Category Archives: Health

Health

The Benefits of Dental Implants

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You might be wondering what the benefits of dental implants are. This procedure will restore your smile and stabilize your jaw if you have missing teeth. Teeth are vital to bone health; without them, your jawbone will deteriorate. Dental implants help stabilize the jaw, preventing bone loss. Bridgework and removable dentures will not do this. You may want to consider dental implants if you have any other health issues.

Restoring Your Smile

If you have lost or are missing a tooth, you may be wondering if you should consider restoring your smile with dental implants. This is a proven procedure that can improve your smile in multiple ways. Here are three benefits of this procedure. To learn more, read on!

Dental implants like the all-on-4 dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium that fuses with the jawbone. Once in place, they anchor onto the jawbone like the roots of a tooth. Because implants are permanent, they can withstand chewing and biting motions, unlike dentures that need to be removed and replaced every few years. As a result, patients can look forward to the day when they can finally smile again! But the process doesn’t stop there! You can also have dental implants placed in more than one location!

Preparing for Dental Implants

Before you can undergo the procedure, you must prepare yourself for it. First, you will need to have a thorough dental exam, which will reveal essential health information, including the condition of your jawbone. Your dentist will create a treatment plan based on the results of your exam, as well as the number of implants you’ll need. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure to ensure that the jaw is healthy enough to support a dental implant.

According to professionals like those at Central Texas Periodontics the procedure is a fast and painless one, but the process requires adequate bone density in the jawbone. If you do not have a sufficient bone density in your jawbone, you will likely need to undergo bone grafting. The reason is that the jawbone can only support dental implants for a short time if it is too soft. Therefore, bone grafts are also often performed to strengthen a soft jaw.

Complications of Dental Implants

There are several common complications related to dental implants. The worst-case scenario involves total failure of the procedure. However, some patients may be able to recover and try again after several months. If you’re in doubt, share your medical history with your dentist. The sooner you share this information with your dentist, the lower your risk of complications. In the meantime, you’ll want to learn about the most common complications and their treatment options.

If your dental implant is not fusing correctly to your jawbone, you could experience problems that result in it failing. In such a case, you may have to undergo bone-building treatments or have your implant removed. Even if you can resolve the issue, it can take several months and potentially result in a traumatic experience. If you cannot find a dentist with expertise in this area, you may want to try another dentist.

Cost of Dental Implants

There is no fixed price for dental implants, so the final cost will depend on how many teeth you’d like to replace, where they’ll be placed, and what kind of implants you need. Additionally, the location of the dental practitioner, such as a major metropolitan area, will determine how much the procedure will cost. Dental offices in these locations are more expensive, so make sure to look around before making a decision. This article will give you an idea of the cost of dental implants and help you determine whether this treatment is the right choice.

Before getting dental implants, you’ll need to have a CT scan and X-rays taken of your mouth. These images will be necessary to determine whether or not you’re a candidate for the procedure. The cost for these images can range from $250 to $1,100. This cost may be higher if you choose to use cadaver bone or need a fusion of bone. However, if you opt for a cadaver bone graft, the procedure will cost you around $1,300.

Fitness

Tips to Get Fit in 2022

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Every year people make resolutions to get healthier. Typically, they are the same resolutions every year. They might start getting into shape with a new workout or diet program, but end up giving up within weeks. Otherwise known as the New Year’s Resolution Hangover.

It doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some tips to help you stay motivated to stay fit in the year 2022.

Stop Making Excuses

There are plenty of ways to sneak some physical activity into your day without having to make drastic changes to your schedule. For example, you could take an evening walk after dinner or do quick workouts at home (or in your office) during the day. The options are endless!

Keep Workout Clothes With You

You could also make a commitment to bring workout clothes with you everywhere you go and change when you get the chance. Some people like to take advantage of their lunch break by going for a walk or throwing in a quick workout in their office (or cubicle).

