WHY YOU SHOULD SPEAK OUT ABOUT YOUR RECOVERY
It’s always easier to share news and speak out when something good is happening versus when you’re going through a hard time. You might even be afraid to speak up about your recovery at first, but you may find that you’ve met with an overwhelming wave of kind words and support from those who you’ve […]
PREVENTING DRUG USE IN TEENS
Parenting a teenager might be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Hormones are all over the place, they’re starting to discover sex and start worrying about their appearance, they’re likely as not to hate you from one day to the next, and they have just enough freedom for you to really worry about […]
WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN HEAL DURING RECOVERY
Substance abuse affects not only the individuals using but also families and friends. It can be especially difficult for a child to watch their mother or father battle an addiction. The nonstop ups and downs at home can leave children feeling hopeless and confused. When family challenges take place, there isn’t an exact way to […]
GRIEF AND THE PATH TO ADDICTION
Grief can be an overwhelming feeling that can last anywhere from days to several years. It’s a response to the death of a loved one, end of a relationship, or any other situation in your life that you cherish. Because grief is such an intense emotion, it can trigger frustration, anger, depression, and anxiety. Everyone […]
THE SUMMER SKYROCKET OF TEEN ALCOHOL ABUSE
A season known for barbecues, pool days, flip flops and family vacations, summer is a popular time for activities with friends and family. But with all the parties and picnics also comes the unlimited supply of alcoholic beverages – often tempting children and teens. Each summer, over 11,000 kids try alcohol for the first time […]
ANXIETY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Substance use disorders and mental health are often two peas in a pod. At times it is difficult to separate one from another. More often than not, each condition gradually worsens the other. Over 50% of individuals suffering from a substance abuse disorder have what is considered a dual diagnosis. The term dual diagnosis is […]
WHAT IS ADDICTION?
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease defined by a physical and psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol. When an addictive disorder has formed, a person will pursue their toxic habits despite putting themselves and others in harm’s way. An addiction heavily impacts the way a person thinks, acts, and feels. Many people with addictive […]
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS
Throughout the United States, every 6 out of 10 people who struggle with substance use disorder also experience a different type of mental health issue at the same time. This is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder, and listed below are facts you may not know about them: Co-occurring disorders come in many forms […]
DENIAL AND ADDICTION TREATMENT
Denial is a very common defense mechanism and is usually the first reaction when confronted with the truth, especially when it comes to addiction. Most people who are struggling with substance use get stuck in a rut where they try to convince themselves and those around them that substance use isn’t negatively affecting their lives, […]
CAN CHILDHOOD TRAUMA TRIGGER SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER?
Studies have found that children who have experienced traumatic events undergo grappling physical changes involving the brain (mainly size and shape). This disrupts a child’s normal growth pattern at a time when they’re simultaneously being forced to adapt to mature situations prematurely. With that said, it’s no surprise that childhood trauma survivors have increased vulnerability […]
