When conversing about addiction and problematic behaviors, it’s crucial to know that substance abuse is not the only type of addiction.

Non-substance behaviors can also develop into problematic issues, affecting individuals’ lives and well-being. By understanding these behaviors, the stigma associated with addiction can be broken, providing support and guidance to those struggling.

Here are key points to learn when it comes to non-substance problematic behaviors.

Definition and types

Non-substance problematic behaviors refer to compulsive and harmful patterns that individuals find unable to control. Examples include gambling, video gaming, food addiction, internet addiction, and compulsive shopping.

Common features

Non-substance addictions share similar attributes with substance addictions, such as loss of control, adverse consequences, intense cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.

Underlying factors

Non-substance problematic behaviors can be steered by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Mental health conditions like stress and trauma may contribute to their development.

Escapism and self-medication

Non-substance addictions can provide a way to escape emotional pain, manage stress, or fill a void. Knowing the underlying emotional needs can help tackle these behaviors effectively.

Impact on relationships and life

Non-substance problematic behaviors can affect relationships, cause financial difficulties, affect work performance, and adverse impact physical and mental health.

Treatment approaches

Treatment for non-substance addictions often involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques can be effective.

Co-occurring conditions

Non-substance addictions often occur alongside mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treating both conditions at the same time is essential for successful recovery.

Harm reduction

For some people, total abstinence may not be the primary goal. Harm reduction strategies can help individuals reduce the negative consequences of their behaviors and work towards healthier alternatives.

Support and empathy

Individuals struggling with non-substance addictions face stigma and judgment. Offering support, understanding, and empathy can create a safe space for them to seek help and foster a sense of hope.

Prevention and Education

Educating individuals about the possible risks of non-substance problematic behaviors and promulgating healthy coping mechanisms can be crucial in prevention efforts.

Understanding non-substance problematic behaviors is essential for promoting empathy, reducing stigma, and providing appropriate support to those affected.

By identifying these behaviors as genuine addictions, we can offer the necessary resources and treatment options to help individuals overcome their struggles and improve their overall well-being. It’s time to break the stigma and foster a more compassionate approach towards all forms of addiction.

Brain attacks, more commonly known as strokes, can occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Strokes can cause severe, life-threatening damage to mental and physical functioning if they are not treated quickly. Understanding the causes, signs, and types of brain attacks can help you or your loved one in a medical emergency.

A brain or stroke attack occurs when arteries that supply blood to the brain become clogged, blocked, or narrowed due to a buildup of plaque or a blood clot. When blood flow is blocked or disrupted, oxygen and essential nutrients essential for brain functioning cannot be delivered. This can cause brain cells to die, leading to sudden and often severe mental and physical disability.

The most common signs of a brain attack are sudden and severe headache, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, facial drooping, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, and vision problems. These signs are urgent medical emergencies and should not be ignored.

There are three primary types of brain attacks: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). An ischemic stroke is the most common form and is caused by a blockage that does not allow the proper delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and can cause severe or life-threatening bleeding in the brain. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain and is often a warning sign of a future stroke.

Strokes can be treated with medications, such as thrombolytics or anticoagulants, to open the clogged arteries and reduce the risk of another stroke. Surgery, such as carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty, can also be used to open blocked or narrowed arteries. Other treatments for stroke may include physical therapy and rehabilitation, mental health counseling, and lifestyle changes.

Preventive measures can also help reduce the risk of stroke. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, controlling hypertension and diabetes, and managing other health conditions can help keep the arteries that supply blood to the brain clear of blockages and plaque buildup. Men over the age of 40 and women over the age of 45 should talk to their doctor about the risks of stroke and get regular screenings to detect it early.

Brain attacks are life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate medical care. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate treatment can make a huge difference in a person’s life and may save it. If you think someone you know might be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately and follow their instructions. With proper treatment and preventive measures, the effects of a brain attack can be minimized and the risk of another stroke in the future can be reduced.

