Emotional pain is pain or hurt that originates from non-physical sources. Sometimes this emotional distress is the result of the actions of others. Other times, it might be the result of regret, grief, or loss. In other cases, it might be the result of an underlying mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. No matter what … Read more
Gambling addiction is a type of behavioral addiction that can have serious consequences for a person’s life and relationships. However, because some people gamble professionally or as a hobby, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between social or professional gambling and problem gambling. At a Glance Problem gambling can be distinguished from social and … Read more
What Is an “Adrenaline Junkie?” “Adrenaline junkie” is a term used to refer to someone who favors high-risk activities for the rush that accompanies them. The term was first popularly used in the 1991 movie “Point Break.” Related to this phenomenon, many people seek out high-sensation experiences for the neurophysiological effects. Physiological mechanisms underlying temperament … Read more
Effects on the Body You can feel the effects of caffeine in your system within a few minutes of ingesting it, and it stays in your system for many hours: Its half-life ranges from two to 12 hours due to individual differences in metabolism and absorption.1 Caffeine affects many factors involved in the body’s daily functions. … Read more
Substance abuse is typically defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. Substances can include alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, inhalants and solvents, nicotine, and even coffee. “Abuse” can result from using a substance in a way that is not intended or recommended, or from using more than … Read more
Between texts, emails, an increasing array of social media options and other apps, most of us have smartphones now, and most of us are more tied to them than perhaps we should be. While it used to be considered rude to check your phone when out to dinner or otherwise engaged with people in real … Read more
Internet addiction is a behavioral addiction in which a person becomes dependent on the Internet or other online devices as a maladaptive way of coping with life’s stresses. Internet addiction has and is becoming widely recognized and acknowledged. So much so that in 2020, the World Health Organization formally recognized addiction to digital technology as a worldwide … Read more
Most people understand addiction when it comes to dependence on substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, illicit drugs, or even prescription medications, but have a hard time with the concept of addictive behaviors. Behavioral addictions (also known as process addictions) follow the same pattern as substance-based addictions, creating problems in many areas of a person’s life. They … Read more
Addiction is a complex, chronic brain condition influenced by genes and the environment that is characterized by substance use or compulsive actions that continue despite harmful consequences.1 For a long time, addiction meant an uncontrollable habit of using alcohol or other drugs. More recently, the concept of addiction has expanded to include behaviors, such as gambling, as well as … Read more
Pyromania is a serious mental health condition characterized by intentionally and repetitively setting fires—and doing so compulsively. People with pyromania feel unable to stop the behavior. Setting a fire releases inner tension or anxiety and gives the person a rush of pleasure or relief.1 At a Glance Pyromania is an impulse control disorder. It isn’t … Read more