Children look first to their parents for security and love. This attachment can have a profound and far-reaching impact on children’s development, affecting their mental health in adulthood — for better and for worse. When a child feels insecure in this most formative relationship in their life, it might be for ... Read More
Search Results for: anxiety
Why Quitting Alcohol Is So Hard
An estimated 62 percent of American adults report drinking alcohol at least sometimes. Of those who drink, 69 percent have had a drink within the last week. 19 percent think they drink more than they should. 10.2 percent of Americans aged 12 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), meaning they struggle to stop or ... Read More
Drug Profile: What Are Inhalants?
Common household items have a long history of being used by people for a purpose other than what they were intended for. Things like spray paint, glue, contact cement, nail polish, and paint thinner are inhaled through the nose or mouth for the quick and inexpensive "high" they give. Even medicinal gases and compounds, ... Read More
Is it an Addiction or a Compulsive Behavior?
Addiction occurs when a person becomes physically or psychologically reliant on a rewarding behavior or substance. Substance use disorder, a common kind of addiction, affects 48.5 million Americans over the age of 12. The dopamine released by addictive behavior or substances gives the brain a faulty sense of ... Read More
How to Forgive a Parent with an Addiction
Loving an addict is difficult at any age, but being the child of a drug-addicted parent can be downright devastating. Addiction is a disease that affects the entire family, and when you're a kid in a household controlled by drugs, you're often faced with situations nobody should ever have to deal with. Maybe you missed ... Read More
How Self-Esteem Can Affect Mental Health
Self-esteem is widely regarded as a component of good mental health. However, while the benefits of being confident and limiting self-deprecating behavior might seem obvious at first glance, the truth is that these traits could be a sign of positive well-being. Why is self-esteem important? An appropriate sense of ... Read More
What to Expect in Alcohol Detox
Alcohol addiction is a serious, life-threatening condition, but recovery is possible with the right tools. Rehabilitation centers help people get sober so they can reclaim their lives. Before starting rehabilitation, the first step is going through detox. Knowing what the detox process looks like can help patients set ... Read More
Tara Alfie, MSW
Tara Alfie, MSW Milieu Therapist A registered clinical social work intern, Tara has a Master of Social Work from Florida International University and is on the path toward licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW). She is passionate about guiding, supporting, and empowering those who face substance abuse and ... Read More