Take advantage of technology

It’s unfortunate that we have to use our phones for just about everything these days. However, there is no reason why we can’t use them to better ourselves in some way. Apps like Fitocracy and Strava can help you stay motivated and accountable for your workout.

Stay Hydrated

Seriously! Don’t forget to drink water (and perhaps some unsweetened green tea). It’s easy to get dehydrated even if you’re drinking 8 glasses of water each day. You can also pack a small bottle of water in your bag and keep sipping throughout the day to make sure you’re staying hydrated!

Reward Yourself

If you’re finding it difficult to stay motivated, then always remember that hard work pays off. It’s important to take a break every so often and celebrate all of your accomplishments, no matter how big or small they might be!

Be friends with fit people

Fit people tend to stay fit. If you’re looking for inspiration, then start making friends with some people who share your interests and goals (whether or not they know it yet). You can help each other stay accountable and on track to make fitness a part of your everyday lives.

Join A Class or Group Exercise

Another great way to stay motivated is to join a class. Maybe you can’t afford gym memberships at several different locations (or maybe you don’t like working out with other people). That’s ok! You can try joining a boot camp or Zumba class to make staying fit more fun and social.

Stay Positive!

If you get discouraged, you’re only going to want to quit. If you try to stay positive, then quitting will be the furthest thing from your mind. You’ll probably feel motivated enough that you won’t even think about quitting!

Have Fun With It

Make staying fit fun. Focus on challenging yourself and de-stress. You can go for runs along beautiful trails, practice yoga by the ocean, or dance your heart out at Zumba class. Find something you like so it does not feel like a chore.

Just do it

For some people, New Year’s Resolutions work. They can make a huge difference in your life and become a healthy habit that will last you the rest of your life. However, if you set your expectations too high, then there is no way you’ll be able to maintain this routine for long enough to make it a part of your life.

It’s important to start small and set realistic goals that you can actually follow through on. Start by making one small change this year that will help you get into shape. Have fun and commit yourself to a change for the better in 2022. It’s never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle!

Many may ask “Where is a Bellingham Fitness Center Near Me?”. Click the link to learn about a gym that has something for everyone?

Health

The Beauty of Blue Health

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There is a lot of research on green health and blue health and the many benefits that people enjoy. Blue health is associated with the health benefits of living near bodies of water, such as the sea and ocean. Over the past century, the waters of the seas and oceans proved to have healing properties. In the 16th century, cold water was believed to heal heat stroke by rebooting the body. In the 18th century, women with anxiety issues were dipped in the water, almost suffocated. Afterward, the women are revived with warm foot rubs and water to solve their anxiety issues and establish an equilibrium.

An example of residential properties by water is new homes in Palm Coast. Also, seawater was mixed with milk or honey to sweeten it for drinking. The mixture had healing properties of illnesses such as tuberculosis, jaundice, and leprosy. The benefits of living by water are:

The Blue Effect

Humans’ minds and bodies have an emotional and personal relationship with water. The calming sounds and waves of the ocean or sea tend to give one a meditative effect. The blue mind effect means that the body and mind are more relaxed while near the water. Relaxation improves the overall health of the body, reducing stress and anxiety levels.

Immune Function Boost

According to research, trees and plants that grow near water bodies give off phytoncides. When humans breathe in phytoncides, the level of white blood cells increases, meaning the bodies can fight infections and viruses, which cause illnesses. The boost of white blood cells boosts immunity. Living by the sea or ocean is a major reason the aged prefer living near water bodies to boost their immune systems.

Vitamin sea

The blue space provides better absorption of vitamin D, which is essential for teeth and bones. Vitamin D reduces the risk for hypertension and lowers the chances of inflammation, thus supporting the immune system. Additionally, through vitamin sea, the human body absorbs calcium, which prevents osteoporosis.

Work Satisfaction

People who have the blue space view are very happy at their jobs. The blue space has a psychological effect that is calming to ensure one remains uninterrupted while working.

