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…
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reports a “definite connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances.” Most will not dispute that untreated mental illness can (and does) lead to self-medication. When people self-medicate, they often turn to addictive substances – like alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs. But there is another side…
Remember the adage knowledge is power? If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you were bombarded by this statement. But there’s another that bears repeating. Words are powerful. The words we use to identify things, concepts and ideas, can immediately stir a particular emotion, reaction, or mental image. One such example is the…
As more data is being collected, scientists, medical professionals and counselors are providing more and more research that shows the need to treat people who abuse drugs just as they would someone with a psychological or mental health disorder. We are seeing now more than ever the importance of a comprehensive system of care that…