Mental Health Articles

The Medical Definition of Addiction

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Does someone you love suffer from addiction? Knowing what this term means can help you find out. This video explains the central tenets of addiction.

For a person to have a chemical addiction, he must exhibit a high tolerance for a drug. Tolerance refers to how much of a given chemical a person needs to experience his desired high. A high tolerance is one aspect of addiction. Another component of addiction is withdrawal. When someone with an addiction cannot access his drug of choice, his body and mind will respond in adverse ways. Anxiety is a common side effect of withdrawal. Nausea, fatigue, and pain can also occur.

If you or someone you know has a chemical addiction, Las Encinas Hospital can help. For additional information on our addiction treatment services for the... Continue reading →

The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Make no mistake—prescription drug abuse can be dangerous and deadly. This video reports on how prescription drug abuse can ruin the lives of those who suffer from it as well as their loved ones.

Prescription drug abuse has surged. Central to this epidemic is how easy it is for individuals to attain these types of drugs. People with prescriptions for pain or other medical conditions may find themselves unable to wean off their drugs. Spouses and other loved ones may also try these drugs, which can result in rapid addiction. The stronghold of addiction can cause individuals to steal from people’s homes or interact with dangerous drug dealers, which can lead to legal and lethal repercussions.

If you have a prescription drug abuse problem, call Las Encinas Hospital at (888) 348... Continue reading →

An Interview with Crystal Meth Addicts

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Meth is a devastating drug that has both long-term health effects and the potential for serious legal consequences. You can get a glimpse at how deeply and permanently meth can affect a person’s life by watching this video.

In the clip, two meth addicts talk about how using the drug again would completely destroy their lives. The treatment process is difficult, as the drug has had powerful effects on their physical and mental well-being.

If you or a loved one is seeking help for a meth addiction, consult Aurora Las Encinas Hospital in Los Angeles. To connect with our staff of behavioral health professionals, visit our website today or call us directly at (888) 348-2165.

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Is Heroin Use Rising In America?

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

The passing of actor Cory Monteith due to heroin complications has generated interest in the problem of heroin usage in the United States. This video reports on the increasing number of people who abuse this drug.

In 2002, studies indicated that approximately 400,000 Americans had used heroin at some point during the year. Less than a decade later, that number went up to more than 600,000. Concurrent with the increase in heroin usage is the consumption of prescription opioids. Substance abuse experts believe a connection is inherent between these two circumstances. Many people who begin abusing prescription opioids eventually turn to heroin because of its easier access.

Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena offers substance abuse treatment services for individuals suffering from... Continue reading →

Understanding Different Components of Addiction

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Addiction can evolve from a number of circumstances, but a common thread runs through each instance of it: the non-prescribed usage of a drug. This video explains situations that can give rise to addiction.

Some individuals become addicted to medications originally given to address a legitimate health problem. However, what is initially a prescription can turn into an addiction if the user takes the medication in doses other than those recommended. Family members who experiment with a drug intended for their spouse, parent, or child can also suffer from addiction. The use of street drugs is a common form of drug abuse as well.

Are you suffering from addiction? If you fear that you have a substance abuse problem, Las Encinas Hospital can help. Call our Pasadena chemical... Continue reading →

Demi Lovato Talks About Her Drug and Alcohol Abuse Problems

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Demi Lovato achieved worldwide acclaim as a child television star. Now only 21 years old, she has already experienced the pain of substance abuse.

This video reports on Lovato’s efforts to become sober after her cocaine addiction. She discusses how easy it was to smuggle cocaine onto airlines and use it even while in the presence of others. She also talks about the severity of her addiction to cocaine. According to Lovato, she could not go more than an hour without the drug. Now free from it, Lovato is raising awareness of substance abuse with her fans and trying to become a positive role model for them.

Las Encinas Hospital provides substance abuse treatment services for individuals in the greater Pasadena area. Call (888) 348-2165 today to speak with an associate about... Continue reading →

Important Statistics on Alcohol Use and Abuse

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Alcohol abuse is a condition that can wreak havoc on a person’s personal, social, and professional life. This common problem takes the lives of thousands of Americans each year and negatively influences the lives of millions more. The following facts illustrate how damaging alcohol abuse can be and why those who are addicted should seek substance abuse treatment for it.

Impact to Health

Individuals may be familiar with how high doses of alcohol can affect the liver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cirrhosis is a major complication of alcohol abuse, but it is far from the only side effect of it. Alcohol can affect cardiovascular and neurological function.... Continue reading →

How Prescription Drug Abuse Is Fueling a Rise In Heroin Addiction

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

The last decade has witnessed a marked rise in heroin usage among Americans. The simultaneous increase in prescription drug consumption has directly influenced this trend in heroin addiction. As the following information highlights, prescription drug abuse can quickly escalate to heroin dependency.

Experimentation with Prescription Drugs

Doctors are prescribing opioids to patients at an extremely high rate. As a result, friends and family members of those with prescriptions have greater access to these drugs. Many of them try these prescription opioids to experience the pleasurable side effects they produce. After a few weeks or months, though, the prescription may run out and they may not be able to afford prescription opioids sold on the street.

Shift from... Continue reading →

What Factors Commonly Lead to Alcohol Abuse?

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Alcohol abuse is a type of addiction, and—like other drug addictions—its causes are fairly complex and often related to emotional or mental distress. Drinking alcohol may be a temporary escape from personal problems or the pain of mental illness, but drinking can easily spiral out of control and become a chronic problem. Below is a closer look at how an individual may develop patterns of alcohol abuse stemming from casual use.

Family history

Alcoholism can be passed down in families genetically or environmentally. If you have a parent who has a history of alcohol abuse, you are more likely to harbor dependence yourself. In addition, families who have been affected by alcohol... Continue reading →

Common Misconceptions About Drug Addiction

March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Mistaken beliefs abound about drug addiction. Friends, family members, and even addicts themselves may believe these misconceptions, which may make it harder for those with a chemical dependence to seek addiction treatment. The following myths highlight a few of the fallacies that surround drug addiction and treatment for it.

Addiction is a sign of weakness.

Many people believe that an addiction is simply a bad habit that those afflicted by it refuse to give up. However, drug addiction is not the same as nail biting or knuckle cracking. Individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol have a physical dependence on it, which causes them to use it again and again. Studies also indicate that alterations to the brain ... Continue reading →