Fresher and Cleaner Air

The air near the water bodies is less contaminated, thus providing cleaner air to breathe. The air is charged with negative ions, which are good for the human body. There are numerous benefits from the negative ions.

  • Produce serotonin which regulates the mood
  • Help the body to absorb oxygen
  • Combat free radicals
  • Improve alertness

The blue space helps individuals who have a change in moods during different seasons. A coastal holiday during the seasons that helps with your mental health.

Not everyone can enjoy the luxury of living or working by the sea or ocean. However, there are many water bodies present near where you live or work. Research indicates that regular visits near a natural space can boost your overall health in a great way. Two hours a week in the blue space can help you enjoy the benefits mentioned above and many others.

Mental Health

Get the Therapy You Need Without Leaving Home

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Today, people are beginning to recognize the importance of mental health, and getting counseling is losing the stigma it unfairly held for so long. Living in today’s world can be challenging and there are few people who couldn’t benefit from some form of therapy. For treatment to be effective, it must be regular, generally once a week. You travel to your therapist’s office for each appointment and come back home when you’re finished. Wouldn’t it be great if your doctor made house calls and you could do it from home? Well, therapists, like other doctors usually don’t make house calls, but you can still have sessions from the comfort of your own home using the modern technology of the internet.

A Brief History

It may surprise you to find out that the first online therapy session occurred in 1972. The internet was in its infancy and during a conference in October, Stanford University and UCLA demonstrated the web by holding a simulated psychotherapy session. The seed was planted and destined to grow.

As bulletin board services developed in the 80s. virtual self-help groups were formed. These were the precursors to online therapy as it exists today. By the early 90s when the internet became public, mental health professionals created websites offering information to people who needed help. Some of these virtual patients reached out through electronic communications and furthered the development of online counseling.

Advantages of Virtual Counseling

With all of the communications software that allows video and audio communications, it is not hard to find an online therapy platform. They work exactly like an in-person session. You talk to a qualified therapist about your anxiety and other issues and get help working through the problems.

There are several advantages to online counseling. The most obvious is that you don’t have to travel. This can be very convenient in inclement weather or if you don’t have a car. For those who live in areas far from the nearest therapist, access from home may be the only way they can get help.

Sitting in their own homes is more comfortable for many people. Therapy usually involves talking about very personal subjects and memories. A familiar setting can make that a little easier. There can also be a greater feeling of confidentiality. All therapists are bound to keep details private, but being in an office outside of their homes may make some people worry about being overheard.

Online therapy is often less expensive than the traditional form of counseling. This can allow people without health insurance to afford to get help for mental health problems. Many online therapists do take insurance, so people who have it can use it.

Mental health is every bit as important as physical health. It’s hard to lead a happy, productive life without it. Help is available from the many mental health professionals who practice throughout the nation. Now, thanks to the internet and communications software, you can choose from a large list of counselors and get your therapy at home.

Health

How Rehab Can Help Treat Substance Abuse

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Addiction is such a serious condition that has a direct impact and repercussions on the individual’s personal, professional, and social life. Left untreated, it could even become fatal.

The situation does not have to reach such a grim and unfortunate conclusion, though. Fortunately, there are rehabilitation programs available that can help those suffering from substance abuse overcome it.

What’s going to be crucial is the timing of admission to the program. The sooner it is, the better it will be for the patient. Addiction is a condition that becomes stronger and more difficult to overturn over time. Because it becomes a habit, it becomes deeply embedded in one’s psyche, and even alters one’s chemical makeup. The recovery, therefore, has to happen inside out. Needless to say, there is plenty to look forward to upon completing a successful stint at the rehab. Here are some ways an established program can help treat substance abuse.

Assisted Detox

Rehabilitation programs start with detoxification. It’s important to cleanse the body of all the accumulated toxins from substance abuse before any other step is taken. By “assisted” detox, however, this simply means that licensed professionals are there to ensure that you will be safe as you go through withdrawals.

