Q&A

Experiencing a traumatic event that leads to PTSD can also lead to alcohol use. Drinking to cope with PTSD symptoms may be a form of avoidance as PTSD symptoms exhibit feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. However, drinking alcohol and developing a dependency have similar effects on emotions and feelings. Therefore, in…

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that involves emotional swings in mood and energy levels. In a recent study, research showed that approximately 60% of people with bipolar disorder either use or used substances. However, the reason why there is a relationship between bipolar disorder and substance use is unknown, though substance abuse will…

The road to recovery relies upon setting realistic goals and having realistic expectations. These goals serve as stepping stones to aid in the healing process after perhaps years of substance use. Setting goals also helps you manage your progress and attain confidence and resiliency upon each new accomplishment. Part of the process is learning to…

The road to recovery is a life-long process, and encountering challenges along the way is part of this journey. Another big part of the recovery journey is rebuilding the trust in the relationships you have within yourself and with others. The work needed to restore trust can introduce many different feelings, including anger, stress, anxiety,…

While the summer season is a great time to see friends and family, these social occasions could create stressful environments that challenge your sobriety. Therefore, just the thought of attending social events is enough to create feelings of anxiety and panic. If you are worried about attending family occasions, you might feel the urge to…

Both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are two effective psychotherapy treatments that can treat various mental health issues. While they share many similarities, understanding the differences is essential to determine which treatment will benefit your recovery in certain situations. Let’s examine both CBT and DBT, what each one is and how…

Many addiction programs have adopted dual-diagnosis treatment for clients diagnosed with mental as well as addictive disorders. For the uninitiated, this type of medical terminology can be slightly confusing. In more pedestrian terms, dual-diagnosis is simply referencing a rehab program that is willing to offer an all-encompassing treatment approach to addictive disorders and treat any…