Hazing is when a group of people impose strenuous and dangerous tasks on an individual as part of an initiation to a group. Hazing is demeaning and in some cases can be life-threatening. Know the facts about high school hazing practices can help prevent this dangerous activity. When it comes to hazing, most people think…
College life in America is often synonymous with weekend parties and alcohol. Many college students find it difficult to abstain from alcohol during social events when friends are also drinking. The college years can be even more challenging for those who have grown dependent on alcohol. On average, 10.8 million individuals between 12 and 20…
Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is a chronic disease that affects both brain and behavior. Rehab treatment has been proven to help addicted individuals stop compulsive drug seeking and use.1 Treatment may take place in a variety of settings, come in many different forms, and continue for varying lengths of time. Because drug addiction…
Family therapy is a type of mental health counseling that helps families gain communication skills, heal old arguments and traumas, and find recovery together. Family therapists understand how each person in the family unit is affected by other members in the family group, and have special education and experience in helping each individual heal and…
With nearly one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 classified with substance abuse or dependence, addiction takes an emotional, psychological and social toll on the country.1 The economic costs of substance abuse and addiction are estimated to exceed a half trillion dollars annually in the U.S. due to health care expenditures, lost productivity…
“Recovery is a lifelong commitment and any amount of time living a life in recovery is a monumental achievement. Enjoy the journey, look for things to be grateful for, take time to get to know yourself and find out what brings you joy and most of all reach out for support when you need it,…
Recovery from addiction is a life-long process. Many people only seek treatment after substance use or a compulsive behavior has led to serious repercussions. Addiction impacts a person’s mind, body, relationships, goals, and spirituality. It only makes sense that successful treatment for addiction must address all of these areas.1 Key Contributors to a Healthy, Happy…
The American Medical Association now recognizes alcoholism (alcohol use disorder) and substance addiction (substance use disorder) as “diseases,” which forces health insurance companies to acknowledge the need to cover treatment for these conditions. Drug and alcohol treatment can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be out of reach. Many people question how to afford…
Reaching out for help and getting the right kind of treatment are the first steps on the road to recovery. But for most people recovering from substance abuse, life after treatment is when the real challenges begin. Simply abstaining from a substance is not enough. Creating a new, substance-free life takes daily, and often hourly,…
Mental health and substance use conditions often occur at the same time. If a person has two or more diagnoses at the same time, that person may be described as having a “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring disorders.” It is surprisingly common for a person to suffer with both mental illness and a substance use disorder…