Addiction Blog

If you are often having difficulty focusing and have come to realize that you always seem to be forgetting things, you may not fully understand what is going on with you. Perhaps a friend [...]

PTSD and addiction may seem like they exist in two different worlds, but there is an important connection between them.  Many of us have experienced one or more tragic events or traumatic [...]

Borderline personality disorder is widely misunderstood. For a moment, consider how it feels to walk, or even run on sand. As you are moving along, the shifting sands and the ground underneath [...]

A parent’s fears about sending their children out into the world can feel insurmountable. This is especially true on the day of their child’s graduation as well as the day they send them off to [...]

Heading off to college is a major turning point for young people. It often marks the end of adolescence and the beginning of young adulthood where individuals learn whether they have what it [...]

The worst happened: You flunked. Now to return home to mom and dad and share the news. But how do you tell them that you felt so depressed that some days, all you could do to get out of bed? How [...]

Sending your children off to college can be a challenging time for many parents, especially those who have come to define themselves by their children’s successes. Seeing your child off to [...]

The transition from addiction to being sober usually is challenging. Hence, emotional sobriety is a critical factor in early recovery. Early recovery takes about 90 days. In the initial recovery, [...]

    It can be easy to dismiss a warning like the one titling this blog, the admonition to “stay in school”, and believe that there is little to be gained from doing so when confronting mental [...]

Enabling and helping can be confused as the same thing. However, these are different things that people need to understand. Enabling an addict is the same way as encouraging them in their [...]

If you’re struggling with self-esteem issues, you’re not alone. You’re going to learn a bit about how self-esteem affects people and what to do about it. A look at the [...]

What is Dialectic Behavior Therapy? Dialectic behavior therapy was actually created to help those suffering from borderline personality disorder and suicidal thoughts. The original focus was [...]

Substance abuse is a more pressing now than it has ever been, and it doesn’t discriminate in who it affects. Old, young, students, professionals, and every walk of life are represented. [...]

A look at the protective factors that contribute to healthy living In recent years, after a great deal of “rebranding”, it seems as though finally the idea of going to counseling or talking to [...]

Making the decision to seek treatment can be a significant and life-changing pursuit, and sober living can be extremely helpful. And although the choice to decide to pursue recovery is a [...]

In the recovery world, the one thing harder than getting sober is staying sober.  There is undoubtedly a lot of work and dedication that goes into achieving sobriety, and it’s true that you have [...]

Addiction treatment is one of the most challenging experience for any addict. That is because they will be forcing their body and mind to start functioning differently without the influence of [...]

Many people want to know how to get sober fast, but there may be different definitions that you think of when you hear the term “sober”.  When many people speak of sobriety, they treat it as if [...]

We are taught from a young age that it is important to stay active in order to stay healthy. One of the most common forms of physical fitness in the world is the simple act o running. Running can [...]

Do you constantly have that “what if” voice ringing in your mind? What if I fail the job interview? What if I don’t get good grades to get into college? What if I will be alone forever? What if I [...]

Recovering from a serious addiction can be a long, drawn-out, and debilitating process. Unfortunately, recovery is rarely achieved in a linear fashion. Any addict knows that the danger of [...]

The use of technology in today’s day and age is perhaps providing the most internal conflict for individuals looking to maintain health and pursue wellness. It is both a blessing and a curse in [...]

Watching television in the 1900s and early 2000s, you would have thought that every rock band trashed hotel rooms while drunk and high. Essentially, they did. The press glorified it and fans read [...]

Group therapy is the process of working through various psychological disorders and mental distress through the use of a group setting. While it can sometimes be used alone or in tandem with [...]

In today’s driven age, we seem to be increasing the amount of time that we spend at work, some estimates claiming a 7.8% increase in the amount of hours worked compared to the previous [...]

In addition to using reinforcement or rewarding behavior that you want to continue, the alternative method of learning involves using punishment, whether positive or negative, to decrease [...]

On the journey to recovery, you may need a little help. It could mean leaning on family members or friends. You could also seek professional advice from counselors and therapists.  And sometimes [...]

There are many methods of treating addiction, and one of the most popular is the Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT).  Some doctors will combine MAT with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for a more [...]

There are many tools that can assist you with your recovery. Starting the day with a purpose, a positive outlook, and some self-reflection can make a significant difference in one’s mental [...]

Getting into treatment for substance abuse is a weighty one.  It requires dedication and the discipline to stick to the treatment program.  It is therefore essential that you choose one that will [...]

If you have ever battled any type of addiction, then you will understand how difficult it is to deal with cravings. You may start feeling the urge to go back to your addiction to feel better. You [...]