Because the process can get severely intense, there are those who develop anxiety and insomnia, or suddenly become depressed. In some cases, they even begin to experience hallucinations and delirium. All of these can be very scary to experience, especially on one’s own. In a rehab facility, at least, they are in a controlled environment and can easily ask for help or support from the staff.

To mitigate the severe effects of withdrawal, the doctor could also allow controlled medication for the patient. This may include anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications so they can have a better grasp of themselves as they undergo withdrawal. Take note that it is going to be strictly controlled, though, which means that they will only be given exact amounts at precise times of the day. This is also to make sure that the medication does not interfere with their progress of overcoming their addictive tendencies.

Health and Nutrition

Part of the rehab program is ensuring that the patient is nursed back to good health. This includes improving their dietary habits as well to improve nutrition and immunity, among others. Rehab facilities serve well-balanced meals that can provide patients the energy and nutrition they need in order to pursue other activities for wellness, such as working out or partaking in sports.

It’s also part of the recovery because substance abusers are not likely to care about what they eat, especially not when all they care about is the next score of their preferred substance. It’s highly possible, therefore, that patients enter the program undernourished or at high-risk obesity levels. Rehab programs are meant to be a holistic reset for body and mind, which makes them ideal for recovering substance abusers.

Confidentiality and Privacy

The journey to wellness recovering from substance abuse is a deeply personal one. As such, it’s understandable why patients would want to be kept in isolation in the meantime, away from external pressures, and even their closest family and friends.

A good rehab facility offers the confidentiality and privacy they need in order to work on themselves without judgment. Although there are other patients in the facility, they share a common bond in their experiences of being under addiction, and their ongoing efforts to finally overcome it. To know more about how rehab facilities can help overcome substance addiction, click here.

Health

A Guide to Health Insurance in Massachusetts

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If you live in Massachusetts and need health coverage, you may not know where to start when it comes to finding the right plan for you. You should find out what type of coverage you qualify for if your employer does not provide you with health insurance or if you are unemployed. Check out the information below for an overview of how the healthcare system works in the state of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Health Connector

The Massachusetts Health Connector is a state-run health insurance exchange. Health insurance in Massachusetts is offered through the Massachusetts Health Connector to residents of the state. Additionally, small businesses with few employees may qualify to offer employees health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Those with coverage through Medicare and individuals who work for big businesses that offer health insurance are not qualified for this state-run coverage.

Massachusetts offers many health insurance plans to choose from, more than most other states. There is no other venue for residents of Massachusetts to seek monetary aid for health insurance costs. Eligibility for the program is based on an individual’s income. State residents are free to obtain private health insurance coverage outside of this exchange but must do so without assistance. This program was implemented in 2006 prior to the Affordable Care Act instituted by President Barack Obama.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Massachusetts are required to contribute something toward the health care plan of most full-time employees. According to Massachusetts law, employers must contribute up to $295 for each employee towards a health care plan. However, the requirements differ if a business employs more than 11 full-time equivalent staff. In this state, if you have 11-50 full-time employees, you must provide for at least one-quarter of your full-time workforce in your company’s health plan. The alternative is to contribute 33 percent towards the price of individual health plans.

How To Find a Health Care Plan

There are more than 550 licensed insurance carriers for the state of Massachusetts. However, there are varying levels of coverage and varying premiums among the carriers. Not all health insurance coverage in Massachusetts is created equal. It can be difficult to sift through them all to determine which is best for your specific needs. There are eight main healthcare providers in Massachusetts.

Understanding Insurance Costs

There are various costs associated with health insurance plans. The deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before actually using any health insurance services. Once you have met the deductible, the insurance coverage begins to pay for the costs of health care. Not all insurance plans have deductibles, so be sure you understand whether yours does or not before selecting a plan. A premium is a price you pay to keep benefits active. Co-pays are the amount the insured must pay out of pocket for services such as doctor’s visits and prescriptions.

