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Teenage boy using mobile phone

The Online Gambling Epidemic Targeting Teens

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

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 [...]

Cannibis plant

Latest Research Reveals a Connection Between Marijuana Use and Cardiovascular Disease 

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

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 [...]

The Complex Relationship Between Autism and Substance Use Disorder

Monday, May 12th, 2025

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 awareness month

Observing Mental Health Awareness Month

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

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 awareness month

April Is Alcohol Awareness Month

Monday, April 14th, 2025

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 [...]

Hispanic male using the smartphone, putting his hand on his head, looking worried

The Risks of Self-Diagnosis in the Digital Age

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

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 [...]

Planning a Successful Intervention

5 Strategies for Planning a Successful Intervention

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025

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, [...]

self-care in recovery

Self-Care in Recovery: Fostering Compassion for Yourself

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

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 [...]

Surgeon General Issues Warning About Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Surgeon General Issues Warning About Alcohol and Cancer Risk 

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

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 [...]

gender differences in teen depression

Gender Differences in Teen Depression

Thursday, January 2nd, 2025

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 [...]

The Dangers of Binge Drinking and High-Intensity Drinking

The Dangers of Binge Drinking and High-Intensity Drinking

Thursday, December 5th, 2024

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 [...]

Teenage girl sitting on chair and talking with specialist giving her an advice during treatment. Marijuana and Mental Health: The Psychosis Connection

Marijuana and Mental Health: The Psychosis Connection

Monday, November 18th, 2024

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 [...]

getting the failure to launch help you need

Failure to Launch: Understanding the Phenomenon and Its Impact on Families

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

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 [...]

Angry woman playing online video games with joystick; Combating Gaming Disorder in Teens

Combating Gaming Disorder in Teens

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

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 [...]

Gambling Addiction Increases Alarmingly Among Younger People in a casino

Gambling Addiction Increases Alarmingly Among Younger People

Thursday, September 5th, 2024

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 [...]

What Parents Should Know About College-Age Drug Use

Separating Facts From Fiction – What Parents Should Know About College-Age Drug Use

Friday, August 30th, 2024

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 [...]

Disconnect Between Teens and Parents

New Study Highlights Disconnect Between Teens and Parents

Monday, August 5th, 2024

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 [...]

Anosognosia and Schizophrenia

The Relationship Between Anosognosia and Schizophrenia

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

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 [...]

social media age limit

Should There Be a Legal Age Limit for Social Media?

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

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 [...]

mental health awareness month, mental health

10 Ways to Observe Mental Health Awareness Month

Friday, May 10th, 2024

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 [...]

Link Between Pandemic and Women’s Alcohol Abuse

Study Suggests Link Between Pandemic and Women’s Alcohol Abuse

Monday, May 6th, 2024

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 [...]

Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Experts Warn High Potency Marijuana Strains Lead to Increase in Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

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 Hyperemesis Syndrome

Understanding Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024

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, [...]

Mental Health And Substance Abuse Intervention In South Florida: R&A Therapeutic Partners

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Intervention in South Florida: R&A Therapeutic Partners

Tuesday, November 21st, 2023

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 [...]

AUD teens

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder’s Causes and Symptoms

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

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 [...]

first-episode psychosis

First-Episode Psychosis and Substance Abuse in Young Adults

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

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 [...]

teen substance use

Substance Use Among Adolescents: Latest Insights From the Monitoring the Future Survey

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

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 [...]

health risks facing teens

Health Risks Facing Today’s Teens

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

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 [...]

teen marijuana use

The Evolving Landscape of Teen Marijuana Use: What Parents Should Know

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

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 [...]

teen fentanyl overdose

Fentanyl and the Rise of Teen Overdoses

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023

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, [...]

teen isolation

Teens Are Spending Less Time Than Ever With Friends

Friday, July 7th, 2023

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 mental health risks

Evidence Links Marijuana Use to Mental Health Risks in Young Adults

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

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 [...]

moderate amount of alcohol

Meta-Analysis Reveals Risks of Moderate Drinking

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

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 [...]

addicted to marijuana

How Can You Tell if You’re Addicted to Marijuana?

Thursday, April 27th, 2023

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 [...]

xylazine

DEA Calls Xylazine a Public Safety Threat

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

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 [...]

depression in teen girls

Sadness and Depression in Teen Girls

Monday, March 20th, 2023

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 [...]

eating disorders

What Is an Eating Disorder?

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023

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, [...]

family resilience

Understanding Family Resilience

Tuesday, January 31st, 2023

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 and withdrawal symptoms

Fentanyl Worsens Withdrawal Symptoms

Thursday, January 5th, 2023

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 [...]

gen z mental health resolutions

Among Gen Z, Improved Mental Health is the #1 Resolution

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

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 [...]

holiday blues

How to Beat the Holiday Blues

Thursday, December 15th, 2022

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 treatment

How to Support Someone Experiencing a Psychotic Episode

Monday, November 21st, 2022

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 [...]

teen mental health

Mental Health Resources for Teens

Friday, November 11th, 2022

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 [...]

marijuana and teens

Marijuana’s Effects on Teens

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

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 [...]

talk to your teen about mental health

How to Talk to Your Teen About Mental Health

Monday, October 24th, 2022

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 [...]

technology and teen suicide prevention

Can Tech Help Prevent Teen Suicide?

Tuesday, September 27th, 2022

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 [...]

teens and young adults national recovery month 2022

National Recovery Month: Teens and Young Adults

Friday, September 16th, 2022

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 [...]

young adult drug use

Young Adult Cannabis and Hallucinogen Use Reach Record High

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

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 [...]

stress

Stress Management Techniques for Teenagers

Thursday, August 11th, 2022

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 [...]

Teens High Potency THC

Potent THC Negatively Impacts Teens

Thursday, July 7th, 2022

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 [...]

adolescent binge drinking

The Long-Term Consequences of Adolescent Binge Drinking

Thursday, June 23rd, 2022

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 [...]

AA Meeting

Researchers Look at the Effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous

Thursday, June 16th, 2022

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 [...]

depression stigma

Recent Study Shows Decrease in Stigma Associated with Depression

Tuesday, May 31st, 2022

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 [...]

driving high

Driving High: A False Sense of Security After Marijuana Use

Wednesday, May 11th, 2022

Rising Marijuana Use in Florida: Illicit and Medical Marijuana is the most frequently abused illicit drug in the country and in the state of Florida. Most of it is grown in Mexico or Jamacia, then smuggled into the Sunshine State in maritime vessels, private vehicles, [...]

teen anxiety and depression

Rising Teen Depression Rates

Thursday, April 28th, 2022

Mental health is worsening among American teens, creating a national health issue we can’t afford to ignore. According to data from the CDC, the next generation of U.S. adults is more emotionally vulnerable than the generational cohorts that came before them, with 44% of [...]

medication disposal

Why You Should Properly Dispose of Prescription Medications

Friday, April 15th, 2022

If you’ve ever been prescribed medication, you know there are often times when you have leftover pills. Whether your prescription changed, you no longer needed to take the medication, or you misplaced the bottle only to find it a few weeks later, having unused [...]

COVID-19 Alcohol Deaths

Study: Alcohol-Related Deaths Increased 25% in First Year of the Pandemic

Thursday, March 31st, 2022

According to recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of alcohol-related deaths increased by 25.5% between 2019 and 2020. The study analyzed causes of death for people 16 and older as reported from the National Center for Health [...]