Cognitive Distortions: The Role of Emotion Continuing the discussion on common cognitive distortions, it is important to understand how these “thinking traps” play a role in our everyday lives, [...]

Cognitive Distortions: Focusing on the Future When we begin to think negative thoughts about ourselves, the truth is that we’re not very creative, and the thoughts tend to fall into identifiable [...]

There are notable benefits to listening to music for anyone at any stage of their lives. Music is powerful in that it can bring back memories and take you to another place. People listen to music [...]

One of the leading substance abuse issues in the nation is alcohol abuse. Coming to terms with alcoholism, what it means, and how to treat it are questions that those battling alcohol ask [...]

Using reinforcement is a crucial aspect of addiction recovery. I often find myself making the statement “we are always teaching others how to treat us”. But what does this mean, and how does it [...]

Recovery is an active process that involves learning about yourself and taking steps to avoid relapse. A major trigger can be emotions that seem uncontrollable especially because drug use can [...]

Many people today find themselves addicts of drugs and substances and they don’t know how to pull themselves out of it. Sometimes it is not easy to see when a person requires professional [...]

Addiction is defined as a disorder that is characterized by impulsive engagement with rewarding stimuli despite aversive consequences. Unfortunately, addictions are all-too-common and a magic [...]

Plain and simple: our view of ourselves as a critical impact on how we move throughout the world. Those with an increased sense of self-esteem tend to be able to navigate life challenges with [...]

Trauma can often get overlooked when someone has an addiction. When a person suffers from addiction, it can be one of the most difficult times in their lives and leads to a whole host of problems [...]

Navigating life brings up endless challenges and unexpected trials along with some beautiful unforgettable moments. Within this, there are waves of emotions that can threaten to knock you over. [...]

You’ve been counting down the days, and now it is here. This is it; tomorrow is the big day. You’re laying in bed wide awake visualizing all of the flash cards you’ve studied, all of the new [...]

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious condition that is commonly misunderstood by the general populace and even by some health care professionals. As a lifelong disturbance of one’s [...]

You’ve likely heard the adage: “One size doesn’t fit all.” We all come from different backgrounds, and experiences. Each of us has a different experience with drug [...]

Is addiction a disease? Although it is now widely accepted by the American Medical Association and the American Society of Medicine that addiction is in fact a disease, this understanding has not [...]

Once you have made the decision to get help for a substance abuse treatment, the next step is deciding which treatment facility to go to. Sometimes the best fit isn’t located in the same state [...]

Receiving an official mental health diagnosis has the potential to stir up a whirlwind of emotions for many individuals who have begun the process of facing their inner demons. Approximately 1 in [...]

Anxiety Defined Whether it is signaling to you that something in your life is not quite right, motivating you to get your work done, or behave in socially acceptable ways, we actually owe a lot [...]

Whether prescriptions for health concerns, legal drugs such as alcohol or nicotine, or even caffeine and sugar, often discounted as harmless, surely at some point in everyone’s life, they will [...]

For many people in addiction recovery, the new year can be a difficult time. Making resolutions to stay sober can be a struggle, but there is hope. There are simple tips to help you stay [...]

Of all the maladies that befall human beings, alcoholism is one of the most insidious. In 1970, the U.S. government established the National Institute on Alcoholism. The NIAAA publishes new data [...]

Overcoming drug and alcohol addiction is a process with important steps that must be followed, and this is very true for detox. Before an addicted person begins any recovery program, there is one [...]

Are you one of the millions of people in the US whose use of alcohol or drugs is negatively impacting your life? You’re not alone: according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and [...]

If you ever felt that there just weren’t words to describe how you’re feeling, art therapy may be the answer. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t verbally express what you’re experiencing? [...]

Feeling like your self-esteem is shot? Facing a lot of negative self-talk that’s bringing you down? It’s important not to beat yourself up over every little mistake, particularly in early [...]

The Flawed Individual: The Addiction Stigma Addiction treatment is crucial because according to the American Medical Association (AMA), alcoholism and drug addiction are a form of chronic and [...]

People have belonged to tribes since the early days of humanity. Being part of something larger than yourself gives you a sense of belonging, purpose, and inclusion. In addiction recovery, having [...]

Habit and addiction are words that are frequently (and incorrectly) interchanged. But there’s a significant distinction between the two. A habit can be a negative or positive behavior. [...]

The decision to seek help for addiction and substance abuse is commendable and courageous. It is the first step towards living a sober and happy life. A life where you’re in control. For many [...]

Brentwood Therapist Options at Launch Centers in Los Angeles Attempting to navigate the many rip currents that pop up in life without the help of a skilled therapist would be like river rafting [...]

