Chemical dependency can be described as the inability to control and/or quit the use of a substance. For those that struggle with alcohol and drug use, abuse should be a real and pressing concern. The transition from use to abuse can happen without the individual even being aware that use has crossed over the line into chemical dependency.

Dependency Myths

There are many myths that surround alcohol and drug dependency. Frequ...

An addiction (the need to use a substance or perform a behavior repeatedly) usually develops over time. So it's easy not to notice at first. But as your problem grows, your chances of losing everything important to you multiply. No one plans to be addicted and no one plans to lose his or her family, friends, job, health, and self-respect—but it can happen.

Addictive Substances Include:

• Illegal drugs such as cocaine

...

No one is immune to stress. It's a part of life, whether the physical stress of a harried schedule, or the mental stress of money problems. People respond to and rate stress differently, but stress is usually defined as a negative feeling, according to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA).

Much of the stress we complain of or react to is tied to everyday responsibilities, the NMHA says. And not all stress is easily r...

College students have their own culture and language. You may know your college friends better than their own parents do. And you may be able to tell that something is wrong with one of your classmates when the professors and faculty advisors can't. You can use your insights to help your friends and classmates find help when they are having problems. While there is no foolproof method of determining that someone is thinking of...

Suicide can often take friends and family by surprise. However, in many cases, people give clues that they are thinking of taking their own life. If you are aware of these red flags, you could help the person seek help early and prevent the individual from going into crisis.

Warning Signs of Suicide

If you hear someone talk of ending his or her life or causing harm to himself or herself, or if you see the person give away prized...

Are you a person who can act on tough questions? Questions like: What am I grateful for? What choices do I have? What actions can I take to improve my life? What are my primary strengths? How can I live a more balanced life?

People who can act on these questions likely also describe themselves as happy.

“Happiness is neither a mood nor an emotion. Mood is a biochemical condition, and emotions are transitory feelings,” says D...

People talk about the importance of keeping their lives in balance. But when it comes down to it, few people really know how to achieve it. "When you're stressed, taking steps to strengthen your personal integrity can bring you back to a sense of balance that restores a sense of inner peace and harmony," says Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D., author of Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart. "The human spirit is composed of free-flowing energy....

Do you hate being criticized even when you know you've made a mistake? If so, it's no wonder -- criticism can make people feel incompetent, angry and just plain awful.

How do you, personally, respond to criticism? Do you make excuses or lash back with criticism?

"This fight-or-flight response is natural and common, but it isn't very productive. It cuts off communication, often just when it's needed most," says Jean Lebedun,...

Are you someone that lets life happen or do you get involved and take part in the decisions that shape your personal success and your future? Everyone has different ways of dealing with situations, however there are some commonalities among personality styles that group people into three categories: passive, aggressive, and assertive. 
 

PASSIVE people let the situation unfold without their input. Oftentimes, they sit back and...

You can learn to think positively, and doing so can lead to greater self-confidence, more respect for others and achievement of your goals.

The late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's best-selling classic, "The Power of Positive Thinking," has inspired millions of people in more than 130 countries. The principles it teaches are as timely today as they were when the book was first published in 1952. The book teaches a simple system of...