It can be extremely difficult for any individual to acquire the needed coping mechanisms for their mental health conditions. Because of this, many individuals turn to substance abuse to regulate their emotions and body responses. In addiction treatment, this is known as comorbidity or having co-occurring disorders. Finding the right treatment for co-occurring disorders is…
Many people think of binge drinking as a problem that is overwhelmingly experienced by college students hoping to unwind on a Saturday night. While this specific type of alcohol abuse is often observed in young adults, they may not be the only ones affected by their drinking habits. Substance abuse can carry serious financial, emotional,…
For people with drug or alcohol addiction or mental health disorders, a support group may be one of the core components of long-term success. It is just a part of an overall treatment program. Yet, it’s critical for providing real-world support and connection with others. At Insight into Action Therapy, we offer group therapy as…
When it comes to depression and Thanksgiving, it can be somewhat hard to know how to get through the day. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of feeling thankful and being surrounded by family. That does not always happen. Sometimes it happens and can put even more stress on you. How are you supposed…
It’s natural to wonder if depression and addiction are connected. Frequently, when one condition is present, the other follows. However, it’s not very useful to expend energy attempting to figure out which came first or which condition caused the other. The key when dealing with depression and addiction to treat both conditions simultaneously, so the…
We are the collective creator of our own agony. It is time for a re-awakening of consciousness when we recognize the best in ourselves and overcome the worst. ~Lawrence Overmire Americans are increasingly housebound and left to their own devices as the Covid-19 quarantine stretches into months. Measured reactions to the stress, boredom, and loneliness…
Are you or a loved one struggling with tobacco use? Do you want to quit smoking and don’t know how to start? Have you tried to quit before and been unsuccessful? Worried that vaping is not a great alternative? Nicotine has been proven to be a highly addictive substance. According to the Diagnostic Statistic Manual…
September is National Recovery Month. Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can help those dealing with a substance use disorder or mental health issue to live a health and rewarding life. The month celebrates the successes of those in recovery and…
E-cigarettes Through the Eyes of a Loudoun County Teen Walk into any high school or middle school bathroom. Do you smell something fruity? Something minty? That’s not air freshener. Our school bathrooms have turned into Juul Rooms. The administrators sometimes even lock the bathrooms because so many kids are vaping in there. Those sleek black…
In 2014, The Institute for Addiction Study recognized and included ten addictions to behaviors with dopamine-releasing substances to include in the Periodic Table of the Intoxicants. Due to the problems presented by individuals that met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria for an addiction, these ten behaviors were added: gambling, media, relationships, codependency, performance,…