Blogs

Real people sharing real stories about their experience with substance abuse and mental health.

The Insanity of a Family Disease

During my twenty-five year career in substance abuse treatment, I’ve frequently heard family members (and clients) insist that "Alcohol isn't his/her/my problem - drugs are!" and "Alcoholism isn't his/her/my problem - addiction is!" as if the same principles of recovery from chemical dependency don't apply to any dysfunctional situation where alcohol either isn't present or isn't present enough to be identified as the primary drug-of-choice.

Gender Dysphoria: Understanding Identity and Mental Illness

Gender dysphoria may seem more prevalent in today’s society. Yet, this is only due to its acceptance of transgendered – and rightfully so. In the past, people thought that…

Co-occurring Disorders: What Are They and How Are They Treated?

Years ago, mental health was separate treatment from drug or alcohol addiction. The facilities for treatment were not the same and even the approach to therapy was different.

A Guide to Major Depressive Disorder

Most everyone at one time or another experiences moods of depression. That is normal. Yet, up to 26 percent of women and up to 12 percent of men have what is…

A Guide to ADD Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or ADD is a condition many children and adults deal with on a daily basis. The symptoms can be frustrating and interfere…

Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment

Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that affects almost 2 percent of the population. It affects how a person thinks about others and themselves.

Anxiety And Substance Abuse: How they Connect

Social Anxiety: When It Happens, What It Feels Like and What to Do

It’s normal to feel anxious or a little afraid when meeting people for the first time, going to a party with people you don’t know well, or giving a speech in front of others….

Histrionic Personality Disorder Treatment

Histrionic personality disorder affects around 4 million people, or almost 2 percent of the population. It is indicative of specific behaviors, feelings, and emotions of the person with the disorder.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment

Dissociative identity disorder affects a small part of the population. It is a complex medical condition, so there is a lot to learn about it.

Anxiety And Substance Abuse

Plenty of people drink socially and many people have anxiety. Yet, when the two are mixed it can cause greater disquietude, especially in those with an existing anxiety disorder…