alcohol use disorder vs alcoholism
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Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) vs. Alcoholism

An AUD, or alcohol use disorder, is a term defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to describe a person struggling with alcohol addiction. Aside from AUD, you may have heard many terms to describe an unhealthy relationship with alcohol: alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or alcohol dependence, among others. But what is…

Poverty, PTSD, and Addiction: A Cycle of Defeat
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Poverty, PTSD, and Addiction: A Cycle of Defeat

The poorest citizens in our country, often living in impoverished communities, are plagued by mental illnesses including substance abuse. We often see this as a problem that begins with an addiction that ruins a person’s finances and leads to poor mental health. However, living in an impoverished area can expose a person to constantly stressful…

Addiction and Mental Illness in U.S. Veterans
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Addiction and Mental Illness in U.S. Veterans

U.S. veterans have prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice – losing their lives in the defense of our country. While this dedication should be lauded, too many veterans are coming back to lives of mental anguish and despair. And too often, our veterans are experiencing mental illness, abusing substances, and even taking their lives when…

Mental Illness in America: How Capitalism is Feeding Our Mental Health Crisis

Mental Illness in America: How Capitalism is Feeding Our Mental Health Crisis

Capitalism and Mental Illness The current state of capitalism is in turmoil, according to independent op-eds, political pundits, and even the United Nations; a group of scientists has recently warned the UN that capitalism will fail because it focuses on short-term profits, not long-term benefits. Mental illnesses, including addiction, exemplify this problem. The National Alliance…