, second. I told my artist what my vision was. He took my words and designed the most beautiful piece.

    The beautiful angel is reaching down to help the wee girl at the bottom but a demon reaches out and grabs her by the elbow. The girl is trying to call out to the angel, but the demon covers her mouth so no one can hear her cries. Even though I'm healing and dealing with my disorders, this is my every day. My life.

    #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #CocaineDependence #EmotionalAbuse #MentalHealth #MightyPets #SubstanceUseDisorders #Suicide #SuicideIdeation #SuicideSurvivors #Survivor

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    Are Hashtags Groups/Finding Groups

    I'm trying to find a couple groups that are my hashtags, but I cannot find them. Am I missing something? Any and all help is appreciated.

    #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #CocaineDependence #EmotionalAbuse #MentalHealth #MightyPets #SubstanceUseDisorders #Suicide #SuicideIdeation #SuicideSurvivors #Survivor

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    The Demons Inside of Me

    My newest tattoo is an eye with a demon for the pupil. He's trying to claw his way out of my body, but he still hasn't left.

    #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #CocaineDependence #EmotionalAbuse #MentalHealth #MightyPets #SubstanceUseDisorders #Suicide #SuicideIdeation #SuicideSurvivors #Survivor

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    My Mom Angel

    I was feeling depressed one day and couldn't seem to muster up the energy to do anything. After some persuading, I grabbed my camera bag and drove south. There was a large barn on the side of the highway that everyone loved to capture. Although I had lots of pics of it, I kept an eye out for anything unordinary. (Side note: my mom died 31 years ago when I was 23.) I often talked to her in the silence of the places I visited. It gave me peace, especially when I saw 'signs' of her. I like taking shots around buildings for the interesting perspectives you get. I took this picture while talking to Mom and didn't think anything of it until I got home. When I scrolled through the pictures, this little angel jumped out at me. It felt like she was sending me a message that everything was going to be alright. The rays of the sun at the top of the barn made it even more perfect. It was exactly what I needed then. Do you see her?

    #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #CocaineDependence #MentalHealth #MightyPets #SubstanceUseDisorders #Suicide #SuicideIdeation #SuicideSurvivors

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    Never Ignore Untreated Chronic Pains

    Part 1 of 2 Do you know that a large proportion of our population stays silent during chronic pain? www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2020/07/07/2058790/0/e... conducted a survey about pain management that revealed unexpected results. According to the survey, 88% of U.S. residents have a history of chronic pain (neck/back/knee), but only 76% have sought medical treatment for their pain.

    Another survey was carried out by a global market research firm that showed consumer behavior. It examined the behavior of adults regarding pain thresholds and pain management. As per the results, Americans prefer not to seek medical treatment till the pain becomes unbearable. They needlessly suffer in silence.

    What is Chronic Pain?

    Chronic pain is pain that lasts for several months. Chronic pain can have multiple sources or underlying causes, like arthritis or cancer. The period is not defined for chronic pain. It may take months or years to heal. Having chronic pain can interfere with your daily routine as it affects your ability to work.

    According to a www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chronic-pain-what-you-need-to-know (NHIS) regarding chronic pain cases in the United States:

    20.4% of adults reported chronic pain that remained for most days for 3 months
    7.4% of adults reported extreme chronic pain that remained for most days for 3 months and restricted their daily chores and work activities

    Chronic pain is different from acute pain. Acute pain occurs when you experience short-term injuries like skin cuts or fractures. Chronic pain, on the other hand, exceeds the time of recovery from an injury.

    Causes of Chronic Pain

    Some causes of chronic pain are obvious, which may include long-lasting illnesses like arthritis and cancer.
    Some diseases and injuries trigger changes in the body and increase its pain sensitivity. Even after the body heals from the injury, these changes may remain and cause chronic pain. For example, a sprain, or a fracture.
    Some causes of chronic pain are not physical and rather mental. Such issues are known as psychogenic or psychosomatic pain. This pain is caused by psychological factors like anxiety, stress, and depression. As a positive emotional state is linked with endorphin level, scientists believe that this condition is a reason for the low production of endorphins in the body.
    Chronic pain can also be a result of the overlapping of multiple causes. For example, more than one disease, or a physical injury combined with psychogenic pain.

    Symptoms of Chronic Pain

    The symptoms of chronic pain include mild to extreme pain. The pain varies for every person, depending on the condition and body response. Chronic pain is commonly defined by people as:

    Squeezing
    Stiffness
    Aching
    Shooting
    Stinging
    Burning
    Throbbing

    Prolonged chronic pain, especially when left untreated, can give rise to other health issues or symptoms, like:

    Depression
    Anxiety
    Insomnia
    Fatigue
    Mood swings

    How does Chronic Pain Affects you?

