Cocaine Habit

Addiction

Q: I have been a recreational user of cocaine for almost 10 years now.  But I have always had it under control.  Recently, having decided to quit as I get older, I have found it very difficult.  Causing me to have depression, grogginess; sometimes palpitations. What is the easiest way to kick a cocaine habit without going to rehab?    

A: Thank you for contacting us.  I certainly appreciate your willingness to change your life.  I understand you're desire to get clean without treatment, and I want to let you know that recovery looks different for everybody.  I would encourage you to begin to exercise in some capacity.  Walking might be a good start, but my sense is that you could benefit from any sort of exercise.  Meditation would be helpful as a way to slow down your thoughts and act as a way to help you deal with cravings.  Involvement in Group therapy would be beneficial so as you get feedback about blind spots in your life or feedback about the reasons/excuses you have to use.  Group therapy could also provide you with an accountability partner to assist you in staying clean. Lastly, I would  invite you to talk to a doctor about anti-craving medications such as Prazosin.  These medications are helpful as you take the meds while you are using.  The medications act as an antagonist and blunt the effects of Cocaine, essentially diminishing any of the effects or "benefits" of the drug.  Journaling is always helpful.  I also know a lot of clients who have found benefit in  spending time at a pound or with animals in some capacity- they report that the pets act as a distraction and give them a purpose.    

You are always welcome to write back if you need additional support.

Response was provided by Addiction Expert, Mr. Todd Branston. 

You can view his listing in our Directory.

Mood Swings, Worries

Bipolar Disorder

Q:  I just want to ask why I always get worry about everything and always think that the people around me don't want me to know what they're talking about? Also, I want to know that why I always be in changing mood? Please help me to to pass this, I want to live my life.:(( 

A:  The first step is to recognize that your view of events is not normal.  You obviously have already realized that your thinking is distorted.  This is a big step forward!  Now it is a matter of controlling these thoughts and learning to see events for what they really are.

It is hard to determine from what you have sent us what your condition may be.  You seem to have some anxiety symptoms, some paranoia symptoms, and your mood swings may be a sign of some form of bipolar disorder.  For this next step, we think you need to see a therapist to be evaluated thoroughly.  Meantime, feel free to try our Anxiety and Bipolar Tests to see if you have the symptoms.    

Sleeping Too Much

Depression

Q: When a person just want to sleep all the time, is that a sign of depression?

A: In our section on Depression, we talk about some of the symptoms of depression which can include the following:

• Appetite change, usually accompanied by weight loss or weight gain.
• Lack of interest in previously loved and enjoyed activities.
• A sudden lack of activities, in general.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and self-hate.
• Prolonged irritability and bad moods.
• Recurring thoughts of suicide or death.
• Moving slower or faster than usual.
• Sudden lack of energy or fatigue.
• Problems sleeping, either too much or too little sleep.
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (eg, headaches, chronic pain, digestive disorders).

So, as you can see, lack of energy and the need for too much sleep could be a sign of depression.  However, by itself, it could also be caused by many other factors, some not related to any mental disorder.  We think it is best if you could first see a physician to be examined for any physical causes of your over sleeping.  You should also take our self-administered screening test for depression to see if you have some of the other symptoms.  Then you can decide on the next steps.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Q:  what is the diff b/w anxiety and depression?

A:  SoundMindz defines these conditions as follows:

Anxiety can be defined as worry or apprehension about bad things that could potentially happen in the future. While everyone has some anxiety at times, an anxiety disorder is excessive and irrational worry that affects a person's everyday functioning in a negative way.

Everyday ups and downs are just more challenging when you have an anxiety disorder and it can cause problems with your work and home life as well as your social life. Anxiety disorders cause excessive stress and worry not only to the person themselves but also to the people around them. Living with someone who has an anxiety disorder is a challenge in itself.

Depression:  Feelings of sadness are a normal reaction to life’s problems or disappointments, but if sadness lasts longer than two weeks and affects your work, studies, or day-to-day activities, it may represent a medical condition called depression.

Depression is a serious mood disorder. It can take different forms, but is typically characterized by feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. People with depression may describe feeling empty, angry, aggressive, or restless. Depression can begin at any age, although is most commonly diagnosed during the early adult years. Symptoms may start gradually over several weeks or months but can also appear suddenly.

If you are concerned about either disorder, you can take one of our free tests to check for symptoms.

