Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania (elevated mood) and depression (low mood). This disorder affects approximately 3% of the adult population in the United States, with women being equally likely to develop bipolar disorder as men. However, bipolar symptoms in women can manifest differently than…
Details
If you are wondering what fluoxetine is, it is an antidepressant that works to increase serotonin in the brain. It is a commonly prescribed drug used to treat depression, one of what are called serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Prozac is one of the most well-known brand names for fluoxetine. While it is not considered…
Details
Vyvanse is a prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, in some cases, binge eating disorders. While it can be an effective form of treatment, it also has various side effects—some more prevalent in women. Vyvanse side effects in females often go overlooked, but like any drug, it can also be addictive. Once…
Details
It is quite common to have a co-occurring mental health condition alongside a substance use disorder. In fact, anxiety and panic attacks are often associated with withdrawal symptoms once someone stops using an addictive substance like alcohol. Anxiety disorders can be very disruptive and hinder the path to recovery. Panic attacks and anxiety from alcohol…
Details
Alcohol addiction can impact your health in many negative ways. One of these is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or wet brain. This syndrome can damage several areas of the brain and disrupt cognitive and bodily functions. Severe cases of alcohol addiction can lead to wet brain. If you—or a loved one—are battling an alcohol use disorder (AUD),…
Details
If you’re a woman caught in the cycle of addiction, deciding to seek professional treatment for substance use disorder is the first important step of many. However, the length of time and the severity of your addiction will affect what kind of treatment may be recommended for you. For Colorado residents, a medical detox in…
Details
For those American women caught in the cycle of addiction, rehab is a term that is undoubtedly familiar. For many, it is a source of hope—a chance to regain control of their lives and break the cycle of substance use disorder. Still, others find it an intimidating term that fills them with doubt and fear…
Details
Recognizing you have a substance use disorder and deciding to seek treatment is hard. It is also one of the most life-changing decisions you can make since it requires you to completely change thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes that were previously ingrained, if not automatic. There is a reason why treatment leads to recovery, and recovery…
Details
Mixing any substances is never a good idea. Mixing two antidepressants, like Wellbutrin and alcohol, is even worse, as it can increase the severity of side effects and adverse reactions. You may think that if you are suffering from depression, the more antidepressants you take, the better, but this is not the case. Ultimately, you…
Details
If you are not sure what Ativan is, it is a brand name of lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine drug. Other common benzodiazepines, or benzos, are Xanax and Valium. Doctors commonly prescribe Ativan to treat anxiety and seizures. But like most drugs, Ativan is also very addictive. The drug’s sedating effect is what many crave…
Details