Student Startup SafeSpace Aims to Promote Mental Health Awareness and Treatment
A new mobile app aims to help students who are experiencing mental health issues connect to each other. UC Berkeley students are developing a website and mobile app that will help students connect with other students with similar mental health issues. The startup, called SafeSpace, placed first in the Improving Student Life category of UC . . . . Continue Reading
Do You Think You Have an Addictive Personality?
Do you think you have an addictive personality? You are not alone. In fact, this is a highly common statement made specifically among those with a history of addictions. Some people believe they have a natural tendency to become addicted to stuff. However, is there any merit behind the concept of an addictive personality? To . . . . Continue Reading
The Difference between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism
Binge drinking is incredibly common, especially among young adults. Many people engage in binge drinking on the weekend and resume to working during the week. Binge drinking is defined as drinking more than 4 to 5 drinks in succession within several hours. Drinking multiple shots within an hour or an entire six-pack of beer are . . . . Continue Reading
Could Changing Dopamine Levels Treat Drug Addiction?
Dopamine is one of the brain’s most crucial neurotransmitter. Not only does it control our reward and pleasure systems, it also regulates movement and emotional response to rewards. A common factor in addictive brains is the lack of dopamine regulation. Most people with substance use disorder struggle to regulate happy chemicals like dopamine in the brain. . . . . Continue Reading
Could Birth Control Help Women Beat Addiction?
Being a woman has its challenges. From PMS to menopause, hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on a woman’s body. The ups and down can trigger everything from depression, weight gain, and exhaustion. These imbalances influence a woman in a variety of ways. Now, a recent study suggests that hormones might also make women more vulnerable . . . . Continue Reading
The Power of “Quiet” Verbal Abuse
Damage can be inflicted without raising your voice. When you think of verbal abuse, what do you think of? Chances are, it’s loud screaming, grunting and yelling. Most of us do not picture a quiet whisper or light banter. However, when it comes to verbal abuse, volume does not determine impact. Just because someone does . . . . Continue Reading
New Mexico Launches Opioid Awareness Campaign
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is launching an education campaign to increase public awareness and understanding of opioid addiction. On Jan. 5, he announced “Project OPEN: Opioid Prevention & Education Network.” The initiative will kick off this Wednesday, and attorneys, policymakers and officials will all gather in Albuquerque to learn about opioid addiction. The . . . . Continue Reading
Obama Signs Act to Ensure Health Insurance Coverage for Eating Disorders
In 2000, a woman by the name of Anna Westin passed away from a five-year battle with anorexia. Sadly, right before her untimely death, Westin was denied medical coverage for eating disorder treatment because her disease was deemed not “certified” for residential treatment. Fortunately, things have finally changed. Now, nearly 17 years after Anna Westin’s . . . . Continue Reading
Poor Body Image Linked to Alcohol Consumption in Teenage Girls
The way we feel about ourselves is often directly connected to the way we treat ourselves. When it comes to alcohol use, the same thing applies. A recent study revealed that high school girl’s ages 14-18 who struggled with body image misperceptions are more likely to have consumed at least one drink in their life, . . . . Continue Reading
5 Herbs and Supplements for Depression
Antidepressants are so commonly discussed and prescribed that we often lose sight of natural alternatives that can be just as effective for treating depression and anxiety. Many people fear taking antidepressants because of potential side effects they may endure from using them. Other people are completely against prescription drugs and prefer utilizing holistic treatments over . . . . Continue Reading