Anyone struggling with substance abuse cannot remain the same again. They might not be aware that some aspects of their lives have changed, starting with their behavior.

Only people around substance addicts might notice that there is a change in the individual’s behavior.

Here are some ways whereby substance abuse affects your behavior

You become secretive

One of the ways to know that substance abuse has affected your behavior is when you become secretive. You will discover that you want to keep things away from people. Hence, you might disappear for a long time without telling anyone what is going on.

You might not answer text messages and calls because you want to avoid explaining to people. Additionally, you are likely to be isolated from people.

Also, you will avoid every social gathering because your personal space is important to you at this point.

Mood swings and different Energy levels

Another behavioral sign of substance abuse is the roller coaster of emotions that you are likely to experience. You might be full of energy and enthusiasm this minute and the next minute, you are depressed and tired.

You may be confused, aggressive, and paranoid. These behaviors can affect the relationship you have with people around you.

Lack of interest in enjoyable activities

If you discover that your past activities no longer interest you like before, it might be the effect of substance abuse. You might become averse to hanging out with friends, traveling, and taking part in your favorite hobbies.

Similarly, substance abuse can affect your performance at work. You might not be motivated to achieve work milestones

Failure to meet family and friendship obligations

Substance abuse can make you ignore important family duties. You might also not be intentional about your friendships again because your top priority is your addictive habits.

It is important to mention that behavioral signs of substance abuse are a good indicator that someone has a drug or alcohol addiction problem. Hence, it is best to discuss with a professional addiction specialist on how to achieve a healthy and sober life.

Many people suffer from mental health disorders without being aware of them. When you observe the signs that you have mental health issues, it becomes easier to seek treatment.

It is crucial to mention that mental health issues is not a death sentence. There are many factors responsible for them.

Therefore, if you notice that you are displaying some of these signs, it is important to seek help immediately.

Feelings of anxiety

It is normal to get stressed or worried sometimes because of the challenges that come with life. However, when the worry becomes constant and it is taking a toll on your physical health, and affecting other aspects of your life, it might be anxiety at play.

Some of the symptoms of anxiety are shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, etc.

Feelings of depression

Another way to know when mental health issues are present is feelings of depression. This includes feelings of sadness or irritability.

You will discover that you don’t have the energy and motivation to do the activities that previously interested you. Similarly, you might be close to tears almost every time.

Sleep disorder

When you begin to have sleep-related problems, it is a probable sign that you have mental health problems. You might either be dealing with insomnia, which is the inability to get enough sleep, or somnolence, which involves sleeping excessively.

Desire to be isolated and quiet

If you begin to withdraw from people because you want to keep to yourself, it might be a sign of mental health problems.

When someone is isolating themselves, they may be suffering from PTSD, bipolar disorder, or depression. They will refuse to participate in social activities because of a lack of energy and motivation.

Overall, mental health issues can cause a deviation from the normal way of life. Seeking help is a proficient means of helping you treat mental health problems so that you can live a healthy and happy life.

Have you ever asked yourself the reason for why you act in a certain way? Perhaps you wonder why you think differently from how others do. The answer to this is simple, all these are more are dependent on your mental health. The way we see things differ from one another because we have different state of mental health.

For instance, not everyone has the same capacity and willpower to get back on their feet promptly when they suffer a negative occurrence. This is a big difference in mental health. Hence, this implies that someone who has a great mental health would less likely suffer from common mental health problem.

This does not understate the fact that they would experience them because we are humans and we are wired to do so. It means that people who have a better mental health would be able to handle themselves more when they are in tight situations.

In redefining your mental health treatment, you need to start by placing value on yourself. There are people today who hardly believe in themselves. They are usually dependent on other people to take the move, develop an initiative before they can follow suit. They have failed to realize that the same potential to do something worthwhile.

For you to place value on yourself, you need to kick-off by learning new skills that come with value. When you know these things, it becomes effortless for you to impact people.

