What is positive thinking? By now, we’ve heard the term so many times it has begun to lose its meaning. So many of us think we are pessimistic by nature without accepting that positive thinking is a choice; that the ways in which we feed our brains shape our whole reality. Positivity is not about seeing everything through rose-tinted glasses or making everything in your life perfect. It’s about adopting an optimistic mindset through acceptance and change so you can see both the “good” and “bad” with a balanced mindset ("What Is Positivity? The Definition May Surprise You").  

What Positive Thinking Is and What It Is Not

“When I’m worried and cannot sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep.”
~ Bing Crosby

So, what exactly is positive thinking? First, let’s talk about what positive thinking is not. Positive thinking is not an escape or denial of reality. On the contrary, positive thinking is about acceptance. When you think positively, you accept what you cannot change and act where you can.

Positive thinking does not mean you think the world is wonderful. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to see the good in everyone or everything. It’s easy to think positively when your life is going well, when people act the way you want them to, when you feel loved, happy, wealthy and calm. The challenge lies in adjusting your focus so that you can embrace positive thinking as a skill, even when life is challenging ("What is a Positive Attitude?").

Positive thinking means making a choice each and every day to appreciate life and all the variety that comes with it, even when it’s easier to be negative.

Why Do We Need Positive Thinking?

The power of positive thinking has been proven by scientists. According to doctors, positive thinking skills lead to lower rates of depression, less stress and anxiety, greater resistance to common illnesses and a healthier cardiovascular system. Being calm and positive has a myriad of health and wellness benefits, so why is it so hard to feel optimistic about our lives?

Positive thinking, in itself, is quite a broad term. Being positive means different things to different people of course, but positive people tend to have certain attributes in common.

In the international bestseller, The Rules of Life, Richard Templar lists what he deems to be guiding principles to happiness. The book became a global phenomenon after it was published in 2006, presumably because so many people were on that illusive quest to find happiness. The book is essentially a guide to becoming a more positive and fulfilled person, and each of Templar’s “rules” can be linked back to positive thinking in some way. Here are some examples:

Rule 7: Be flexible in your thinking: “Try to see life not as the enemy, but as a friendly sparring partner.”

Rule 10: Only dead fish swim with the stream: “And that’s what life is, what it is meant to be: a series of struggles and lulls.”

Rule 30: Have a sense of humor: “See something funny in whatever life throws at us along the way.”

Rule 48: Draw the lines around yourself: “Setting personal boundaries means you don’t have to be scared of other people anymore.”

The Final Word on Positive Thinking

Remember that positive thinking requires a little commitment each day. As Albert Einstein said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.”

In other words, if you want a different perspective on life, you have to be willing to try different approaches. Challenge your negative thinking: does it serve you? Does it make you happier, more productive or successful? Chances are, it is holding you back.

article references

Self-injury signs and symptoms usually aren't easy to spot. Why? Because people who self-injure become very adept at hiding self-harm scars or explaining them away. To spot the signs of self-harm, consider if the person has:

• a preference for wearing concealing clothing at all times (e.g. long sleeves in hot weather)
• avoidance of situations where more revealing clothing might be expected (e.g. unexplained refusal to go to a party)
• unusually frequent complaints of accidental injury (e.g. a cat owner who frequently has scratches on their arms)

(Not familiar with self-harm? Read: What is Self-Injury, Self-Harm, Self-Mutilation?)

Apparent Self Harm Symptoms

There are different ways to self-harm. Look for questionable and numerous scars, symptoms of self-harm, that can't be easily explained away.

• scars from cutting or burning
• broken bones or bruises from banging or punching
• sharp objects, like razor blades or other instruments used to self injure

As a group, many involved in self-mutilation are girls, although boys do it too. Wendy Lader, Ph.D. and clinical director for SAFE Alternatives, a self-injury treatment program, says self-mutilation is an accepted part of the "Goth" culture. Just because a child is involved in the Goth culture though, it doesn't necessarily mean they self-injure. However, Dr. Lader notes kids involved in the Goth movement are looking for acceptance in an alternative culture. And, she adds that self-injury is definitely a coping strategy for unhappy kids.

It's also not unusual for teenagers with an eating disorder, like anorexia or bulimia, to be involved with self-injury. Having a history of physical abuse, sexual abuse or psychological abuse is also a risk factor for self-harm behavior. Many are sensitive, perfectionists, overachievers, according to Dr. Lader. She says the self-injury starts out as a defense mechanism against what's happening in their family or in their life and then becomes a method to gain control.

These self-injury quotes may provide further insight into what's behind self-injurious behavior. Also, keep in mind, teens aren't the only ones who self-injure. Adults self-harm too.

Self-Mutilation Symptom of Other Psychiatric Disorder

Self-mutilation could also be a symptom of another mental health problem. Bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and severe anxiety include the symptom of self-injury. (More details: Causes of Self-Injury)

Types of Self-Harm

The most common forms of self-harm are cutting the arms, hands, and legs, and less commonly the face, abdomen, breasts and even genitals. Some people burn or scald themselves, others inflict blows on their bodies, or bang themselves against something.

Other forms of self-harm include scratching, picking, biting, scraping and occasionally inserting sharp objects under the skin or into body orifices, and swallowing sharp objects or harmful substances.

Common forms of self-injury that rarely reach medical attention include people pulling out their own hair and eyelashes, and scrubbing themselves so hard they break the skin (sometimes using cleaners such as bleach).

Additional forms of self-harm may include:

• carving
• branding
• marking
• biting
• headbanging
• bruising
• hitting
• tattooing
• excessive body piercing

article references

When people think of self-harm, they often picture a teenage girl cutting herself, but self-harm in adults is more common than people realize. Adult self-injury (also known as self-harm or self-mutilation) is not limited to a particular age nor a gender.

