The opioid crisis in the United States has reached an incredibly alarming level, destroying countless lives and tearing apart families. This issue began back in the 1990s, involving prescription pain medications. Since then, it has only continued to grow in severity and has reached the scale of an epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease […]
When someone enters treatment for substance use disorder, they may find themselves in a situation where they are rebuilding their lives from the ground up. For example, they likely need to find a new job, figure out where they’re going to live, take control of their finances, and figure out what they need to do […]
Some people experience struggles with substance use and mental health at the same time. This is what is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. There are a lot of resources that may be used to help someone with a co-occurring disorder. One of these resources is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). When treating a co-occurring […]
There are few things more painful than watching someone you love deal with something as painful and complicated as self-harm. Self-harm behaviors are a deeply misunderstood experience that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While often associated with pain and distress, self-harming behaviors can also be ways for individuals to cope with […]
Detoxification is the critical first step toward the journey of achieving sobriety. However, this phase can also be one of the most challenging due to the physical and psychological symptoms you can experience. Detox occurs when the body begins to eliminate addictive and toxic substances and can be very uncomfortable. However, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can […]
For many people who struggle with substance use disorder, there is a direct link to past trauma that played a role in their addiction. What exactly that trauma is can look different from person to person. It is critical to address trauma as a root cause of addiction for the person to begin to heal. […]
In many cases, addiction and mental health disorders go hand in hand. This is what is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis. In other words, someone with this condition is struggling with a mental health disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously. Treating this kind of disorder can be complex and often […]
Addiction is often referred to as a family disease. Substance use disorder (SUD) and other types of mental health disorders can truly take a toll on the entire family unit. It’s important to educate family members about this disease so that they can work together to overcome the challenges. Family therapy can be powerful and […]
Art and music are both powerful things that are associated with many great mental health benefits. The healing power connected to art and music has been studied for many years. In ancient Egypt, many people believed that music had divine origins that could help restore harmony between the body and the mind. Art was also […]
When someone who is struggling with addiction makes the decision to stop drinking or engaging in drug use, they have taken the big first step towards bettering their lives. The next step is the detox process, which is when the harmful substances they have become dependent upon are removed from the body. Many people may […]
Prescription drug addiction in the US has been an ongoing problem among all age groups, starting at a very young age. It can affect anyone regardless of background, ethnicity, education, or gender. A prescription drug is a medication that a doctor prescribes to treat a specific medical condition. Prescription drug misuse involves using a drug […]
When many people think about treatment for mental health or substance use disorders, they think about sitting in a room and talking with a therapist. While talk therapy can be a very useful and effective tool, it is certainly not the only option. Experiential and adventure therapy provides a unique approach to healing that promotes […]