In addition to this, you need to take care of your physical appearance. This is one of the most effective steps to giving your mental health a good shape. When you look and appear well, people will compliment your looks and this promotes your self-esteem.

To make compliments a continuum, it is advised you eat healthily, take vegetables and fruits, water and sleep well. Do not leave out exercising because of the numerous benefits if brings you.

It is also necessary for you to build relationships with people who are sober, and not those whose actions will deplete your mental health.

When substance abuse is in play, the part of our body that receives the greatest effect is the brain. This is the seat of intelligence, and it is also responsible for controlling most of our body processes.

The normal functioning of our body depends on how healthy our brain is. If there is a dysfunction in the way our brain functions, it could be as a result of some self-initiated actions or external influences.

Substance abuse affects the brain in some ways that we are not aware of. For those who are not aware, substance abuse refers to the indiscriminate intake of either alcohol or drugs. In some cases, people take the both of them. Taking either of these substances beyond normal is referred to as an abuse.

Substance abuse greatly affects the structures of the brain. To start with, the cells located within the brain contain chemical signals. When an individual regularly abuses substances, these chemical signals are inhibited and this results in intoxication which we are all aware of.

There are various ways to know if someone is intoxicated. The person finds it out to speak coherently and meaningfully. Also, the individual experiences memory loss and his or her reflexes decline in function. In addition to this, the person acts on impulse without thinking of the consequences.

The downside to substance abuse is, if it continues for a long period of time, the brain finds a way to adjust to this new change. Once this happens, the chemical signals within the brain would cease to function, and they will only be revived when substance abuse is out of the way.

Hence, when an individual ceases to abuse substances, the brain resumes its normal way of functioning by reactivating the neurotransmitters.

It is important to refrain from substance abuse because it does so much damage to the brain. So, it is best to seek help from trusted and professional sources that would be able to provide adequate support.

The brain is a fragile organ that can deteriorate or become damaged by substance abuse. Most people who abuse substances are not thinking about the state of their brain when they do so. If they are, they are likely convincing themselves that their brain is not being harmed by it. But the fact of the matter is, substance abuse can have lasting effects on a person’s brain and can make it function at a much lower level. Fortunately, the brain is also resilient and can respond very well to an altered lifestyle. Those willing to quit their substance abuse and change their diet and lifestyle to restore their brain function may be able to achieve the highest level of brain function they have ever experienced.

Substance abuse damages the brain by altering its functions, patterns, neural networks and activity for the worse. The brain requires a harmonious balance of vitamins and nutrients to functional optimally. Substance abuse replaces vitamins and nutrients with a flood of toxins that disrupt the brain’s normal operations and reduce its functionality. The brain can be damaged permanently by ongoing substance abuse, but most cases are reversible. Leaving substance abuse behind and switching to a diet of lean proteins, plant proteins, antioxidants, omega 3’s, fiber and a wide variety of vitamins and other nutrients heals damage done to the brain through substance abuse. Altering one’s lifestyle to allow for consistent sleep, exercise and self care is also essential to good brain health.

It is the mission of Amen clinics around the United States to give people a much clearer understanding of the shape their brains are in. One cannot X-ray a brain to examine the subtle physical changes it is undergoing due to substance abuse or any other condition. SPECT imaging, which is the medical service that Amen clinics offer, give people a safe and thorough opportunity to see the state their brain is in, as well as monitor its progress. For many, the realities of substance abuse are not made clear without a visual representation of what they are doing to their brain.

Substance abuse refers to the overuse of drugs, chemicals or food. Substance abuse is, tragically, a common problem in every society across the globe. Every culture has members who drink in excess, ruin their reputations with drug use and overeat. The reasons that people do this are complex, but they always come down to the desire to stimulate brain chemicals that signify pleasure. Recent studies indicate that the pleasure chemical dopamine, which is released in the brain, is stunted or inhibited in some people, causing them to seek out ways of creating more dopamine.