"Stereotypically people think that self-injury happens only among teenagers and young women, but it also happens with older, middle-aged females and males," says Harrell Woodson, PhD, director of the Menninger Hope Program, which treats adults with mental illness. The Program is participating in a clinic-wide initiative to learn more about self-injury and to develop new protocols to treat it, since it is a frequent health issue among Menninger patients.¹

Adult self-injury is commonly comprised of cutting or burning the skin, or banging one's head repeatedly against a wall. Dr. Woodson notes adult self-mutilation is often more difficult to treat than that of younger people, as adults may have been self-harming since childhood. The ingrained behavior, then, may be one of the only ways the adult knows how to deal with stress; one of the major causes of self-injury.

Adult Self-injury and Mental Illness

Adult self-mutilation may be a sign of a psychiatric disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. It's not known how many adults self-mutilate and it's likely that adult self-harm is underreported due to the shame and guilt associated with the behavior. People are very likely to hide adult self-injury and many do not seek help.

Left untreated, self-harm in adults, and the accompanying psychiatric disorders, can be dangerous. While the majority of people who self-mutilate are not suicidal (read about self-harm and suicide), it's easy to accidentally induce a life-threatening wound during acts of self-injury. Adults that self-mutilate may be at higher risk of this than their younger counterparts.²

"Self-injurious behavior can cause irreparable physical damage and can even lead to death, from cutting too deeply, getting an infection or going into shock," Dr. Woodson says.

Why Do Adults Self-Injure?

There are many reasons an adult may self-injure:

• Adult self-injury may be an attempt to keep loved ones concerned and connected. This is often seen in borderline personality disorder.
• As in teens, self-mutilation in adults may be the result of a severe trauma such as sexual abuse or childhood neglect.
• Self-harm in adults may be used to distract from other painful life events. It may also be a release of the emotional pain associated with stressors like marriage problems, work or parenting issues.
• Adult self-injury may also be as a result of on-going symptoms of psychosis which causes adults to have a break from reality. "They are being commanded to hurt themselves," Dr. Woodson says. "They may hear a voice bargaining with them, telling them that if they don't bang their head 13 times, something bad will happen."

Treatment of Adult Self-Injury

Because adult self-injury behaviors can be very ingrained, it can be challenging to find other coping techniques. For adults, self-injury may be one of the few parts of their lives in which they feel complete control. This may mean they are reluctant to change their behavior and can make self-injury treatment more difficult.

The desire for behavior change needs to come from the patient rather than as a demand from the mental health professional or family members, Dr. Woodson says. Motivational interviewing techniques put the majority of the responsibility for behavior change in the hands of the patient.

"With motivational interviewing, you capitalize on the patient's ambivalence—in terms of the pros and cons of continuing that behavior, in a non-confrontational way," Dr. Woodson continues. "Traditionally, admonishing people about the consequences of self-injurious behavior doesn't work very well."

Triggers of adult self-mutilation must be identified and new coping strategies put in place. One self-harm alternative recommended by professionals is to put a rubber band around the wrist that can be snapped when the urge to self-injure becomes too strong.

Treatment of self-harm in adults may also include medication, particularly when the self-harm co-occurs with a psychiatric illness. Group therapy is also common. Patients in group therapy discuss what they could do differently in response to particular stressors, situations, thoughts and feelings rather than harming themselves. Groups are an effective form of treatment for self-injury, Dr. Woodson says, because patients learn new insights and adaptive behaviors from their peers as well as receiving support and encouragement.

article references

Self-injury behaviors are any behaviors that a person does with the purpose of hurting oneself. How to stop self-harm once you start though can be a big problem.

Some people may self-injure (also known as self-harm or self-mutilation) only once, while most will engage in self-harm behaviors multiple times.

Many people go on to years though because they find it so difficult to stop self-harm. (read about Self-Harm in Adults)

But it is possible to change self-harm behaviors – it is possible to stop self-injury. To stop self-mutilation, though, many things need to change, including:

• The environment
• A support system
• Thought patterns

It's also important to know about self-harm alternatives and to gain some insight into why you self-harm or what triggers your self-injury behaviors. This self-injury test can help with that part.

Stop Self-Harm Behaviors by Changing the Environment

The environment is part of what causes, or allows for, self-harm and changing it can help stop self-injury. The first step is analyzing what role the environment has on self-injury behavior. For example:

• Do you self-injure at a specific time of day?
• Do you self-harm in a specific place?
• Do you use certain tools to self-mutilate?
• Do you have a ritual around your self-harm?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you change those aspects of your environment that contribute to your self-harm behaviors. (Causes of Self-Injury)

Changing the environment can be done once the urge to self-harm strikes, but it's easier to do before the urge comes.

For example, to help stop self-harm, you can:¹

• Keep yourself busy at the times of day you are likely to self-harm. Don't be alone during these times.
• Stay away from any place where you typically self-injure.
• Throw away any tools used to self-mutilate. (Ways People Self Harm) If you can't throw them away, make them as inaccessible as possible.
• Stop yourself from committing self-harm rituals by adding or removing steps from them. Altering your rituals will likely make you uncomfortable and this discomfort can help stop self-harm.

Stop Self-Injury by Getting Support and Help

Many people battle to stop self-mutilation but lose this battle when fighting alone. It's only once they gain the support of others that they can stop self-harming behaviors. Self-injury help and support can come from professional sources such as a self-harm treatment center, program or psychotherapist, or it can come from friends, family members or others. The important thing is to have supportive people around you who you can turn to for help when you need it. If you feel the urge to self-harm, call one of these supports and have them talk or sit with you. This can be one of the easiest ways to stop self-mutilation.

Stop Self-Mutilation by Changing Your Thoughts

Changing the way you think is no easy task; that is for sure. However, changing some of the negative thoughts that lead to self-injury is possible and important. Just like with the environment, first it's important to analyze the thoughts surrounding self-harm in order to better understand and challenge them. Some questions to think about might be:

• How accurate are my thoughts surrounding self-harm?
• Are my negative thoughts reasonable?
• What are my thoughts right before I self-harm?