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Therapist Los Angeles Most of us know someone personally who struggles with a dual diagnosis, or the presence of a substance use disorder and coexisting mental [...]

Young Adults Failing University Because of Depression One of the more challenging phases of life is the transition young adults experience when moving from the parental home to college life. [...]

Young Adult Depression Outpatient Treatment Centers Young adulthood, those individuals aged 18-35, can be a particularly challenging period of life for many.  Societal expectations seem to be [...]

Therapy and Counseling in Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA Every day we have a new opportunity to become a better version of ourselves.  For some, this sense of hopefulness for the chance to improve [...]

Specialization in Young Adult Rehab 18-28 and Empowerment for a Solid Future During the critical teen and early adult years of emotional development, young adults learn to plan for their academic [...]

Drug or alcohol abuse does not discriminate. Kids coming from polished suburban homes and intact families are just as vulnerable to the grip of addiction than those coming from poverty or [...]

Adderall, also referred to as “Addy,” has become a popular—although illicit—study drug, nearly as common on campuses as energy drinks and coffee in boosting concentration among students. The [...]

When it comes to drug abuse among college students, the old saw “The more things change the more they stay the same” comes to mind.  While the popularity for the various recreational substances [...]

6 Useful Tips for Shoring up Recovery After Addiction Treatment Breaking the Cycle of Addiction for Young Adults One might mistakenly believe that once a young person has experienced the ugly [...]

Ways to Smooth & Enhance the Transition From Rehab to Real Life Tips for Young Adults Launching Back into Life After Rehab Most young people who enter drug and alcohol treatment programs did [...]

5 Reasons Volunteering Benefits Recovery By Jose Hernandez If you’re in recovery from substance abuse, you probably feel like you have enough work to do on yourself. Whether you just finished [...]

Empowering Young Adults Through Sobriety Based Rehab By Jose Hernandez While historically, treatment for the addict and/or alcoholic seeking help has been geared toward older individuals, the [...]

Creating a Treatment Plan for After Rehab You’ve completed inpatient treatment and you’re preparing to discharge. Leaving the structured environment of a treatment facility can be intimidating; [...]

You might want to consider a gap year because you’ve already made one important decision to enter treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction before heading off to school. Now, just a few more [...]

Whether it’s the holidays, summertime, or Saturday, there’s always an excuse for a party, and this can make relapse prevention difficult. Avoiding being exposed to drugs and alcohol is essential [...]

  The high cost of addiction treatment for alcohol or drug abuse is one of the biggest obstacles you may face when taking your first step toward recovery. But think of it this way, how much [...]

You’re newly sober, rehab is behind you, and you’re thinking about your career goals, perhaps for the first time.  Your energy level is up, your drive is back, and [...]

The beginning stages of recovery are a trying time for all addicts. For most, the path to sobriety will be a grueling one, full of challenges and struggles. Whether you have made the decision to [...]

The beginning stages of recovery are a trying time for all addicts. For most, the path to sobriety will be a grueling one, ripe with fears and struggles. Whether you have made the decision to [...]

Working with an educational consultant can greatly help your child. A good education is incredibly important for a number of reasons, and there are many factors that can get in the way of a [...]

Knowing the worst colleges with a drug problem can help you make an informed decision. College is a special place and time in a young person’s life full of newfound independence, self-discovery, [...]

Why do people become addicted to drugs? Until recently, we have understood little about how addiction really works. Before, addiction has been thought of as a weakness or a moral flaw within a [...]

Many individuals engage in self-destructive behaviors. These can include addictions, gambling, eating disorders and other problems. Often, the person is not aware of how serious the situation is, [...]

Many people wonder how to support an addict in recovery, and while “hugs not drugs” is often seen in the halls of elementary school drug awareness weeks, there is truth within it. [...]

Addiction is a complex disease that needs to be addressed on a case by case basis through addiction treatment. Things such as personality and the substance being abused can dictate how effective [...]

A good sober living house is essential to rebuilding a life after addiction. While detox centers provide medical care, and outpatient centers provide therapies, sober living homes help the [...]

Helicopter parenting has been around for thousands of years. There’s an old Chinese proverb which states, “a watched flower never blooms.” While the ancient Chinese have been [...]

A major part of the treatment process is learning to become independent after treatment. The transition from childhood to adult life has never been an easy one. But for millions of young adults, [...]

Recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction is a process; it doesn’t happen overnight. Yet time and again people seem to view treatment programs as a quick fix or even an immediate cure. However [...]

Family Involvement in Addiction Treatment One of the most common arguments that an addict can give when asked why they keep using or drinking is, “I’m not hurting anyone.” They have this sense [...]