A Month of Awareness: National Recovery Month + Suicide Prevention Month

awareness month

September is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month to create awareness about each of these important mental health issues that sometimes intersect. Let’s begin by giving you some framework on how to best think about addiction. Imagine a close friend or family member is diagnosed with heart disease. Then, despite the fact that … Read more

10 Self Care Ideas and Tips for Self Care Awareness Month

self care ideas

Protecting our physical and mental wellbeing has to be a priority in our life, which is why taking advantage of helpful self care ideas and discovering new self care tips is so important. The month of September is recognized as National Self Care Awareness Month so it’s the perfect time to practice self-care ideas and … Read more

Substance Induced Disorders Causes and Treatment

substance induced disorders

The consequences of alcohol and drug abuse can create problems with work, school, and personal relationships. Even for people without a history of addiction, drugs and alcohol can cause mental and physical health issues known as Substance Induced Disorders (SIDs). These issues can severely impair a person’s ability to live a normal life. Fortunately, most … Read more

CBT vs DBT Are Similar Yet Different Therapies

cbt vs dbt

Behavioral therapies, like CBT vs DBT, are terms that sound more intimidating than they are in actuality. Sometimes called psycho-social interventions, these types of therapies are really just a form of communicating and learning about ourselves with guidance from a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. CBT vs DBT Therapies Two of the most common and effective … Read more

Men’s Health Month Top 7 Tips

mens health month

Men’s Health Month is important and shouldn’t be overlooked. From a young age, many boys are told to “man up” and they shouldn’t get emotional or show any signs of weakness. This carries through to adulthood so they build a tough exterior to suppress their inner feelings and don’t open up to others emotionally as … Read more

How to Let Go of the Need for Approval

need for approval

Your dreams and ambitions can be drowned out by the need for approval from significant others. Looking for validation is deep rooted in us as it makes us feel included, and it’s an integral part of childhood. We learn to seek approval from our parents, teachers, and friends to find out more about our place … Read more

Borderline Personality Disorder and Addiction

borderline personality disorder and addiction

Examining the correlation between the 10 types of personality disorders and substance use, one of the most common links appears with Borderline Personality Disorder and addiction. When it comes to mental health and issues of substance abuse or addiction, there is undoubtedly a direct connection. In some cases, a substance use disorder can lead to … Read more

Alcohol Dementia Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

alcohol dementia

Note: Alcohol Dementia goes by many names including, alcohol-related dementia, alcoholic dementia, and alcohol-induced dementia. April is Alcohol Awareness Month and it’s an ideal time to examine some of the health concerns surrounding alcohol use and misuse so everyone can be better informed about the dangers of this widely accepted substance of choice for many … Read more

Benefits of Endorphins and 6 Natural Ways to Increase Them

endorphins

Endorphins have become a “buzzword” for health and wellbeing, and for good reason. But whether most people really understand the benefits of endorphins and the role they play in our life is another matter. The word “endorphin” is a combination of the words endogenous and morphine. Endogenous means within or inside the body, and morphine … Read more

4 Types of Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use

bipolar disorder

It’s important to understand the 4 types of bipolar disorder and how they can impact substance use. While the public’s perception of recovery is commonly watered down to a simple solution of detox, 12-steps, and willpower, proper mental health and addiction treatment is actually far more complicated. While a commitment to abstinence and accountability works … Read more