Handling those thoughts can be tricky but there are techniques used to challenge, stop and alter negative thoughts of self-harm.

• Challenge the negative thoughts – you'll likely find that many of them aren't true but only feel true at the time.
• If you find yourself in a spiral of negative thoughts, think (or even shout) stop and change your thoughts to something else.
• Reframe negative thoughts. For example, instead of thinking, "I'm so dumb for hurting myself." Think, "I did what I needed to do to take care of myself. I will do better next time."

These self-harm thought-altering techniques may take a lot of practice to work. A therapist can help you with more self-harm stopping techniques.

Self-Harm Alternatives

If you find yourself in a spiral wherein you feel you are about to self-harm, it's important to know self-harm alternatives that can take the place of self-injury. Self-mutilation alternatives can keep you physically safe even when overwhelmed with the urge to self-harm.

Self-injury alternatives include:²

• Punching a pillow or a punching bag
• Squeezing ice cubes; putting your face in a bowl of ice water
• Eating chili or other spicy food
• Taking a very cold shower
• Drawing on your body instead of cutting it
• Strenuous exercise

Of course, the best self-harm alternative is likely to reach out and talk to someone about how you are feeling.

article references

Self-injury can be devastating and many people need treatment for self-injury (also known as self-harm or self-mutilation) to get better. Luckily, there are several known types of treatment for self-harm as well as several treatment delivery methods. People who self-harm have every chance of stopping the behavior although, like with any other ingrained behavior, it may take several attempts to do it.

Psychological treatments for self-mutilation are the most common and are used by professionals like psychologists. Self-injury treatments involving psychiatric medication, on the other hand, are used in more specialized cases, particularly where the individual has a co-occurring disorder, like depression or bipolar disorder. These are typically prescribed by psychiatrists.

Psychological Treatment for Self-Harm

There is both general and specific psychological treatment for self-harm. General treatment includes treatments that are not centered specifically on the self-harming behavior. Psychotherapy, for example, may explore many aspects of a person's life in an attempt to curb or stop self-injury behavior.

A recent study, though, identified that psychological treatments specific to self-harm have better success than those that are more general in nature.¹ One such treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of treatment is short-term and very goal-oriented. This psychological treatment for self-injury focuses on identifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts (causes of self-harm) and then analyzing them and replacing them with more positive ways of dealing with life.

For example, a person might tend to magnify the negative of a situation rather than seeing it as it truly is. Cognitive behavioral therapy would work to identify that thought pattern, challenge it and replace it with one that is more realistic and positive.

Another treatment that works to eliminate self-harm is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).² Dialectical behavior therapy is typically used in those that have a personality disorder along with self-harm behaviors – this combination is common with borderline personality disorder, for example.

Medication Treatment for Self-Mutilation

Psychiatric medication treatment for self-mutilation isn't common, but often people who self-injure need medication for co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. If the person has no co-occurring disorder, medication may actually be discouraged, as medication can work to cover-up feelings that a person has to work through in order to stop the self-harm behavior.

Self-Injury Treatment Centers

Self-injury treatment centers and programs exist when more intensive treatment is needed. Self-harm treatment centers may exist solely to handle self-mutilation treatment or they may treat other mental health issues as well. Self-injury treatment centers may offer programs that are:

• Inpatient – a live-in self-harm treatment center where the program is seven days a week
• Intensive outpatient – a program that typically operates six-seven hours per day, Monday-Friday
• Group psychotherapy – a program that may be two hours, once a week

A self-injury treatment center can provide many services. These services include:³

• Self-injury evaluation for proper program placement
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Impulse control management
• Education and support
• Medication and case management
• Aftercare planning

Self-harm treatment centers typically provide a team of caregivers for each patient. This team may include:

• Psychiatrists
• Clinical therapists
• Registered nurses
• Behavioral health support staff
• Expressive therapists

article references

The causes of self-injury can be confusing. The average person has difficulty understanding the causes and reasons for self-harm. After all, they wonder, who would purposefully want to hurt themselves?

The reasons for self-injury, also known as self-harm or self-mutilation, are complex though and not everyone self-harms for the same reason. The causes of self-mutilation likely vary with age. Self-injury behaviors can start before the age of seven or, more commonly, between the ages of 12 and 15. Self-harm behaviors normally end within five years of starting. For many, however, self-injury can last well into adulthood.¹

The causes of self-harm are both psychological and environmental in nature. Overall, self-harm can be seen as a way of dealing with stress. (Why I Self-Harm: Why People Self-Injure)

Suicide as a Cause of Self-Injury

It's important to realize that suicidal ideation is rarely a cause of self-injury. The goal of self-harm is to physically injure the self and not to die. In fact, many people use self-injury as a way to avoid suicide. Suicide attempts and self-mutilation behaviors do correlate, however, with those who have self-harmed being much more likely to attempt suicide or have a plan for suicide. The cause of self-injury can really be seen as emotional distress and if this distress is not alleviated, it can result in suicidal behavior. There's more information on self-harm and suicide here.

Environmental Causes of Self-Harm

As the main reasons for self-injury relate to stress, one of the main environmental components of self-harm is the presence of trauma or stress. This may be past trauma, such as sexual assault, or current stress such as the pressure to succeed.

One of the stressors known to create a risk for self-harm is sexual orientation. Those in a sexual minority group are more likely to self-injure. Specifically, females who identify as bisexual are at a higher risk for self-mutilation.

Psychological Reasons for Self-Mutilation

There are various psychological reasons for self-mutilation but the overwhelming factor is the presence of unmanageable anxiety. This anxiety, be it from trauma, stress or pressure, is so great that the person finds they can't deal with it. The self-injury, then, is a way of releasing or dealing with this chronic anxiety. Self-harm becomes a coping mechanism, albeit a negative one. Self-injury is also commonly used to deal with overwhelming sadness or emotional numbness. (If you're interested in self-injury self-help coping skills, read this.)

