Kratom, a plant ingredient from Southeast Asia, has recently come into the spotlight after a viral TikTok video and a press conference by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brought attention to its potential dangers. While it is sold in gas stations, liquor stores, and smoke [...]
The recently released 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from SAMHSA provides critical insights into the current landscape of substance use and mental health in the United States. This comprehensive report, spanning four decades of data collection, offers a detailed analysis [...]
According to WebMD, Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, especially in their fresh form, and is widely discussed for its potential medicinal uses. However, THCA is also drawing attention for its ability to be converted into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive [...]
Screen use is emblematic of our era of instant connection and technological immersion. From learning viral TikTok dances to using digital assistants to help with homework, cellphones, tablets and computers offer a steady stream of information and stimulation for teenagers but the line between [...]
Since a landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling, nearly every U.S. state has legalized online betting, dramatically increasing underaged gambling risks. While security measures prevent underaged people from entering casinos, online gambling presents a new frontier that is far more difficult to regulate. The Unseen Impact [...]
As marijuana legalization expands across the U.S., researchers continue to investigate its potential health risks, particularly its impact on cardiovascular health. While many people perceive cannabis as a “safer” alternative to tobacco, several recent studies suggest that smoking or ingesting THC may contribute to [...]
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or simply Autism, is a lifelong developmental condition that impacts how a person communicates, interacts with others, and learns. It's characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning [...]
Mental health is an essential facet of your well-being, yet misconceptions and stigma often prevent people from getting the care they need. Every year, one in five Americans experiences a mental illness, and in 2023, 20% of high school students seriously considered suicide. Despite [...]
Alcohol is a legal and socially acceptable substance, widely consumed in everyday life. Unfortunately, its prevalence has led to the misconception that it is safe. Alcohol is an addictive drug linked to numerous illnesses and deaths worldwide. If you regularly drink alcohol, you should [...]
TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing experiences and sparking conversations about mental health. While these discussions can reduce stigma and encourage awareness, they also bring risks, particularly when they veer into the realm of self-diagnosis. The “Undiagnosis” trend highlights the dangers of [...]
For many people who have a loved one struggling with addiction, an intervention is the best tool available to help that person understand the importance of seeking treatment. These conversations aren’t easy, and if you’re considering having one with a friend or family member, [...]
When someone fails to look after their physical and mental health, they suffer the consequences on both fronts. The scientific community increasingly learns more about how our minds and bodies are interconnected. When we eat healthier, we are less depressed. When we exercise, we [...]
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a stark warning – alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States. Despite this alarming fact, only 45% of Americans know the link. While the dangers of binge and high-intensity drinking [...]
The teenage years can be challenging. Between physical changes in the body, intense peer pressure, and an increased sense of social anxiety, teenagers often have difficulties finding their place. Many want to fit in, while others want to stand out, even rebel. Teen depression [...]
Experts have repeatedly sounded the alarm about binge drinking, typically defined as consuming four or five alcoholic beverages within two hours. However, researchers are increasingly shedding light on high-intensity drinking – an even more dangerous pattern of alcohol use that involves consuming eight or [...]
The widespread legalization of marijuana has led most people to believe it’s innocuous and even beneficial. However, cannabis can still harm a young person’s developing brain and body. Notably, research indicates that marijuana use during the teen years can significantly increase the risk of [...]
The term “failure to launch” has made headlines in recent years, describing young people who struggle to take on adult responsibilities, secure gainful employment, and transition into independent life. This situation is increasingly prevalent in American households, raising questions about its root causes and [...]
Video games are an engaging, immersive hobby for millions of people worldwide. They often involve complex storylines, captivating graphics, and interactive gameplay that can transport players into a different world. Game designers build achievements encouraging people to keep playing, such as achievements to unlock and [...]
The allure of gambling has intensified nationwide, with Americans wagering nearly $120 billion on sports betting in 2023 – a stark reflection of a growing concern that disproportionately affects many young people. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that approximately 2.5 million adults [...]
As university campuses nationwide welcome new and returning students for the fall semester, it’s natural for parents of college-aged children to have concerns about the possibility of drug experimentation. Media coverage sensationalizes the issue, leaving many parents unsure of what to believe. Understanding the [...]
