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
Search Results for: anxiety
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
How Creative Hobbies Improve Mind-Body Wellness
Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States struggles with some type of mental illness every day. Some of the most common conditions include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. While mental health conditions are treatable, only around 50% receive help. The good news is that ... Read More
Consequences of Alcoholism: Damaged Relationships
The effects of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are far from limited to the person with the drinking problem. Their close loved ones are often directly impacted by the consequences of the addiction, and the damage that AUD leaves behind can make maintaining healthy relationships difficult or impossible. However, with ... Read More
Tai Chi, Qugong, and Ancient Mind-Body Practices
Did ancient Chinese healers understand something about mental health that modern medicine is just catching up to in recent decades? Maybe — the type of mind-body practices inherent in Chinese medicine thousands of years ago can have a beneficial impact on physical and mental health. Learn more about whether cultivating ... Read More
