May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In many communities, it’s an opportunity to participate in local events and activities that promote mental wellness. It’s also an ideal time to examine the way your own thoughts impact your quality of life. Many Americans struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma disorder, and more. Sadly, instead…

therapist discussing The Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery

The Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery

Proper nutrition is often overlooked in discussions about substance abuse recovery. The focus tends to be on detoxification, therapy, support groups, etc. While all of those things are crucial to recovery, true health cannot be achieved without nutritional balance. Chronic substance use depletes valuable nutrients that optimize our body’s ability to function properly. It also…

adhd and addiction

The Connection Between ADHD and Addiction

More than 6 million U.S. children from ages 2 to 17 are currently diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also estimates that two-thirds of these children (64 percent) also have other co-occurring mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders (1). According to the National…

12-step program

What Is a 12-Step Program?

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA, was the first organization to adopt and publish a 12-step program to treat alcohol addiction. People started using the Alcoholics Anonymous program to get sober, and others took notice. Then, the NJ 12-step program started popping up in other treatment settings. For example, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and Overeaters…

how ptsd can lead to addiction

How PTSD Can Lead to Addiction

Many people who suffer from untreated mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety often use drugs or alcohol to cope. PTSD is a debilitating mental health condition that leads to major depression, intense anxiety, and intrusive memories or flashbacks that make a severe impact on a person’s life. Many people…

group talking about a treatment plan for substance abuse

How to Come Up with a Treatment Plan for Substance Abusers

Recognizing the need for alcohol or drug addiction treatment is the first step towards healing. The second step revolves around creating a treatment plan for substance abusers. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each person responds to different types and levels of care in varied ways. Yet, in every situation, it is critical to recognize help is…