Substances of Abuse | Psychiatry in 60 Seconds

This post includes affiliate links Over 20 million Americans suffer from substance use disorders (SUD) that include a broad array of substances of abuse. For instance, opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder have been on the rise in recent decades, contributing significantly to the burden of disease in this country. However, many people do not even realize that they have an illness. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) – the psychiatrist’s guide for diagnosis – there are ten categories of substances with potential for disordered use. Substances of Abuse – Psychiatry in…

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What is Substance Use Disorder | Psychiatry in 60 Seconds

This post includes affiliate links Millions of Americans suffer from substance use disorder (SUD). For instance, opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder have been on the rise in recent decades. However, many people do not even realize that they have an illness. Of note, SUD is not one illness. Rather, it is a collection of diseases representing ten categories of substances with potential for disordered use (e.g alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, Xanax, tobacco, etc.) According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) – the psychiatrist’s guide for diagnosis – there are 11 criteria that comprise…

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Yarn Wall Hanging – DIY Bohemian Décor

A yarn wall hanging can be customized to your unique tastes and preferences for an authentic bohemian-inspired look. They’re also easy and fun to make!

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3 Things You’re Avoiding in Life and Why It’s Making You Miserable

Whether it’s your schoolwork, an ex-partner, or past trauma, there are likely some things you’re avoiding in life. Sometimes this avoidance is subconscious. At other times, the avoidance is completely purposeful. Either way, you might not even realize it, but these things you’re avoiding are likely making you miserable. Even more alarming, the avoidance might lead to mental illness. On my current psychiatry block in residency, the attending I’m working with said something that stuck with me. “Avoiding” he said, “is at the root of most psychiatric disorders.” As I spent time reflecting on these words, I realized that he…

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Here’s to 28! Another Birthday Reflection

My birthday is always a great time for me to reflect on the past year. When we think about life on a day-by-day basis, it can feel like we’re not doing a lot. But when we reflect on bigger chunks of time, it’s easy to see how much change, growth, and accomplishment can happen in one year. I love to celebrate my birthday because I am truly thankful for each day, month, and year that God allows me to remain alive. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what has occurred while wishing and preparing for another great year ahead. As…

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