In my work as a therapist, I frequently utilize mindfulness practices with clients. Mindfulness is an important feature of many of the newer approaches to therapy that build on the techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — often cited as a preferred form of therapy, given the extensive research on its effectiveness. Clients having difficulty…
Alcohol consumption is a definite American pastime. American culture is awash in alcohol advertisements, and it seems to be a prerequisite at many parties. Even though it is legal, alcohol is a drug that can be addictive and cause a host of problems. Nonetheless, drinking alcohol isn’t necessarily something to be avoided altogether. It is…
Prescribing medications to address mental health concerns is not something doctors do lightly. They prescribe these medications with the belief that they can improve people’s mental health and quality of life. Medical professionals also understand that care extends beyond the mere prescription. This is an approach called medication management. Medication management comes from recognizing that…
Harm reduction is any set of programs, policies, or initiatives that seek to reduce harm related to substance abuse and addiction. While its application remains largely in the addiction field, mental healthcare providers are beginning to apply harm reduction principles to depression and self-harm. The framework remains the same where the point is not the…
There will always be difficult times in a relationship, no matter how happy and healthy it is. You and your partner may be going through a hard time, or there may be problems that you have been struggling with for a long time. Therefore, open communication and conflict resolution is essential in maintaining a healthy…
If you are struggling with a drug disorder, you might also be struggling with a mental health disorder. It is common to develop depression or anxiety when you are using drugs, as they can severely hinder your mental health. When it comes to treatment, you may need to consider getting care for more than one…
Matt Christian, LCSW Though more people are becoming familiar with the term “dual diagnosis”, let’s first get clear on what it means. Simply put, it’s when an individual has both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously. This is not a rare occurrence. In fact, it is estimated that around 50% of people…
Drinking has many consequences for everyone. If abused, you can risk the health and safety of both yourself and others. For teens, the repercussions of alcohol use are even greater. There could be many reasons why a teen would want to drink, from peer pressure to stress. No matter the reason why teen drinking is…
One of the biggest stressors for parents is teen drinking. It is very dangerous, and can affect not only teenagers, but also the people in their lives. Drinking can lead to alcohol abuse or addiction, both of which cause serious problems with mental and physical health. It is important to discuss the dangers of teen…
Addiction can feel very isolating, especially if you have difficulty finding a good support system to help you on your recovery journey. Many people end up removing themselves from their friends and family, which is both lonely and dangerous. Therapy can help you work through all of your problems and gain the tools needed to…