This unchecked pursuit of dopamine often leads to substance abuse and addiction. A person will overuse food, drugs or alcohol to the point that they are unhealthy and putting themselves in jeopardy. It is very common for people to lose jobs, scholarships, relationships and respect because of substance abuse issues. Substance abuse always comes with behavior problems, broken thought patterns and unhealthy decision making.

The way that substance abuse affects the brain is profound. Although substances that alter the mind have the temporary reward of mood alteration, they also have the long term effect of mental and physical deterioration. The golden rule of “everything in moderation’ is broken in substance abuse, causing a chemical imbalance. Any chemical imbalance will have an eventual negative affect on the brain. The chemical composition of what is put in the body reshapes the brain, for better or worse. When the individual is ingesting brain healthy substances that contain vitamins and nutrients, as well as living a healthy lifestyle, the brain will function at its optimal level. If a person is ingesting harmful substances that contain toxins, the brain will deteriorate over time. A consistent flood of toxins will make the brain function differently, weakening certain areas, changing the patterns of activity in other areas and inhibiting over all brain function. A drug or alcoholism recovery is essential to reversing the damage done by susbtance abuse.

Dr. Daniel Amen is the founder and medical director of the six Amen clinics in the United States. His innovative methods make use of SPECT imaging in a way they have never been used previously. The praise of his innovative methods and practice of psychiatry make him one of the most renowned psychiatrists in America today. He is a regular name on the New York Times list of best selling authors, and he frequently makes appearances on television shows such as Dr. Phil and The View.

As well as being a psychiatrist, Dr. Daniel Amen is also a physician, and it is this combination of medical science and mental science background that gives him the advantage of success in his field. His clinics have performed over 100,000 SPECT imaging scans on patients to help them with a plan for developing better brain health. Dr. Amen is recognized as the leader in the field of studies on brain damage in professional football players, and was also awarded the title of “Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.”

Dr. Amen has made his expertise widely available to the public through his psychiatric celebrity status. His television specials and appearances have raised a great deal of awareness on brain science, and have raised a great deal of funding for public television. The books and articles he has written and contributed to have been translated into many international languages, as well as reaching the highest rungs of the best seller ranks.

Dr. Amen has encountered his share of criticism as well. Critics of his work claim that he professes to be a mind reader, overstepping the limitations of what a SPECT image can reveal about a brain. Others say that his clinical practices misuse medical technology, exposing people to potentiallty hazardous nuclear medicine that has not been long enough established. It is true that SPECT imaging is a recent science, but the claims that Amen clinics are mishandling the science are unfounded.

The science behind SPECT Imaging offers a breakthrough for people who needed help caring for a vital organ that people sometimes overlook in the creation of their lifestyle:  the brain. SPECT stands for single photo emission computed tomography. It is a type of brain scan that uses nuclear medicine to observe the activity patterns and blood flow in glands and organs. This medical technology has become a valuable tool in detecting health problems and in preventative medicine. It became much more accessible to the public when Dr. Daniel Amen began offering SPECT imaging services in his clinics for the purpose of gauging the health of people’s brains.

In the medical community, SPECT imaging is used on the brain for the purpose of studying brain injury, dementia and Alzheimer’s, seizure activity and other forms of brain disease. At Amen clinics, which are located in six cities across the United States, the medical science of SPECT imaging is combined with the practice of psychiatry to assess psychiatric issues, anxiety, memory problems, dysfunction, substance abuse, types of ADD, depression and aggression. A person can learn things about their brain that they may have spent a lifetime trying to understand in a matter of hours.

What people ingest and how people live has an immense effect on the health of their brains. A person’s diet habits, substance abuse patterns, medications and sleep habits can all be detected through SPECT imaging. The combination of the SPECT imaging, which requires no more of the patient than any medical brain scan would, and a consultation with a physician who assesses the diet and lifestyle habits of the individual, creates an accurate assessment of why the individual’s brain is in the condition that it is in, as well as how to change it if the condition is bad.