Mental illness is a reality for millions of Americans. Mental Health Awareness Month, honored every May in the United States, is a national movement designed to support these individuals and shed light on the reality of mental illness. In May 2022, this movement is more important than ever. We are in the midst of a […]

Communication is essential to successful parenting, but getting through to a teenager can be tough – especially when it comes to topics they don’t want to talk about. If you are worried that your teen is using drugs or hanging out with the wrong crowd, it is important to express your concerns. However, it’s also […]

In the field of addiction treatment, “continuing care” refers to the stage of treatment that follows an initial period of intensive care. It is designed to provide individuals with more support throughout their recovery – in other words, a full continuum of care. As we know, drug addiction is a chronic and lifelong disease. Much […]

Substance addiction is a chronic disease that affects a person’s mental health and behaviors. It develops after an individual has used drugs regularly, over a period of time. With consecutive use, drugs disrupt the user’s brain function and make it very difficult to quit. Because of the nature of this disease, anyone who uses drugs […]

Studies show that teenagers are highly inclined to act on impulse, engage in risky behavior, and get into fights or argue (sometimes, just for the sake of arguing). They are less likely to think before they act, and more likely to misinterpret emotions or social cues. As a parent, you may have asked, “Why is […]

When it comes to drug abuse and addiction, women have very different experiences than men. As we’ve detailed in a previous article, women are more quick to jump to high-risk behaviors (like drug abuse) than their male counterparts. Women are also more quick to develop a clinical addiction than men, and more likely to experience […]

It is easy to recognize when your child breaks a bone or comes down with the flu. For most parents, it is also easy to call the doctor or order the treatment your teen needs. However, when it comes to mental illness, it’s a bit more convoluted. It is not always apparent when a teenager […]

IDDT stands for “integrated dual diagnosis treatment.” It is an evidence-based model of therapy for those struggling with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illness. Learn more about IDDT therapy below. Mental health is a very real, yet often delicate topic. Many people struggling with mental illness are scared to get the help they need, […]

Research has long shown a correlation between substance addiction and mental health. It is estimated that people diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders are twice as likely to suffer from a substance use disorder, as well. The same is true for those with antisocial and conduct disorders. Similarly, individuals diagnosed with drug use disorders are […]

Substance addiction is a treatable and manageable condition. Anyone can achieve recovery.  Recovery is defined as a process of change, through which individuals struggling with substance addiction (and/or mental health disorders) can improve their wellness, regain control over their lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Those in recovery learn how to live without […]