Does the thought of merging into traffic trigger a fight-or-flight response that rivals a Hollywood car chase? You're not alone. Millions face a fear of driving, a phobia that can screech to a halt any dreams of independence. A fear of driving throws a wrench into daily life, limiting independence, career options, and even social activities. Many with this anxiety, often rooted in past negative experiences, a general fear of losing control, or a likely claustrophobia triggered by the enclosed space of a car.
Read moreOvercoming the Fear of Driving: A 5-Part Series on Beating Your Fear of Driving Part 1: Understanding the Fear of Driving and Exploring Therapeutic Solutions
For many people, driving is a source of fun and excitement even though it demands a lot – constant focus, quick decision-making, and a healthy dose of trust in self and others. However, it is also a great source of fear and anxiety to many others, and this kind of driving-induced fear is commoner than you might think.
Read moreAlcohol Addiction and Dependency. (Article 4 of 5.)
Research on adolescent development has suggested that peer influence may play a major role in the willingness to drink. Alcohol consumption continues to be an issue in many countries around the world. It is also associated with other unhealthy behaviours such as drug use, and irresponsible sexual encounters. Risky drinking can also lead to a serious car accident where innocent lives could be lost.
Read moreAlcohol Addiction and Dependency. (Article 3 of 5.)
Alcohol is known to be a psycho-active substance which, when you drink, can cause changes in awareness, your moods, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A good example is that the brain uses a number of chemicals called neuro-transmitters to carry messages to the mind and body. One of these is dopamine, which is often known as the “happy hormone.”
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