The presence of other psychological disorders can also be an indirect cause for self-injury. While a disorder does not specifically cause the behavior, those with certain mental health disorders are at a higher risk. Disorders associated with self-mutilation include:

• Addiction disorders
• Eating disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders

People cite other reasons they self-harm, however. These self-harm quotes may provide insight into that. Some other causes of self-injury include desires to:

• Experience a feeling in the face of numbness
• Control the body and mind
• Express feelings or needs
• Distract from other problems
• Create visible and noticeable wounds
• Purify oneself
• Reenact a trauma in order to resolve it
• Protect others from emotional pain

A small number of people also report good feelings and a rush of energy as the reasons for self-harm.

article references

When people make the statement, "I self-harm," the most common question after that is "why?" But delving into why people self-harm, also known as self-injury or self-mutilation, is complicated. Each individual has their own reasons for self-injury and understanding their self-injury behaviors often means understanding an individual's circumstance.

And to make matters more confusing, many people aren't even sure why they self-injure. In the words of Amy, age 16:¹

I was hurting myself for 2 years before I ever told anyone. I think, to begin with, I didn't even know that it was self-harm because I was scratching and biting myself, but then I moved on to cutting myself as well. I was so upset all of the time and the frustrating thing was I didn't even know why. (more on self-injury cutting)

Why Do I Self-Harm: Environmental Factors

Many factors come together when looking at why a person self-mutilates and one of the big ones is stress. People typically begin to self-harm because they are under more stress than they can handle. This stress leads to anxiety and this anxiety becomes overwhelming. This stress might be due to school or work pressure, problems at home or other stresses.

Greg, age 15 talks about how stresses at home helped explain why he self-injured:

My mum and dad split up when I was little so my mum had to bring us up on her own quite a lot . . . She had a boyfriend for a while who I really didn't like, he used to beat her, but he never hurt me in that way . . .

That was probably why I started getting so down and angry all the time. My mates thought I'd started to go boring and so I stopped going out with them as much. Then this one boy started on me after school one day and I ran away. I was so annoyed at myself for being scared again that I went home and punched the wall outside our house.

After that, rumors went around school, and more boys started to wait for me at the end of the day. I hated going to school and I hated myself for not being able to deal with it. So I started to do things to myself to avoid going to school – like swallowing things that would make me sick. And every time that I got really angry, I had to hit something really hard. I started to realize that I was doing lots of things to my body that weren't good for it, but I didn't really know what else to do.

(More self-injury stories)

Understanding Self-Injury: Psychological Issues

Personal, psychological issues may also help people understand why people self-harm. In the case of Madison, age 13, she felt that no one loved her:²

The pressures of friends and boyfriends and family can be too much and the threat of razors and knives can seem to be enough to keep you sane . . . Sometimes it can be hard to believe someone actually loves you until they have a good reason to say something about it. I had this thought stuck in my mind that I wasn't loved. That nobody cared. I became addicted to cutting and burning myself because of these thoughts.

Self-mutilation is often correlated with other mental health problems such as substance use disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and eating disorders. Chronic illness and sexual assault can also be underlying causes of self-harm behaviors.

(Looking for more insight into why people self-injure? Here are some common personality traits of self-injurers. You can also read these self-injury, self-harm quotes.)

article references

The ways to self-harm are numerous. Self-harm, also known as self-injury or self-mutilation, is a coping mechanism used by a surprising number of people. Self-harm includes the stereotypical cutting of oneself but also goes far beyond that to any action a person can use to purposefully harm oneself. Ways to self-injure are most-commonly inflicted on the arms, hands and wrists of the individual but other body parts, such as the thighs or the stomach, are also commonly reported as self-mutilation sites.

Eating disorders and addiction behaviors are not typically considered methods of self-harm, but in some cases, they may be if the intent of their use is specifically to cause harm to the body.

Top Ten Ways to Self-Harm, Self-Injure

A study published in 2006, Self-injurious Behaviors in a College Population, by Whitlock et al., looked at the self-injurious behavior of over 2800 college students. Seventeen percent of the respondents reported self-injurious behavior. According to that study, the ten most common ways to self-harm were:¹

1. Scratching or pinching – this behavior included severely scratching or pinching with fingernails or objects to the point that bleeding occurred or marks remained on the skin. This method of self-injury was seen in more than half of all students who reported participating in self-harm.
2. Impact with objects – this self-harming behavior included banging or punching objects to the point of bruising or bleeding. This way to self-harm was seen in just over 37% of the self-harming students.
3. Cutting – while cutting is often considered synonymous with self-harm, this way of self-mutilation only occurred in just over 1-in-3 students who reported self-harming. Cutting is more common among females.
4. Impact with oneself – this self-injury method includes banging or punching oneself to the point of bruising or bleeding. This way to self-injure was seen in almost 25% of the students who reported self-harming behaviors.
5. Ripped skin – this way of self-mutilation includes ripping or tearing skin. This type of self-injury was seen in just under 16% of those who admitted to self-harming behaviors.
6. Carving – this way of self-harm is when a person carves words or symbols into the skin. This is separate from cutting. This method of self-mutilation was identified by just under 15% of those who self-harm.
7. Interfering with healing – this way of self-mutilation is often in combination with other types of self-harm. In this case, a person purposefully hampers the healing of wounds. This method of self-harm was used by 13.5% of respondents.
8. Burning – burning skin is a way of self-mutilation. Burning as a way of self-injury was seen in 12.9% of students who self-harmed.
9. Rubbing objects into the skin – this type of self-harm involves the rubbing of sharp objects, such as glass, into the skin. Twelve percent of responding students used this way to self-harm.
10. Hair-pulling – this way to self-harm is medically known as trichotillomania. In trichotillomania, a person feels compelled to pull out their own hair and in some cases even ingest that hair. This type to self-injury was seen in 11% of students who self-harmed.