Constant Negative Thoughts

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD

Q:  How do i get rid of negative thoughts that is continuously coming to mind every second. I am getting these thoughts for almost 2-3 years and despite making several attempts to control these thoughts i can't control it.Because of these recurring thoughts i am feeling restless,irritated,angry and also this is affecting my concentration very badly.So please advice me some ways or methods to overcome these thoughts forever so that again i can live a normal life.

A: It sounds like you may be suffering from highly intrusive obsessive thoughts, and potentially some depression.  It is hard to gauge the extent or nature of your symptoms from your note above.  But here are a couple of points to remember: 

>Repetition does not make thoughts go away; it just makes them more intrusive and pervasive.  Try to remind yourself that you have already given enough time to a particular negative thought, and that it is enough.  Will yourself to only allow limited time to any particular negative thought.  Then, it must go away.

>Always remind yourself that no matter how negative, real, or important the thoughts may seem; they are only thoughts.  They may or may not have any relation to reality. Make yourself think about what is real and how it compares with the thoughts.

Other than these simple techniques, we think you need to get diagnosed by a professional therapist and get personalized treatment.  You can also start by taking our OCD test to check your symptoms.

Depression Medications

Depression

Q: I have depression due to domestic abuse, difficulties in relationship, several deaths of close people, suspension from work and having to sign on and up and coming court appearance. What medication would be suitable? I am 33 years old woman and is under weight and i am a smoker.

A: First of all, please quit smoking!  It will help with a lot of things.

We are truly sorry to hear about all the difficulties you are faced with in your life.

Based on all that you mention above, you are in a very difficult situation and if you are having some symptoms, they could very well be triggered by all the events in your life right now.  It is not unusual to have temporary symptoms of depression or anxiety when faced with difficult events in life.  However, as things get better, then your symptoms should disappear over time as well.  If your situation does not change, or your symptoms do not get any better, then it is highly advisable to get some help from a therapist. 

We would suggest that you get evaluated for depression and anxiety.  Then if the therapist feels that medications are needed, they will prescribe them for you.

You can find a listing of therapists in London here.

Positive Depression Test Results

Depression

Q: Hi i have done a few of these online depression tests and they have all had similar results saying i have symptoms of mild depression or im heading toward depression, do i need to get help? or do i need to tell my parents that i might be slightly depressed?

A: If you have taken our depression test as well as others and they all point to you having depression symptoms, then you need to take some action.  We would suggest doing both of the actions you mention: talk with your parents and with their help and guidance find a therapist who can evaluate you and get you on the path to recovery.

Good luck and let us know how you progress.  

Addiction to online games

Addiction

Q:  I think I am addicted to online games.  I can’t seem to stop playing them.  Have to play all the time.  Any suggestions?

A:  Online games in particular are very popular these days on phones or on PC’s.  Playing a few games a day during your free time or breaks is perfectly normal.  But if you find that you are playing games at the expense of other activities you should or could be doing, then you need to make a behavioral change.  Any kind of obsessive behavior like playing online games constantly is not normal.  Good news is most people will find it relatively “painless” to limit themselves to so many minutes of playing games per day, during specific periods.

However, if you cannot adhere to your schedule and feel like you have an uncontrollable urge to play games, then you need to seek some help.

20 years of insomnia

Insomnia

Q:  my younger brother 48 suffering from severe insomnia from 1992 .is there any treatment ?

A:  Long term insomnia like that could be caused by any number of factors. For example his diet; does he drink coffee or alcoholic beverages within 6 hours of going to sleep?  He could also be suffering from sleep disorders like Sleep Apnea.  We suggest that you read our section on Insomnia and have him take our screening test as a starting point.

Unfaithful Husband

Depression

Q:  i can't forget the past my husband cheated on me. i always cried at night and treated him cool but i love him very much. he had an affair twice a few years ago. how to forget the painful past?

A:  We are sorry to hear about your husband.  It is important to remember though, that it is quite common and natural for you to be feeling upset and maybe even depressed about the whole thing.  It is also imperative for you to always remind yourself that you are Not the one at fault here, rather it was your husband who has been unfaithful to you.

As for courses of action, we would recommend two approaches.  Try and see if you can go to couples counseling with your husband and work through why he was unfaithful to you; and see if you can come terms with your conflicting feelings for him.  At the very least, you will have an opportunity to confront him about the whole affair and under a therapist’s guidance, let him know how he has made you feel.

We also recommend that you see a therapist on your own to get help dealing with the intense feelings you are having about your relationship with your husband.  This should help you deal with the whole situation more objectively.

Best of luck; and let us know how you are progressing.