Adolescence is a period of significant physical, cognitive, and social-emotional changes. Teens without parental approval and encouragement during this crucial time may struggle to develop healthy coping mechanisms and self-regulation skills. Lacking the resources to manage stress and peer pressure can also make children more [...]
Research suggests up to 60% of people with schizophrenia also have anosognosia – a condition in which a person lacks awareness or insight into their illness or disability. Unfortunately, an inability to accurately perceive and interpret the experience of having a severe mental illness [...]
In today's digital age, social media platforms have become ubiquitous, weaving their intricate web into the very fabric of our daily lives. These platforms serve as arenas for connection, expression, and information exchange, profoundly shaping our social interactions and access to knowledge. However, as [...]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This nationwide observation, recognized annually since 1949, is an excellent opportunity to increase awareness, reduce stigma, prioritize your well-being, and advocate for loved ones living with mental health disorders. Here are ten simple ideas for getting involved and [...]
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Health Forum highlights the adverse effects of alcohol misuse among middle-aged women during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April 2020 and September 2021, alcohol-related complications surged by 33% to 56% among women aged 40 [...]
Widespread marijuana legalization in the U.S. has fueled a misconception that cannabis products are largely harmless. Unfortunately, many teens and their families have discovered the connection between marijuana and psychosis – a potentially dangerous psychiatric condition that causes people to lose touch with reality. What [...]
Cannabis, once considered solely for its therapeutic and recreational benefits, has increasingly become associated with some adverse health effects. One such condition that has emerged is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This syndrome presents a perplexing medical challenge, characterized by cyclic episodes of vomiting, nausea, [...]
In the serene settings of Miami and Delray Beach, Florida, R&A Therapeutic Partners stands as a beacon of hope for individuals and families navigating the complex journey of mental health and substance abuse recovery. With an unwavering commitment to compassionate care, our team of [...]
At R&A Therapeutic Partners, we believe in shedding light on prevalent mental and behavioral health issues affecting families, adolescents and adults. One such issue is alcohol use disorder, a medical diagnosis reflecting persistent, problematic alcohol consumption. The consequences of AUD can permeate every corner [...]
The journey from adolescence to adulthood presents multiple challenges, growth opportunities and pivotal decisions. Amid these complexities, the emergence of mental health disorders such as first-episode psychosis can significantly impact a young adult’s life. As illustrated in a new SAMHSA report, this issue further [...]
The Monitoring the Future survey, conducted annually by University of Michigan researchers, serves as a critical tool in understanding trends and changes in substance use among young people. According to the latest results, the percentage of adolescents reporting substance use in 2022 remained steady [...]
Today’s teenagers face a multitude of alarming risks. From the rise in online bullying and the threat of school shootings to the widespread challenges of alcohol and drug abuse, modern adolescents encounter stresses and dangers that have contributed to higher levels of mental illness [...]
Many adults and adolescents perceive marijuana as a harmless recreational substance. While cannabis is less dangerous than substances like opioids and methamphetamines, it can still be hazardous. For instance, mounting clinical evidence suggests that marijuana consumption during the adolescent years can heighten the risk [...]
Though drug and alcohol use are in decline among American high schoolers, teen overdose deaths have still doubled in recent years due to fentanyl. This human-made opioid is dangerously addictive and can be fatal, especially for young people who experiment with drugs. What Is Fentanyl? Inexpensive, [...]
While you may have fond memories of going to the mall or the movies as a teenager, today’s children are unlikely to share that nostalgia as they grow up. Many modern American adolescents have swapped in-person interactions like sleepovers and study groups for the [...]
Marijuana and cannabis-infused products are easily accessible and come in various forms that can be attractive to children and teenagers, including gummies and desserts. Many teens experiment with marijuana due to simple curiosity or peer pressure, but they may not realize the drug can [...]
Even those blessed with the gift of gab can find themselves at a loss for how to start difficult conversations. For example, you may have no idea what to say to reach someone struggling with a substance use disorder. But with the crisis level [...]
While April was officially designated Alcohol Awareness Month, it’s never a bad time to highlight the fact that alcohol is the world’s deadliest drug, and is responsible for widespread injury, illness and suffering. Because of our cultural glamorization of alcohol, we tend to forget [...]
As states continue legalizing marijuana, it has become easily available in various forms, including candies and baked goods. Because cannabis often appears innocuous, many people mistakenly believe it is completely safe to use. Though it is not as addictive as substances like meth and [...]