Remember to check out Massachusetts Health Connector if you live in the state, understand employer responsibilities, how to find the right plan for you and what the different costs associated with insurance are.

Health

Proven Benefits of Sobriety

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The decision to quit an addiction is challenging, but it’s worth it. Sober living has many benefits for the body and mind. A sober person thinks clearly and interacts well with family and friends.

Importance of Staying Sober

Keeps off Shame: One of the major benefits of sobriety is to help a person say goodbye to shame. Partying the whole night and having little or no accountability for one’s life is significant embarrassment addicts face. Most drunkards do not have time for self-care. When sober, you will dress appropriately, talk nicely and associate well with people.

Mental Clarity: Addiction impairs thinking capability. Staying sober will help you remember everything and make good decisions. You will not have to wake up the next morning without remembering what happened last night. Sobriety will also help you keep deadlines, dates, or appointments.

Saves You Lots of Money: Alcohol and drugs are expensive and can lead to bankruptcy. If you multiply the amount of money you use on drugs daily by thirty days, you will realize what you’ve lost. After quitting an addiction, you will have time to make more money and recover your lost riches.

Better Sleep: Addiction interrupts sleeping patterns. Alcoholics spend a lot of time drinking at night and lack time to rest and sleep. Being sober means you’ll have a good night’s sleep, which helps restore the body and refresh the mind.

Healthy and Improved Complexion: One of the noticeable signs of sobriety is skin change. Chemicals in drugs and substances play a significant role in damaging physical complexion. When you are sober, your face, eyes, and hair improve.

You get Time To Enjoy Life: Addicts live a lie. When high, you may feel you have everything only for reality and hangover to creep back. Others think they can’t enjoy life without drinking. However, sobriety will help you enjoy friendships, nature, and life.

Improved Health: Substances and drugs fill the body with harmful chemicals. You may lose weight, experience blood pressure issues and other serious ailments. Without substance, your health will significantly improve. Sobriety will help you exercise, which has positive impacts on the body and mind. A sober person is also cautious of what they feed on, unlike intoxicated people who have no time for healthy meals.

More Energy: When you are not taking harmful substances, getting enough sleep, taking a shower, and having a healthy relationship, you will experience increased energy. Addiction lowers the body’s productivity but, after quitting drugs, you’ll realize you can do daily tasks without struggling.

Reduced Stress: Addicts do not know that alcohol and some drugs are depressants. They also experience increased anxiety which reduces once a person decides to live soberly. The best way is to learn how to deal with the feeling here https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/ without going back to drugs.

Better Relationships: It is common to damage relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues when in addiction. Most addicts push away people who try to help them and neglect family responsibilities. When sober, you will look for opportunities to get back to your loved ones. Also, sobriety will help you understand other people’s feelings and expectations.

Improved Tolerance: Addicts react to situations that lead to fights and abuse. Others panic when faced with simple problems they can solve quickly. When you are sober, you will not be affected by different opinions from others.

From improved confidence to increased energy, the physical and mental benefits of sobriety are a thing to look forward to. If you or your loved ones are still addicted, you are losing so much in life. Look for help from a rehab facility and live a stress-free life without depending on drugs or alcohol.

Health

Alcohol Dependency and Inpatient Alcohol Recovery Center

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For most individuals struggling with alcohol dependency due to heavy drinking, quitting may be a big challenge. Moreover, in addition to the difficulty in changing compulsive, longstanding patterns of alcohol abuse, the detoxing process often causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms presenting serious health risks to patients.

Nevertheless, detox can be administered safely and more comfortably for addicts in early recovery. Alcohol detoxing programs offer individuals close monitoring, supportive care, and when need be, medical intervention to minimize the risk of life-threatening or painful symptoms.

