June is PTSD Awareness Month. It is important that we devote a month to post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that affects eight million people worldwide. Learning about PTSD, its causes, symptoms, and treatments is the first step in being able to help others who might be suffering and to avoid inadvertent harm that results from…
Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication. This powerful medication is often prescribed by physicians to treat conditions such as anxiety and panic attacks. While it can be incredibly effective in treating these conditions, Xanax also has a high potential for abuse. Many people become addicted to the calming effects. They might begin to realize that they…
Meditation and other mindful practices are being widely used for their effectiveness in addiction treatment. Associated with reduced cravings and relapse prevention, holistic treatment programs that include meditation are increasingly available at reputable rehab facilities like Serenity Light Recovery. During meditation, the mind clears and relaxes. As we remain fully alert and awake, our focus…
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This special month was established in the United States in 1949 by Mental Health America (then known as the National Association of Mental Health) to raise awareness about the realities of mental illness and reduce stigma. Mental health is not a subset of health—it is health—and yet many…
Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a central nervous system stimulant with a high risk of addiction. In addition to the extremely severe side effects and health concerns associated with meth abuse, it is not uncommon to uncover the existence of a co-occurring mental health issue. When there is an underlying mental health diagnosis, a person’s…
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by deep sadness and feelings of hopelessness. It has numerous causes, and sometimes medications are a necessary step in treatment. However, psychotherapy and depression can go hand-in-hand as well. It is possible to see significant improvement in symptoms with the use of appropriate talk therapy. Our team at…
Trauma therapy is critical for men and women battling a painful past. When the brain doesn’t deal with trauma but tucks it away, that trauma comes back throughout their lifetime. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often goes hand-in-hand with substance abuse. However, trauma-informed care for addiction can make a difference and can lead to lifelong recovery.…
Why is it that many people who abuse drugs or alcohol seem to be stuck in a continuous cycle of addiction? Why do some people relapse even after long periods of sobriety? Drug addiction can seem confusing from the outside. If your loved one is struggling with addiction, you might wonder why they have trouble…
If you’re struggling with heroin addiction, quitting cold turkey can be a tempting option. You might be ready to make a change in your life, and giving up the drug on your own can seem like the right place to start. However, quitting cold turkey on your own can be dangerous. Reaching out to a…
Many people have a difficult time deciding whether or not to try therapy. Decades of societal stigma have made some believe that needing therapy is a sign of weakness, and while that stigma is decreasing, the decision to seek therapy can still be a fraught one. Talk therapy comes with a number of mental and physical benefits, however, and can…