Adequate pain treatment has always been a struggle in our society. Frequently, doctors prescribe medication to their patients in hopes that the patient’s symptoms will be minimized. However, recently many people have started abusing these prescription drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs are easily obtained through multiple doctor shopping, over prescribing by physicians, use of someone else’s […]
“With the reduction of psychiatric beds in past years, there is only one place that can’t say `no’ when you need someone kept away from society: the criminal justice system,” (Daly, 2006). Due, in part, to changes in the economy, the number of mental health services available for prisoners have been reduced, while the number […]
“Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse. More than three out of four are under the age of 4,” (Childhelp, 2010). Child abuse is a very serious issue in today’s society and it is impacting more and more children as the years pass. There are four major types of abuse: Physical: […]
When an economy starts to weaken, it causes more stress for the people involved. Economic turmoil such as struggling to pay bills, unemployment, or threats of foreclosure play an enormous role in people’s mental health: risks include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and/or compulsive behaviors (such as overeating, gambling, or spending). Warning Signs that the Economy […]
Eating disorders are characterized by extreme changes in a person’s diet and lifestyle. People may choose to eat almost nothing at all, or extremely overeat, while being preoccupied with thoughts about their weight and the food they are taking in. In many cases, eating disorders have a psychological component, and are a way for people […]
The teenage years are commonly a time of rebellion and experimentation for adolescents. Arguments may become more frequent, they may change their appearance, they may experiment with drugs and alcohol, and they may spend less time at home. These are common behaviors for a teenager, but in some cases they are far more extreme. But […]
coke, blow, snow, flake, snowball, nose candy, etc. Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that is put into the body in three common ways: smoking, sniffing, and/or injection. It gives users a feeling of extreme pleasure, but it lasts only a short amount of time. If cocaine is smoked (known as crack cocaine) the high […]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (also known as PTSD) can occur after a person has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. These events can include: Combat Violent attacks (such as rape, abuse, or assault) Serious and sudden accidents (such as a car accident) Natural disasters (flood, hurricane, etc) Death of a loved one And other life changing […]
“More than 90 percent of people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder.” (www.nimh.nih.gov) Suicide is a serious issue that is plaguing the world today. It is the third leading single cause for death in America and has been occurring more frequently in recent […]
When a person becomes addicted to a drug, it often affects the people around them. Although the others are not actually using the drug, they sometimes feel its effects in different ways. An addict does not always realize how their actions are impacting the people they love, but family and friends do pay a price […]