Addiction is a complex disease that has a history rooted in stigma. Historically addiction has been viewed as a moral failing of people who actively chose to relinquish self-control. Thankfully, modern science and medical research have proven that addiction is a chronic, progressive brain disease, which has helped to alleviate much of the stigma previously…
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, EMDR, is a therapeutic process that helps people free themselves from the harmful memories, negative thoughts, and upsetting emotions connected to past trauma that hinder their ability to lead healthy, productive lives. EMDR is non-invasive, evidence-based psychotherapy that has been clinically proven to be effective for treating trauma, PTSD,…
The 12-step recovery model was initially developed and implemented by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a fellowship whose goal was to help one another overcome addiction to alcohol. Since its inception, the 12-step model has become universally known and is the most commonly recommended and used treatment modality for a wide array of addictions and compulsions.…
Learning that a friend or family member is engaging in self-harm can be deeply upsetting. You may feel frightened for their safety and confused or angry about why they are doing this to themselves. For a long time, self-injurious behavior was wrongly categorized as “attention-seeking” behavior. On the contrary, most self-harm individuals go to great…
According to estimates, nearly one in five adults in the United States is suffering from a mental health disorder at any given time. Of the millions affected, roughly half will never receive treatment. For those who seek treatment, the different levels of care and types of programs to choose from can make selecting the best…
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that usually manifests in early adulthood. People with borderline personality disorder have difficulty managing their behavior and emotions, which often results in significant impairment in their daily functioning. Individuals with BPD also struggle to maintain healthy relationships. As with most mental health disorders, there is no…
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, and in normal doses, can be beneficial to our overall well-being. When anxiety is chronic or persistent, though, it is harmful to our mental and physical health. Every year, tens of millions of Americans suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder…
Schizoaffective disorder is a relatively rare chronic mental health disorder affecting less than one percent of the population. Those affected exhibit symptoms similar to schizophrenia (hallucinations and delusions) and bipolar disorder (mania and depression), though not necessarily at the same time. Because of this, individuals suffering from schizoaffective disorder are often initially misdiagnosed and improperly…
We all experience difficult times when we feel overwhelmed by feelings like stress, anger, frustration, and sadness. However, it can be a challenge for many to find ways to cope with these feelings healthily. People who suffer from substance use or mental health disorders can especially struggle to utilize appropriate coping mechanisms. Unfortunately, turning to…
Mental health therapy is a crucial part of the treatment of substance abuse and addiction. There are five broad types of psychotherapy: psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies; integrative or holistic therapy; humanistic therapy; cognitive therapy; and behavioral therapy. Each of these approaches has its own goals, utilizes its different techniques, and has its benefits. Behavioral therapy…