This Syndrome Linked to Heavy Cannabis Use is Often Misdiagnosed
CHS is characterized by a cycle of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting after cannabis use. Learn more.
Kratom: What You Need to Know About the Fastest Growing “Legal” Opioid
Everything you need to know about kratom.
7 Unexpected Takeaways from the Newest Research on Cannabis and Brain Health
As cannabis becomes more potent and widely accepted, scientists are learning that when you use it may matter just as much as how much you use. According to an article in the Washington Post, over the past two decades, cannabis has undergone a remarkable transformation. [...]
Cannabis Is Not a Proven Treatment for Mental Health Disorders
As cannabis becomes more widely accepted for both medical and recreational use, many people are turning to marijuana to manage anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional struggles. It is often marketed as a natural remedy and viewed as safer than traditional medications; however, new [...]
Like Most Addictions, Porn Starts In The Teen Years And Progresses Into Adulthood
For many young men, pornography was not something they intentionally searched for in the beginning. It often appeared first through a social media feed, a shared link, a pop-up, or an accidental click. What started as curiosity during childhood quickly became, for some, a [...]
A Huge Study Finds a Link Between Cannabis Use in Teens and Psychosis Later
Over the past decade, marijuana use among teens has steadily increased — alongside a growing perception that cannabis is “natural,” “safe,” or even therapeutic. But a new large-scale longitudinal study is raising serious concerns about the long-term mental health impact of adolescent cannabis use. The [...]
Screen to Screen: How Social Media Is Shaping the Teenage Brain
Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, or X (formerly Twitter), the way we connect has fundamentally shifted. Communication is no longer primarily face-to-face — it’s screen-to-screen. With more than a billion people logging onto platforms daily, social media has become second nature. But what is [...]
Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Options
Addiction affects the entire family—but recovery can, too. Understanding what happens during assessment, detox, and treatment helps families move from fear to informed support. The more you understand the process, the better equipped you are to protect your own well-being and support your loved [...]
Understanding the Brain in Addiction and Recovery: What Science Tells Us
Addiction isn’t just a matter of willpower—it’s a complex brain disease that changes the way the brain functions. Thanks to advances in neuroscience, researchers are uncovering how addiction alters neural pathways, how substances hijack the brain’s reward system, and how recovery can restore brain [...]
Adverse Childhood Experiences: Understanding the Impact and Creating a Path Toward Healing
Childhood is ideally a time of safety, learning, and connection. Yet for many children, early years are marked by instability, overwhelming stress, or trauma. These moments—known as Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs—can shape health, emotions, and life opportunities well into adulthood. By understanding what [...]
Understanding Delta-8 THC: What You Need to Know
Delta-8 THC, short for delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in trace amounts in hemp and cannabis (marijuana) plants. Although it exists naturally, most delta-8 products available today—like gummies, vape cartridges, and capsules—are made by converting cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp into delta-8 [...]
Youth Vaping: Understanding the Epidemic and How Schools Are Responding
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Surgeon General has officially declared youth vaping an ongoing “epidemic,” releasing a Youth Vaping Resource Guide this week to raise awareness about the growing problem. The concern isn’t unfounded. According to a recent poll [...]
Schizophrenia is a Devastating Mental Illness for the Individuals Who Suffer and the Families That Love Them
This article was partially summarized from a CNN article from 9/2/25. “For Henry Cockburn, the onset of schizophrenia felt like pure common sense…” In February 2002, the 20-year-old art student set off on a 70-mile barefoot journey from the University of Brighton to his childhood home [...]
Celebrating Substance Use Recovery Month: Honoring Courage, