Recovery from Co-occurring Disorders I struggled with opiate addiction and depression for several years. It lead me to a hopeless emotional state where I saw no way out other than suicide. I was physically and mentally exhausted of living the way I was living. I thought that even if I got sober, I would […]
There is scientific validation for what our forefathers always professed and practiced. Evidence suggests that there is a definite relationship between food and mental health. Deficiency of essential nutrients can contribute to poor mental health, according to experts in the field of nutritional psychiatry. This growing discipline uses diet as an interventional therapy to decrease […]
The early warning of becoming an alcoholic was always there for me at a young age. I had my first drink and my first experience being drunk at the age of 14. I fell in love with the effects of intoxication and it would follow me for years to come. Drinking and alcoholism at a […]
We all having varying emotions throughout the days, weeks, months, and years. Anger can have devastating effects to an individual. This is why it is so important to identify these behaviors in those who are recovering from substance abuse. On an individual level, anger management issues also lead to a number of negative outcomes, including […]
We tend to think of drug and alcohol addiction as a problem for the lower class, but the reality is that drug and alcohol abuse takes place at all levels of society. When professionals and executives deal with addiction, the pressure is often higher because they have higher expectations and responsibilities placed on them. Dealing […]
Individuals who are suffering from addiction are often perceived as lacking willpower and moral failing. In times gone by, people suffering from addiction experienced prejudice and unfair judgment from society. Back then, individuals struggling with addiction were viewed as menaces to society. Years later, it was discovered through research that like any other ailment, addiction […]
Netflix’s second season of the hit series 13 Reasons Why was released this past May, and like many other mental health professionals, I took it upon myself to watch the series to see how the series directors have chosen to continue the story past the original intent of the book on which the series is […]
One of my greatest disappointments as the CEO/Founder of a suicide prevention nonprofit is seeing the rates for suicide climbing. With news breaking of several high-profile suicides this week, including Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, not to mention the devastating losses of celebrities in recent years such as Chester Bennington, Robin Williams, Chris Cornell, Verne […]
Today’s culture is unfortunately fraught with hostility. It has become the norm to see mass violence in our everyday news. I find myself increasingly sighing with disappointment in the face of yet another mass shooting, rather than the horrified gut-wrenching reaction I should have, because it’s become so common. Hot debates surrounding the solution to […]
Full disclosure, I am not a counselor, therapist, or doctor, and as such I am not qualified to make any sort of diagnoses or provide any type of therapy. That being said, I did go to college for human services and case management, which involves a great deal of talking to people. I did learn […]