Families have come together during the COVID-19 to support each other. Given the number of people who live alone, some of us face a great challenge of coping with loneliness during quarantine. Losing your job or being asked to work from home separates you from some of the social interactions that define your day. The …
Public officials have, for a good reason advised us to keep ourselves physically distant from each other to cope with the spread of COVID-19. But what about coping with isolation during coronavirus? That’s a challenge unto itself that comes with a lot of other concurrent stresses. The economy is in deep recession; we are concerned …
The global pandemic has transformed society over a few short weeks. And while the resulting stay-at-home orders were necessary for the sake of public health, they did not come without consequences. The economic shutdown has increased the risks of the most vulnerable. Consider, for example, the prospect of being quarantined with an alcoholic spouse. Given …
The concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly have no bounds. We’re worried about our health, our families, our jobs, and our safety. Here’s another challenge, for people struggling with substance abuse or prone to stress: Staying sober during coronavirus. Here at Right Step Houston, we understand maintaining sobriety can be a challenge. As …
With the current pandemic spreading around the world, it’s not surprising that a lot of people are more anxious than they used to be. Rates of anxiety and depression generally rise during times of crisis, mostly because people aren’t sure what’s going to happen next or how their lives might be changed or affected. Learning …
It’s painful to watch a family member or close friend struggle with excessive drinking. You want the best for them always, and to believe that they have their lives under control. But if you’ve watched the problems mount, you may be wondering, “is my loved one an alcoholic?” Understanding how to answer that question puts …
You’re sweating. Your heart is pounding, you feel dizzy and are convinced the world is coming to an end. You’re having an anxiety attack. And it puts you at risk of problems such as substance abuse. But what are the triggers of an anxiety attack? That’s the crazy thing. There may not be a trigger. …
Your heart is beating fast. You feel dizzy, your palms are sweaty, your stomach is upset, and you feel like something bad is about to happen. You may be experiencing the signs of an anxiety attack, where the body’s fight or flight system goes into overdrive without warning. Anxiety attacks are one of the most …
Substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses are difficult enough to deal with on their own. But sometimes they occur simultaneously. This condition is known as a “dual diagnosis disorder.” Coping with both conditions at the same time poses twice the level of difficulty and highlights the importance of dual diagnosis treatment. The protocols for treating …
Depression is among the nation’s most common mental illnesses. It is a widespread and serious condition that, in many instances, requires medical treatment — either counseling, medication, or both. Depression can also exist concurrently with substance abuse disorders, requiring an even more comprehensive form of treatment. But what are the signs of depression? The signs …