    In the United States, over a quarter of citizens end up in outpatient clinics with complaints of chronic pain. Failed management of chronic pain can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Chronic pain can create several complications including:

    Chronic pain can increase the dependence of an individual on others. This situation has a highly-negative impact on a person’s mental health.
    The difficulty in carrying out daily activities due to chronic pain can decrease the quality of life.
    For some individuals, chronic pains often result in a mental disorder known as #SubstanceUseDisorders (SUD). This condition affects an individual’s brain and increases their reliance on legal or illegal drugs, medications, or alcohol.
    It may worsen the existing chronic disease.
    Untreated chronic pains increase the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

    Complications caused by chronic pain are often very serious. Thus, chronic pains should be treated at the earliest.

    The Diagnosis of Chronic Pain

    Chronic pains can be investigated by examining the body physically and internally. As pain is subjective, it varies from person to person that how he/she identifies and describes the pain they are experiencing. Firstly, the healthcare provider tries to point out the source of the pain. Then, the healthcare provider requires the results of several tests to diagnose chronic pain in the patient.

    To diagnose chronic pain, the following tests may be required:

    Reflex and balance tests
    Blood tests
    Imaging tests, such as MRI and X-rays
    Electromyography
    Nerve conduction tests
    Urine tests
    Spinal fluid tests

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    Eating disorders and substance abuse

    #EatingDisorders

    Like other mental health disorders, eating disorders are often misunderstood and thought to be a choice. However, eating disorders are serious medical conditions that can be dangerous and life-threatening. Dieting does not constitute an eating disorder but may be a possible trigger.

    When seeking to understand what is an eating disorder and what is not, a clear eating disorder definition can be helpful. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) defines an eating disorder as a serious but treatable mental and physical illness that is characterized by distress regarding a person’s weight or body shape as well as irregular eating habits. An eating disorder can be defined by inadequate or excessive intake of food. These disorder eating patterns cause physical and mental damage.

    As with other mental health disorders, eating disorders and addictions frequently co-occur. According to NEDA, up to 50 percent of individuals with eating disorders abuse alcohol or illegal substances, a rate that’s five times higher than drug addiction rates in the general population. Additionally, up to 35 percent of people with substance use disorders also had an eating disorder.

    The most common substances abused by people with an eating disorder include:

    -Alcohol

    -Laxatives

    -Emetics

    -Diuretics

    -Amphetamines

    -Heroin

    -Cocaine

    Most of these substances are known for their appetite-suppressing side effects. Dual diagnosis of eating disorders and substance abuse requires comprehensive treatment for both disorders.

    You can refer to this:

    resiliens.com/resilify/program/overcoming-disordered-eating

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    Can anyone recommend a good residential treatment center for alacholism in SoCal

    A dear friend of mine is ready to take that step in her recovery. I’ve never been to treatment in LA or the LA area and was hoping for a short list or a resource on centers or anything else you might think is helpful. Thank you for your help. #AddictionRecovery #SubstanceUseDisorders

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    Years Ago

    Unfortunately, I rarely find anyone to speak with about these old homes. Instead, I try to see them as they were knew - 150 years old. I step inside and glance out the window, wondering what the homesteaders saw. I wonder what they grew and what livestock they had; how many children (with probably 2 bedrooms lol), and how many times family and friends gathered to celebrate a holiday or birthday. It really is sad we don't have the history; at least we have to buildings.

    #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #Cannabis #CannabisDependence #CocaineDependence #MentalHealth #MightyPets #SubstanceUseDisorders #Suicide #SuicideIdeation #SuicideSurvivors

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    Emotions of Photography

    Driving up and down gravel roads looking or old farms is both calming and exhilarating. I drive slower because I'm searching, which allows me time to practice mindfulness. When I see a copse of trees, or a glimpse of old wood, my heart beats faster in anticipation of what might be waiting around the corner. This is my therapy.

    #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #CPTSD #Cannabis #CannabisDependence #CocaineDependence #MentalHealth #MightyPets #PersonalityDisorders #SubstanceUseDisorders #Suicide #SuicideIdeation #SuicideSurvivors

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    Helping people recover and heal from addiction

    Adrienne is passionate about helping people recover and heal from addiction. She is so passionate about it, that she created a recovery residence community for people just out of treatment for addiction. She believes in community, support, and continuity of care. Listen to today's podcast episode on how Adrienne helps people to stay sober and heal from addiction.

    accordingtodes.com/110-2

    #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #SubstanceAbuse #SubstanceMisuse #SubstanceUseDisorders

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