Addictions don’t always look the same. They can be chemical or behavioral, chosen or thrust upon you. Alcohol, drugs, sex, food, codependency, gambling, gaming, social media, shopping, exercise, politics—the list of potential addictions is endless. While struggling with sugar cravings might not seem to be as destructive as heroin or pornography, the neurological premise is the same.
• Mental health problems don’t always look the same either; the tricky part is, they are often the underlying causes of addiction. These problems can include depression, anxiety, fear, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, perfectionism, oppositional defiance, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, and more.
• Suicidal thoughts, tendencies, and ideation as well as other types of non-suicidal self-injury—such as cutting, self-mutilation, and other dissociative behavior—are technically mental health problems. However, they’re so complex that it’s helpful to place them into a separate category as people with no history of mental health problems can still experience them.
Maybe you saw yourself, a loved one, or someone you once loved in one of those descriptions. But whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever life experiences you’ve had, I invite you to consider that maybe, just maybe, recovery is meant for you.
Transformative recovery goes deep, unearthing not only surface-level struggles but identifying the root causes beneath the struggle. Trauma, stress, abuse, neglect, isolation, loneliness, discrimination, poverty, injury, job loss, unchecked power, homelessness, and physiological or neurological predisposition are all ways in which we come to the ends of ourselves, by choice or by chance. And they do not discriminate.
Real recovery is a lifelong journey of discovery that reveals who we really are in Christ, who we always have been. It takes fellow travelers on the journey to self discovery themselves in order to live out lives in the promisland.
ADDICTION
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disorder that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. Here, we'll outline some key resources and definitions to help understand and navigate the path of addiction, its treatment, and recovery.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction (Substance Use Disorder): A chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.
Tolerance: A condition in which an individual needs a larger dose of a substance to achieve the same effect previously attained by a lower dose due to repeated use.
Dependence: A physiological state where the absence of a substance causes withdrawal symptoms. Dependence can occur without addiction but often accompanies it.
Withdrawal: Symptoms that occur when substance use is discontinued after a period of heavy or prolonged use. These can be physical or psychological and vary in severity.
Resources for Understanding and Help
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Provides a wealth of information on substance use and mental health disorders, including a national helpline for confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information.
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National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Offers research-based information on addiction, treatment, and prevention. NIDA’s website includes details on drugs of abuse, related health consequences, prevention research, and treatment approaches.
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Peer-led organizations that offer support meetings for individuals struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction, respectively. Their programs are based on the twelve-step recovery model.
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SMART Recovery: An alternative to traditional twelve-step programs, SMART Recovery focuses on teaching self-empowerment and self-reliance using a 4-Point Program. It includes tools and techniques for recovery based on the latest scientific research.
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National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): Provides education, information, help, and hope to the public. It advocates for policy changes and provides a wealth of resources for individuals and families dealing with addiction.
Online Resources
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Talkspace or BetterHelp: Online therapy platforms that connect individuals with licensed therapists who are experienced in dealing with addiction and substance abuse issues.
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Sober Grid: A mobile app that provides a peer support network for individuals in recovery. It offers features like daily motivational messages, a sobriety tracker, and the ability to find and connect with peers for support.
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Reddit Communities: Subreddits such as r/stopdrinking and r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY offer a platform for sharing experiences, success stories, challenges, and advice with a supportive community of individuals who are facing similar challenges.
Educating Yourself and Others
Understanding addiction is the first step towards recovery. Educating yourself and others about the nature of addiction, available treatments, and support systems is crucial. Addiction is often surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma, but knowledge and compassion can help break down these barriers and support recovery efforts.
Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is hope, and help is available. Recovery is a journey, and while it may not be easy, it is possible with the right support and resources.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. In this guide, we provide essential definitions and a curated list of resources for understanding and finding help for mental health issues.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental Health: A state of well-being in which the individual realizes their abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make contributions to their community.
Mental Illness: Refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.
Depression: A common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.
Anxiety Disorders: A group of mental health disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Stigma: A sign of disgrace or discredit, which sets a person apart from others. The stigma associated with mental illness can lead to discrimination and can be a significant barrier to seeking help.
Resources for Understanding and Help
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
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MentalHealth.gov: Offers one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information. It provides resources for understanding and finding help for yourself or others.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mental Health: Provides comprehensive information on mental health, including data, statistics, and interventions.
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Offers a national helpline and treatment locator to find treatment services and supports surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.
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Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Provides information on prevention, treatment, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related conditions.
Online Resources and Apps
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BetterHelp and Talkspace: These platforms connect individuals with licensed therapists for online therapy sessions, catering to a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and more.
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Headspace and Calm: Popular apps for meditation, sleep, and relaxation techniques that can help manage stress, improve concentration, and promote better mental health.
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Moodfit and MoodMission: Mobile apps designed to help you manage symptoms of depression and anxiety by offering tools and insights to improve your mood.
Educating Yourself and Others
Understanding mental health is crucial for personal well-being and creating supportive communities. Education on mental health issues can help break down the stigma and barriers to seeking help. By raising awareness and promoting open conversations about mental health, we can contribute to a more supportive and compassionate society.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, remember that help is available and recovery is possible. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be the first step towards healing and managing mental health effectively.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Suicide prevention is a critical issue worldwide, aiming to reduce the risk of suicide through various means such as awareness campaigns, providing support to those in distress, and offering resources for intervention. Understanding the complexities of suicide, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing how to offer support can save lives. Here’s a comprehensive guide with definitions and resources dedicated to suicide prevention.
Understanding Suicide Prevention
Suicide: The act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is a complex issue involving various factors, including psychological, social, biological, cultural, and environmental.
Suicidal Ideation: Thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. Ideations can range from fleeting thoughts to extensive planning.
Warning Signs: Indications that someone may be thinking about or planning to harm themselves. These can include talking about wanting to die, expressing feelings of hopelessness, withdrawing from social contacts, and dramatic mood changes.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate and short-term psychological care aimed at assisting individuals in a crisis situation to restore equilibrium to their biopsychosocial functioning and to minimize the potential for psychological trauma.
Resources for Understanding and Help
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. It’s accessible by calling 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
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Crisis Text Line: A free, 24/7 text-based support service for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 in the United States to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
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The Trevor Project: Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. It provides a 24/7 lifeline at 1-866-488-7386, text, and chat services.
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International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): Provides a directory of crisis centers globally, resources, and guidelines for suicide prevention.
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Offers resources for those dealing with suicide loss, educational programs, research funding, and advocacy for policy change.
Online Resources and Apps
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MY3: An app that lets you stay connected when you are having thoughts of suicide. It allows you to define your network and your plan to stay safe.
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TalkLife: A peer support platform where you can talk about your feelings and mental health struggles with people who might have experienced similar issues.
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Wysa: An AI-based emotional wellness app that provides support for stress, depression, and anxiety through conversation and scientifically-backed tools and techniques.
Educating Yourself and Others
Education and open conversations about suicide can lead to greater understanding and action to prevent it. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in someone's life. Training programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention can empower individuals to learn how to offer help to someone who may be considering suicide.
Remember, talking about suicide does not provoke the act of suicide. It can actually reduce anxiety and helps individuals feel understood and supported. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, reaching out for help is a critical first step towards recovery. There is hope, and there are people who want to help.