For patients with a significant level of withdrawal prospects, checking into a reputable inpatient recovery facility is an ideal option. These facilities assist in guide patients through the process and personalize the plan for recovery from detox to post-treatment support that will ensure full recovery of patients devoid of recurrence in the future. To find more about what services are offered in inpatient alcohol recovery facilities, you can visit websites as rehab Alabama (https://impactrecoverycenter.net/).

Alcohol Use Disorder

AUD is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by:

  • Inability to control or minimize alcohol consumption following several attempts to quit.
  • An intense craving or longing to use alcohol.
  • Deterioration of interpersonal relationships because of alcohol overuse.
  • Deterioration of job or school performance because of the effects of drinking.
  • Occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when one abstains from alcohol.
  • A growing alcohol tolerance

Alcohol use disorders can develop among individuals of all gender, ages, cultures, and socioeconomic status. It is estimated that over a hundred million people worldwide suffer from AUD.

When a patient with a significant level of physical alcohol dependency quits drinking, supervision by medical personnel is crucial to ensure the comfort and safety of the addict. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include life-threatening side effects like seizures and agitation, which may need medical intervention to manage safely. Some signs of alcohol withdrawal are:

  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Confusion
  • Sleep problems
  • Hallucinations
  • Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Increased body temperature
  • Increased heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Sweating
  • Severe tremor

Reducing the chances of these symptoms and other severe symptoms is the fundamental goal of medical detoxification. Medical detox enables the body to rid itself of the alcohol influence in a controlled and comfortable environment. It gently restores balance and eases the body and brain back to normal functioning without alcohol craving.

Inpatient Alcohol Treatment

The intensity of care and level of patient management required during alcohol detox depends on the magnitude of dependence and other addiction issues. Additionally, some people may be at higher risk than others. People with pre-existing conditions, a history of severe or multiple withdrawal, or seizures are likely to experience complicated withdrawal issues. In such cases, an inpatient program will ensure a more comfortable and safer detox process.

Factors to consider when choosing an inpatient detox facility

  • Enhanced focus on recovery: An inpatient treatment center enables the patient to focus more on their recovery. An addict in an outpatient recovery program will have to cope with specific daily commitments, stressors, and other factors that could interfere with the recovery process.
  • Medical staff: There are several risks involved in quitting alcohol consumption, especially if the user has developed serious physiological dependence. Since withdrawal symptoms might include fever, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures, having on-call medical professionals within reach is crucial should the circumstances become life-threatening.
  • Closed environment: avoiding environments that trigger or promote alcohol use is a vital step toward recovery. Research has shown that relapse occurs in about 50% of adults undergoing recovery. Thus, having a controlled environment while detoxing may assist in managing triggers and cravings.

If you are not sure whether your or your loved one’s drinking requires a supervised medical detox, it is wise to discuss recovery options with a specialist to decide on an appropriate level of care.

Mental Health

Why are Bad Habits So Hard to Break?

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If you have bad habits that you are trying to break, you understand that this can be a significant challenge. After all, you are probably used to living your life in a certain way. Therefore, you may have a difficult time making changes. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available that can help you break bad habits, such as DrJud.com. If you would like to place yourself in the best of this impossible to be successful, then it is important to be familiar with some of the biggest reasons why people have a difficult time breaking bad habits. What are a few key examples you should keep in mind?

There Is a Lack of Awareness

One of the first reasons why people have a difficult time breaking bad habits is that there is simply a lack of awareness. For example, people may not even realize that there is a habit they need to break. If they are not willing to accept that they need to change, then it is going to be difficult for them to change that specific habit. If you are trying to help someone break a bad habit, you need to be patient with them. Give them time to process everything that is going on. Then, when they are ready to make the change, you will be there to help them.

The Motivation is Not Consistent

If you are trying to break bad habits, then you have to be motivated to do so. One of the biggest challenges of breaking bad habits is that this motivation has to be there day in and day out. One day, you may feel like you have everything you need to finally break that habit and move on with your life. Then, the next day, you may feel like the motivation is completely gone. You might not have the energy to do anything, let alone break a bad habit. If you are looking for ways to generate more motivation, you might want to reach out to a professional who can help you.

