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Thoughts and ideas from The Valley®

  • What Is Dual Diagnosis and Why Does It Matter in Maryland Recovery Programs?
    What is dual diagnosis? It means having a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The two often feed each other, so treating only one can leave the other untouched. Integrated care treats...
  • Is Gambling Addiction a Real Addiction? Signs to Know
    Is gambling addiction a real addiction? Yes. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) classifies gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction because it resembles substance use disorders in how it presents, how it involves the brain, and how it is treated...
  • Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction: Breaking the Cycle Safely
    Chronic pain and opioid addiction are linked because long-term opioid use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and increased pain sensitivity, which can drive a person to take more. Breaking the cycle safely means working with a medical provider, ne...
  • 5 Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction Every Family Should Know
    The five main signs of methamphetamine addiction are bursts of energy followed by a crash, visible physical changes, paranoia and mood changes, withdrawal symptoms after stopping, and loss of control over use. One sign alone does not confirm addiction. A p...
  • 5 Signs of Heroin Addiction Every Family Should Know
    The five main signs of heroin addiction are physical changes after use, withdrawal symptoms between uses, evidence of how the drug is taken, heroin becoming the person's top priority, and continued use despite growing harm. One sign alone does not con...