One thing to note, 70% of those who repeatedly self-harm use multiple ways to self-harm with the majority reporting between 2-4 self-injury methods used.

You can discover more self injury, self harm statistics and facts here. Information on the effects of self-injury is here. And if you're looking for self-injury help and support, check this out. If you're a parent with a child who self-injures, find out why pro self-injury websites are so dangerous.

Finally, if you're wanting to gain some insight into why you self-harm or what triggers your self-injury behaviors, take this self-injury test.

article references

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) signs and symptoms can severely impact day-to-day life. It is important to get PTSD help (support groups, family, etc.) and posttraumatic stress disorder treatments as soon as possible. Posttraumatic stress disorder is a mental illness that develops after experiencing, or being exposed to, an event that physically harms or threatens to physically harm someone. This harm, or threat of harm, may be directed towards the sufferer or another individual.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms include the persistent reliving of the trauma, avoidance of any place that is a trauma-reminder, trouble sleeping and many others. PTSD symptoms can be terrifying and life-altering, as the person tries to avoid any situation that may bring about severe anxiety. This avoidance can make a person's world much smaller and allow them to do fewer and fewer things as they fear the re-emergence of their posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. They may even turn to drugs to numb the psychological pain caused by their symptoms (Living with PTSD Can Be a Nightmare).

Prior to 1980, symptoms of PTSD were seen as a personal weakness or character flaw and not as an illness. It is now known, however, that posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms are caused by physical changes in the brain and not due to a person's character. If you wonder if you have PTSD, take our free online PTSD test.

Diagnostic Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder is diagnosed using the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Note - Read the DSM-5 updated PTSD criteria for adults and children at PTSD in the DSM-5). In order to receive a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must meet the following criteria:¹

• The person must have:
  • Experienced or witnessed an event involving serious injury, death or a threat to someone's physical well-being
  • A response involving helplessness, intense fear or horror
• The person must re-experience the event. This may be through dreams, flashbacks, hallucinations or intense distress when confronted with cues that symbolize the traumatic event.
• Three of the following post-traumatic stress symptoms must be present:
  • Avoidance of thoughts, feelings or conversations that are associated with the event
  • Avoidance of people, places or activities that may trigger recollections of the event
  • Trouble remembering important aspects of the event
  • Significantly diminished interest or participation in important activities
  • Feeling of detachment from others
  • Narrowed range of affect (reduced visible emotions)
  • Sense of having a foreshortened future
• Two of the following post-traumatic stress symptoms must be present:
  • Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
  • Decreased concentration
  • Hypervigilance (an over-awareness to, searching for, possible dangers)
  • Outbursts of anger or irritable mood
  • Exaggerated startle response (overly responsive when startled)
• Posttraumatic stress symptoms must be exhibited for more than one month
• Posttraumatic stress symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment of functioning

Signs of PTSD

While the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder are quite clear, there are additional signs that may suggest PTSD. Signs of PTSD include:²

• Self-destructive behavior such as substance abuse
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Difficulty in maintaining close relationships
• Guilt or shame
• Hearing or seeing things that aren't there
• Serving in the military in a war zone

People with PTSD are also at greater risk for:

• Panic disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Social phobia, social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Major depressive disorder
• Somatization disorder (physical symptoms with no medical origin)
• Suicide

The signs of PTSD may come and go but if they are impairing daily functioning, they should be assessed by doctor or mental health professional specializing in PTSD treatment. Those who receive treatment for their PTSD symptoms heal almost twice as quickly as those who don't (How Long Does PTSD Last? Does PTSD Ever Go Away?).

article references

Addictions Information

What is Addiction? Addiction Definition

¹Wikipedia, Addiction: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

²Medscape Reference, Opioid Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/287790

³Medscape Reference, Psychiatric Illness Associated with Criminality: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294626Addictions Information

Types of Addiction: List of Addictions

¹Wikipedia, Addiction: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

²Medscape Reference, Psychiatric Illnesses Associated with Criminality: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294626

³Wikipedia, Behavioral Addiction: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_addiction

Addiction Symptoms: Signs of an Addict

¹Indiana University, What are Addictive Behaviors? http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/addictiveb.html

Causes of an Addiction

¹AllPsych Online, Index of Psychiatric Disorders: http://allpsych.com/disorders/disorders_alpha.html

²Mayo Clinic, Drug Addiction: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183

³Wikipedia, Addictive Personality: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addictive_personality

⁴Medscape Reference, Opioid Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/287790

⁵Indiana University, Why We Should Reject the Disease Concept of Alcoholism: http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/cbook/chap6.html

⁶National Institute on Drug Abuse, Addiction is a Chronic Disease: http://archives.drugabuse.gov/about/welcome/aboutdrugabuse/chronicdisease/

Addiction Treatment: Addiction Therapy, Addiction Rehab

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction: http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/treatmeth.html

²National Institute on Drug Abuse, Addiction is a Chronic Disease: http://archives.drugabuse.gov/about/welcome/aboutdrugabuse/chronicdisease

Addiction Facts and Statistics

¹Medscape Reference, Alcoholism: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/285913

²Medscape Reference, Nicotine Addiction: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/287555

³National Institute on Drug Abuse, Trends in Drug Abuse: http://archives.drugabuse.gov/about/welcome/aboutdrugabuse/trends

⁴Medscape Reference, Psychiatric Illness Associated with Criminology: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294626

Alcoholism

ⁱ No listed author, Alcoholism Mayo Clinic. May 6, 2010. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcoholism/DS00340

ⁱⁱ No listed author, Alcohol Consumption More Detrimental To Women Medical News Today. May 7, 2007. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/70062.php

ⁱⁱⁱ Smith, Melinda M.A., Robinson, Lawrence, Segal, Jeanne Ph.D., Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse HelpGuide.org. Accessed Jan. 21, 2011. http://helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm

