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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
The pressure to “do it all” is getting to us. Research shows that students today are more likely to be perfectionists than their Gen X predecessors, and it’s easy to see why. Many of those surveyed pointed to perceived societal expectations as the primary [...]
According to a 2016 study, hospitalizations due to psychiatric issues have risen 74% since 2016, when police began cracking down on recreational cannabis use. The same data showed that hospitalizations for mental health or behavioral issues linked to marijuana consumption rose 74% in 2021. [...]
Every year since 1975, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) administers a survey assessing substance use among adolescence. This research, known as the Monitoring the Future survey, asks teenagers in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades to describe their drug use and alcohol consumption [...]
For hundreds of years, addiction was considered a moral failure or lack of willpower. Only recently has society reshaped its opinion of this condition. Today, most medical associations recognize substance use disorder as a disease of the brain. While this is the most popular [...]
Over 75,000 people died from opioid abuse from April 2020 to April 2021. One of the keys to understanding how the prevalence of opioid use is so high is to examine how the brain reacts to opioid use. Opioids Create Feelings Like Love When using opioids, [...]
The holidays usher in family get-togethers. While it is good to see everyone, family members have a unique way of getting on each others’ nerves. And in some unfortunate cases, people meet with relatives for this reason. Our guide helps you spot toxic behaviors [...]
Adolescence is a turbulent time. As girls and boys become women and men, they begin to become self-conscious, question their roles in their peer groups, and strive for independence. Ideally, these formative years will help young people to become adjusted members of society. The [...]
The uncertainties, isolation, and anxiety that have increased in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic have also affected young people in significant ways. So much so, in fact, that experts have declared youth mental health a national emergency during the public health crisis. Losing a Parent With [...]
A study that has tracked substance use among college students since 1980, that is funded by the National institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has found that college marijuana use has reached historic levels. The trend has continued to increase over the past several years, [...]
Moments of sadness happen in everyone’s life. When you lose a job or lose a loved one, you will naturally feel sad for a while. When your symptoms continue for several weeks or months, you may have a mental health condition known as depression. [...]
The week of October 3-9 is designated as a time to learn more about mental illness, and about how it can affect you and your family. During Mental Illness Awareness Week at R&A Therapeutic Partners, we want you to know that we care about [...]
The coronavirus pandemic that has been spreading throughout the country, causing shutdowns and new restrictions in movement over the past year and a half, seemed to be on its way out with the launch of several effective vaccines. However, the delta variant of the [...]
Everyone deserves the opportunity to do what it takes to recover from a substance use disorder and mental health issue. That is the focus of National Recovery Month for September 2021 and the focus of treatment professionals throughout the year. Recovery is for Everyone National Recovery [...]
Fear of a serious health condition can cause anxiety even in the best of times. During the coronavirus pandemic, the uncertainty of the disease can make obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and health anxiety that much worse for those who suffer from the mental health [...]
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