Last month, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued an alert warning Americans of an alarming new chapter in the nationwide fentanyl crisis. You may already know fentanyl has contributed to thousands of opioid overdose deaths in recent years, as states continue to limit prescription pain [...]
While teens of any gender can experience mood disorders, adolescent girls are far more likely than boys to become depressed. According to a report released by the CDC last month, almost three in five teenage girls said they felt persistent sadness in 2021, while [...]
American diet culture, widespread fatphobia and a societal mindset that equates thinness with beauty have all created an ideal environment for eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and avoidant food intake disorder to flourish. Attempting to manage an unrealistic body image with repetitive, [...]
Since alcohol is easy to find, socially acceptable and marketed as a way to relax and have fun, you may see nothing wrong with having a few beers at happy hour or a glass of wine with dinner. However, all those TV commercials and [...]
At some point, every family will encounter a crisis. Major events like job loss, the death of a loved one, and terminal illness create challenges for parents and children alike. To weather these storms, families must have a certain level of resilience: the capacity [...]
Fentanyl is a potent and fast-acting synthetic opioid that is leading the current wave of America’s drug overdose crisis. This human-made drug is usually cheaper and easier to obtain than other addictive substances. Because of fentanyl’s effects on the central nervous system, people who [...]
While many of the difficulties faced today were just as challenging for our grandparents and great-grandparents, mental health concerns like depression and anxiety are on the rise. Previous generations may have swept mental issues under the rug, or told one another to “get over [...]
For most, the holidays are an opportunity to connect with loved ones, experience the joy of giving, and unwind as you close out another year. However, for some, this is a time of great anxiety, depression, and other overwhelming negative feelings known as “the [...]
Psychosis can be a terrifying experience for everyone involved. Families and friends of someone having a psychotic episode may not understand what is happening or how to respond appropriately. The delusions and hallucinations associated with psychosis may seem very real to the person having [...]
As adults, we wish we could shield children and adolescents from mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, but these disorders are on the rise among the younger generation – and it’s no wonder. Often, children are more observant and sensitive than adults, and [...]
More than half of U.S. states plus Washington, D.C., have passed laws legalizing marijuana for recreational or medicinal use. As a result, many teens and adults believe marijuana is a “safe” alternative to alcohol or other recreational drugs. In spite of the White House’s [...]
Starting a conversation about mental health can be challenging, especially if you are bringing up the topic with a teenager who may be especially sensitive about protecting their privacy. As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for keeping an eye on a child’s [...]
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 20% of high school students report seriously contemplating suicide, and 9% have attempted to take their lives. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention lists suicide as the third-leading cause of death among young people and the second-leading [...]
September is National Recovery Month: a time for communities to spread awareness about the widespread issue of substance use disorder (SUD). Since the 1980s, this observance has educated the public, reduced stigma, and celebrated those who have recovered. This topic is especially important to [...]
The National Institutes of Health’s Monitoring the Future survey provides a snapshot of young adult drug use in the United States and a glimpse into how substance use might affect younger generations in years to come. The survey’s most recent results reveal young adults between [...]
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation faces another crisis. Today’s teenagers report stress levels on par with adults—a new phenomenon in the field of psychology. Why is Gen Z so overwhelmed, and what can we do to help them? Read on [...]
As of July 16, Americans experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This change will save lives by enabling people who need help to dial only three numbers to connect with trained mental [...]
The Rise in THC Concentration Cannabis has changed considerably since its legalization was first debated in the 1960s. At that time, the average THC content of a marijuana flower was less than 2%.1 Today, the industry has developed new, more concentrated strains with much higher [...]
The teenage years are a time of continued growth and development. As adolescents start to build their social circles and solidify their identities, they must also begin making difficult choices. For many teens, binge drinking represents a crucial crossroads. According to the National Institute on [...]
A group of researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine analyzed a variety of studies on the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous. Specifically, these medical professionals looked at trends in sobriety and abstinence from substance use. They compared outcomes of participants in AA programs alongside [...]
In recent years, open conversations about mental health have become the norm. Celebrities, athletes, and other public figures have begun to share their experiences and diagnoses. This has paved the way for regular people to talk about anxiety, depression, and other conditions. In the [...]