^iv Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Alcohol and Public Health - Fact Sheet Centers for Disease Control and Protection. Dec. 17, 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm

^v Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Alcohol and Public Health - Fact Sheet- Binge Drinking Centers for Disease Control and Protection. Jul. 10, 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

^vi No listed author, Statistics Students Against Destructive Decisions. Jan. 2011 http://www.sadd.org/stats.htm

^vii Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Alcohol and Public Health - Fact Sheet - Underage Drinking Centers for Disease Control and Protection. Jul. 20, 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm

^viii New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Warning Signs of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Connecticut Clearinghouse 2001. http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/topics/customer-files/Warning-Signs-of-Alcohol-and-Substance-Abuse.pdf

^ix National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Moderate Drinking About.com. Accessed Jan. 22 2011. http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/basics/l/blnaa16.htm

^x Smith, Melinda M.A., Saisan, Joanna MSW, Segal, Jeanne Ph.D Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Self-Help HelpGuide.org. Feb. 2010. http://helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_help_treatment_prevention.htm

^xi None listed, Short-term effects of alcohol Wikipedia. Accessed Jan. 24 2011 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-term_effects_of_alcohol

^xii None listed, Long-term effects of alcohol Wikipedia. Accessed Jan 24. 2011 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_effects_of_alcohol

^xiiiNone listed, Alcohol's Damaging Effects on the Brain National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Oct. 2004. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa63/aa63.htm

^xiv None listed, Alcohol withdrawal syndrome Wikipedia. Accessed Jan. 24, 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_withdrawal_syndrome

^xv None listed, Alcohol detoxification Wikipedia. Accessed Jan. 24, 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_detoxification

^xvi Saunders, J.B., and Aasland, O.G. WHO Collaborative Project on the Identification and Treatment of Persons with Harmful Alcohol Consumption. Report on Phase I: Development of a Screening Instrument. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1987.

^xvii Saunders, J.B.; Aasland, O.G.; Babor, T.F.; et al. Development of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): WHO Collaborative Project on Early Detection of Persons with Harmful Alcohol Consumption—II. Addiction 1993, 88(6):791-804.

Cocaine

What is Cocaine? Cocaine Facts

¹eMedicine, Neurologic Effects of Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1174408-overview
²Wikipedia, Cocaine Dependence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine_dependence
³Wikipedia, Cocaine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine#Consumption

Cocaine Dependence and Is Cocaine Addictive?

¹eMedicine Substance Abuse, Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917385-overview
²eMedicineHealth Cocaine Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cocaine_abuse/article_em.htm
³Wikipedia Cocaine Dependence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine_dependence
⁴eMedicineHealth: Addiction http://www.emedicinehealth.com/addiction/article_em.htm
⁵eMedicine Cocaine-Related Psychiatric Disorders: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290195-overview

Cocaine Addiction and Cocaine Addicts

¹Wikipedia, Cocaine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine#Consumption
²eMedicine, Neurologic Effects of Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1174408-overview
³Mayo Clinic, Drug Addiction: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183

Cocaine Use: Signs, Symptoms of Cocaine Use and Addiction

¹Helpguide.org: Drug Abuse and Addiction: http://helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm
²eMedicineHealth: Cocaine Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cocaine_abuse/article_em.htm

Cocaine Effects, Cocaine Side Effects

¹eMedicine, Neurologic Effects of Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1174408-overview
²eMedicineHealth, Cocaine Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cocaine_abuse/article_em.htm

Cocaine Abuse, Cocaine Overdose

¹Mayo Clinic, Drug Addiction: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183
²Cocaine Rehab | Treatment, Signs of Cocaine Overdose http://www.cocainerehabtreatment.com/cocaine-overdose-signs

Cocaine Withdrawal and Managing Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

¹PubMed Health, Cocaine Withdrawal: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001943/
²eMedicine, Neurologic Effects of Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1174408-treatment

Cocaine Treatment: Getting Cocaine Addiction Treatment

¹Wikipedia, Cocaine Dependence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine_dependence
²eMedicine, Neurologic Effects of Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1174408-treatment
³eMedicine, Cocaine-Related Psychiatric Disorders

What is Crack Cocaine?

¹Wikipedia, Crack Cocaine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack_cocaine
²eMedicineHealth, Definition of Crack: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=13763

Crack Addiction: Addiction to Crack Cocaine

¹Discovery Health, How Crack Cocaine Works: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/drugs-alcohol/crack.htm
²Canadian Center for Substance Abuse, Crack Cocaine: http://www.ccsa.ca/2006%20ccsa%20documents/ccsa-011328-2006.pdf
³Wikipedia, Cocaine Dependence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine_dependence

Crack Cocaine Symptoms: Signs of Crack Cocaine Use

¹Wikipedia, Crack Cocaine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack_cocaine
²Narconon United Kingdom, FAQ About Crack: http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/FAQ-crack.htm

Effects of Crack Cocaine

¹Narconon, FAQ About Crack: http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/FAQ-crack.htm

Drug Addiction

What is Drug Abuse? Drug Abuse Information

¹eMedicineHealth, Drug Dependence and Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug_dependence_and_abuse/article_em.htm#Drug%20Dependence%20&%20Abuse%20Overview
²Medscape Reference, Substance Abuse, Cocaine Clinical Presentation: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917385-clinical#showall

Drug Abuse Causes: What is the Cause of Drug Abuse?