There Could Be an Underlying Mental Health Issue

Another important factor that will play a role in your ability to break certain bad habits is your mental health. There are a lot of people who suffer from mental health issues, with some of the most common examples being depression and anxiety. These mental health issues can play a significant role in someone’s ability or inability to break certain bad habits. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from an underlying mental health issue, it is important to address this with the help of a professional. That way, you can manage this mental health issue, which might make it easier for you to break certain underlying bad habits you may have.

There Might Be a Lack of Support

Finally, another reason why people may have a difficult time breaking bad habits is that there is simply a lack of support. It is difficult to break habits that you have had for a long time. You need to be willing to change the environment around you if you want to leave these habits in the past. Because this is so challenging, you need to make sure you have a strong support system in place. This could include family members and friends who can guide you along the way. If you are looking for help breaking certain bad habits, there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand. This support can play a critical role in your success.

Find Ways To Break Bad Habits

If you are looking for ways to break bad habits, it is important to be familiar with a few of the challenges you are going to face. Fortunately, this is not something you have to go through alone. It is important for everyone to realize that mental health professionals are willing to provide assistance. If you are looking for a way to develop a comprehensive plan that can help you break these bad habits, then reach out and ask for help. It could make a significant difference in your ability to not only break these bad habits but prevent yourself from going back to them.

Mental Health

The Link Between Addiction and Depression

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There are approximately 264 million people in the world that suffer from depression. This is a disease that can lead to death, as it is one of the most isolating disorders in the world. Experts at centers such as https://www.ascendantny.com/ know that because of that isolation, there is a strong link between depression and addiction.

It is estimated that approximately one-third of adults with an addiction will also have clinical depression. An estimated 16.5 percent of those with major recurring depression have an addiction to alcohol, and 18 percent have a drug use disorder. Learn more about the connection between depression and addiction here.

Is it Clinical Depression?

It is important to understand what someone is going through if you think they are addicted to something. You might wonder if you are too. People that are in depression are not very likely to call for help.

If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, and you are wondering if they are depressed, there are signs to look for.

  • Chronic hopelessness
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Significant appetite changes
  • Sleep habits changing
  • Crying a lot
  • Dizzy spells
  • Guilt
  • Worthlessness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • No interest in hobbies, activities, events
  • Suicidal

There are a lot of situational life problems that will happen to someone that has both depression and addiction. They could start as some job dramas and escalate to job losses when the interest to go to work or deal with problems effectively is lost. The same thing happens to relationships, where partnership problems turn into dramatic breakups.

Depression and Addiction

It is very common for depression to lead to addiction. People that are struggling with depression will frequently use alcohol and/or drugs excessively to escape the depth of sadness or apathy in life that is depression. They also don’t want to get help for it.

Among the heaviest feelings in depression are the feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Many patients with depression just don’t feel worthy enough to make the call seeking help. Support from people that they love that feel safe will help them to get the help they need. It may also even save their lives.

Another scary component of depression and addiction is the cycle of feelings that launches when clients try to go off of the substances on their own. This launches withdrawal cycles that are difficult to deal with on their own. The physical feelings may be unexpected, and this has the potential to trigger many of the guilt and shame feelings that a client with depression is already struggling with.

These feelings are entrenched and need physical treatment in most cases. The depressed person struggles with this in almost everything they do at many points. Remorse and guilt are going to happen whether they take the drugs or not. They feel bad before they use, and use to feel better. Then they feel bad and guilty for using.

It is a dangerous comorbid diagnosis, and the safest thing is for them to seek clinical support.

Get Support for Depression Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you are not alone. Help is available. At centers like https://www.ascendantny.com/, a comprehensive treatment program can treat all symptoms that come with this disorder. Get help for depression today.