¹Medscape Reference, Substance Abuse, Cocaine Clinical Presentation: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917385-clinical#showall

Signs of Drug Abuse - Symptoms of Drug Use and Drug Abuse

¹eMedicineHealth, Drug Dependence and Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug_dependence_and_abuse/article_em.htm

Drug Abuse Statistics-Drug Abuse Facts

¹MedscapeReference, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Evaluation: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805084-overview#showall
²MedscapeReference, Substance Abuse, Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917385-overview
³eMedicineHealth, Substance Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/substance_abuse/article_em.htm

Effects of Drug Abuse

¹eMedicineHealth, Drug Dependence and Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug_dependence_and_abuse/article_em.htm
²eMedicineHealth, Substance Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/substance_abuse/article_em.htm

Drug Abuse Help

¹eMedicineHealth, Substance Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/substance_abuse/article_em.htm
²http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/
³http://www.nida.nih.gov/nidahome.html
⁴http://www.americanacademy.org/

Drug Abuse Treatment

¹eMedicineHealth, Drug Dependence and Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug_dependence_and_abuse/article_em.htm

Drug Abuse Programs

¹Betty Ford Clinic, Betty Ford Treatment Programs: http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/treatment-programs/index.php

Drug Abuse and Addiction: What's the Difference?

¹Wikipedia, Drug Tolerance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_tolerance
²Michael's House, Substance Abuse vs. Addiction: http://www.michaelshouse.com/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-addiction.html

What is Drug Addiction? Drug Addiction Information

¹eMedicineHealth, Drug Dependence and Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug_dependence_and_abuse/article_em.htm
²eMedicineHealth, Substance Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/substance_abuse/article_em.htm
³Wikipedia, Substance Dependence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_addiction
⁴MedscapeReference, Substance Abuse, Cocaine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917385-overview#showall
⁵MedscapeReference, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Evaluation: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805084-overview#showall

Drug Addiction Signs and Symptoms

¹eMedicineHealth, Drug Dependence and Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug_dependence_and_abuse/article_em.htm

What is Drug Dependence - Drug Dependency?

¹Wikipedia, Substance Dependence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_addiction

Causes of Drug Addiction - What Causes Drug Addiction?

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drugs, Brain and Behavior: The Science of Addiction: http://www.nida.nih.gov/tib/soa.html
²National Institute on Drug Abuse, Genetics of Addiction: http://www.nida.nih.gov/tib/genetics.html

Effects of Drug Addiction (physical and psychological)

¹Wikipedia, Alcohol Abuse: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_abuse
²About.com, Costs to Society of Drug Abuse: http://alcoholism.about.com/library/blnida14.htm
³National Institute on Drug Abuse, Medical Consequences on Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov/consequences/index.html
⁴National Institute on Drug Abuse, Medical Consequences on Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov/consequences/index.html

Drug Addiction Facts- Drug Addiction Statistics

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Statistics: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/treatmenttrends.html
²National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Nationwide Trends: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/nationtrends.html
³National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Room Visits: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/HospitalVisits.html

Help for Drug Addiction and How to Help a Drug Addict

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Statistics: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/treatmenttrends.html
_²eMedicineHealth, Substance Abuse: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/substance_abuse/article_em.htm

Drug Addiction Treatment and Drug Recovery

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Statistics: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/treatmenttrends.html

Drug Addiction Therapy, Drug Addiction Counseling

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research Based Guide : http://www.nida.nih.gov/podat/Evidence2.
_²Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/Default.aspx
³National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists: http://www.nacbt.org/
⁴Association for Behavioral Analysis: http://www.abainternational.org/

Importance of Drug Addiction Support

¹Alcoholics Anonymous: http://www.aa.org/
²Narcotics Anonymous: http://www.na.org/
³SMART Recovery: http://www.smartrecovery.org/

Celebrity Drug Addicts

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Room Visits: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/HospitalVisits.html
²Wikipedia, Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin

Teenage Drug Abuse: Signs and Why Teens Turn to Drugs

¹SunHawk Adolescent Recovery Center, Top 10 Reasons Why Teens Use Drugs: http://www.sunhawkrecovery.com/why-teens-use-drugs.html
²SunHawk Adolescent Recovery Center, Warning Signs Your Child is in Trouble with Drugs or Alcohol: http://www.sunhawkrecovery.com/warning_signs.html

Teen Drug Abuse Statistics

¹National Institute on Drug Abuse, Monitoring the Future Survey: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/MTF.html
²National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: High School and Youth Trends: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/HSYouthtrends.html
³Nation Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Nationwide Trends: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/nationtrends.html
⁴Teen Drug Abuse, Statistics on Teenage Drug Use: http://www.teendrugabuse.us/teen_drug_use.html
⁵National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Statistics: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/treatmenttrends.html

Heroin

What is Heroin? Information about Heroin

1 Wikipedia, Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin
2 National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA Facts: Heroin: http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/heroin.html

How is Heroin Made?

1 Wikipedia, Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin
2 Wikipedia, Opium: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium

Heroin Effects, Heroin Side Effects

1 About.com, Health Effects of Heroin: http://alcoholism.about.com/od/heroin/a/effects.-LvN.htm
2 Wikipedia, Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin

Heroin Use: Signs, Symptoms of Heroin Use and Addiction

1 Heroin Abuse, Heroin Use Warning Signs: http://www.heroinabuse.us/signs.html

Heroin Addiction: Going From Using Heroin to Heroin Addiction

1 National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Heroin: http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/heroin.html
2 Drugs and Behavior: An Introduction to Behavioral Pharmacology by William A. McKim Pearson Education Inc. 2007
3 Medscape Reference, Heroin Toxicity: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/166464-overview

Heroin Addicts: Life of the Heroin Addict

1 Medscape Reference, Heroin Toxicity: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/166464-overview
2 About.com, What Is It Like To Be Addicted to Heroin: http://alcoholism.about.com/od/heroin/a/uc_pipster.htm

Heroin Abuse, Heroin Overdose

1 National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Heroin: http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/heroin.html
2 Drugs and Behavior: An Introduction to Behavioral Pharmacology by William A. McKim Pearson Education Inc. 2007
3 Background Briefing, Professor David Clark, Heroin: http://www.drinkanddrugs.net/backgroundinformation/briefings/july0207/background_briefing.pdf
4 MedlinePlus, Heroin Overdose: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002861.htm

Heroin Withdrawal and Managing Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

1 About.com, What to Expect from Heroin Withdrawal: http://addictions.about.com/od/dailylifewithaddiction/a/What-To-Expect-From-Heroin-Withdrawal.htm
2 Wikipedia, Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin
3 Medscape Reference, Opioid Abuse and Medication: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/287790-overview

Heroin Treatment: Quitting Heroin and Getting Heroin Addiction Treatment

1 Medscape Reference, Heroin Toxicity: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/166464-overview
2 National Institute on Drug Abuse, Research Report Series - Heroin Abuse and Addiction: http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Heroin/heroin5.html#treatment

Benefits of Heroin Rehab Centers: Help for Heroin Addicts

1 National Institute on Drug Abuse, Research Report Series - Heroin Abuse and Addiction: http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Heroin/heroin5.html#treatment
2 Michael's House, Heroin Rehab: http://www.michaelshouse.com/heroin-rehab/
3 Michael's House, How to Succeed in a Heroin Rehab Program: http://www.michaelshouse.com/heroin-rehab/succeed-heroin-rehab-program.html

Heroin Facts, Heroin Statistics

1 Drug and Alcohol Services Information System, Heroin—Changes In How It Is Used: 1995-2005: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/heroinTX/heroinTX.htm
2 Medscape Reference, Heroin Toxicity: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/166464-overview
3 National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Heroin: http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/heroin.html
4 Wikipedia, Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin
5 Medscape Reference, Opioid Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/287790-overview
6 Background Briefing, Professor David Clark, Heroin: http://www.drinkanddrugs.net/backgroundinformation/briefings/july0207/background_briefing.pdf

History of Heroin and Famous Heroin Addicts

1 Wikipedia, Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin

Street Names for Heroin and Other Heroin Slang Terms

1 Wikipedia, Chasing the Dragon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasing_the_dragon
2 Wikipedia, Black Tar Heroin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_tar_heroin
3 About.com, Drug Slang Dictionary: http://parentingteens.about.com/cs/herpes/l/blsldicher.htm

Marijuana

What is Marijuana? Information on Marijuana

¹Wikipedia, Cannabis (drug): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marihuana
² hemp. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hemp
³ marihuana. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/marihuana

What is Marijuana? Information on Marijuana

¹Wikipedia, Cannabis (drug): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marihuana
²hemp. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hemp
³marihuana. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/marihuana

Is Marijuana Addictive? Can You Develop a Weed Addiction?

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview
²Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview
³National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA InfoFacts: Marijuana: http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html

Signs, Symptoms of Marijuana Use and Addiction

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview
²Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview

Effects of Marijuana and Marijuana Side Effects

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview

How Marijuana Affects the Body and Brain

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview#showall

Marijuana and Depression: A Depressant or Treatment?

¹Mayo Clinic, Marijuana and Depression: What's the Link? http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/marijuana-and-depression/AN01900
²Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview#showall
³Science Daily, Cannabis: Potent Anti-Depressant In Low Doses, Worsens Depression At High Doses: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023183937.htm

Marijuana and Anxiety: A Cause or Treatment of Anxiety, Panic Attacks

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabis Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview#showall
²Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Weed (Marijuana)

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview#showall
²Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview

³American Council for Drug Education, Basic Facts About Drugs: Marijuana: http://www.acde.org/common/Marijana.htm

Is Marijuana Harmful? Positive and Negative Effects of Marijuana, Weed

¹Wikipedia, Marijuana: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marihuana
²Medscape Reference, Marijuana: http://reference.medscape.com/drug/cannabis-ganja-marijuana-343687
³Mayo Clinic, Cannabis: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/marijuana/NS_patient-marijuana
⁴Medscape Reference, Marijuana: http://reference.medscape.com/drug/cannabis-ganja-marijuana-343687

How to Help a Pothead, Weed Addict, Marijuana Addict

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview
²Medscape, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview

Quitting Weed! How to Stop Smoking Marijuana, Pot, Weed

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview

Marijuana Withdrawal and Managing Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview
²Wikipedia, Smoking Cessation (cannabis): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_cessation_%28cannabis%29

Marijuana Treatment: Getting Marijuana Addiction Treatment

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview

Marijuana (Weed) Facts, Marijuana Statistics

¹Medscape Reference, Cannabinoid Poisoning: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833828-overview
²Medscape Reference, Cannabis Compound Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-overview

Meth Addiction

What is Meth, Crystal Meth, Methamphetamine?

¹eMedicine, Methamphetamine Toxicity: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/820918-overview

Meth Facts: Facts about Methamphetamine, Crystal Meth

¹eMedicine, Methamphetamine Toxicity: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/820918-overview
²eMedicine, Amphetamine-Related Psychiatric Disorders: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289973-overview
³WebMD, Meth 101: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/meth-101

Meth Addiction: How Do People Become Addicted to Meth?

¹WebMD, Meth 101: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/meth-101

Meth Symptoms: Signs of Meth Addiction

¹Wikipedia, Methamphetamine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meth
²eMedicineHealth, Club Drugs: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/club_drugs/article_em.htm

Effects of Meth: Crystal Methamphetamine Effects on Addict

¹HealthHype.com, Crystal Meth Addiction - Use, Effects, Symptoms, Test and Abuse: http://www.healthhype.com/crystal-meth-addiction-use-effects-symptoms-test-abuse.html
²Wikipedia, Methamphetamine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meth
³eMedicine, Methamphetamine Toxicity: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/820918-overview

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

¹eMedicine, Amphetamine-Related Psychiatric Disorders: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289973-overview

Treatment for Meth Addiction: Methamphetamine Treatment

¹WebMD, Meth 101: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/meth-101
²SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, Matrix Model: http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=87
³Matrix Institute of Addictions: http://www.matrixinstitute.org

---

---

back to:   All Articles on Addictions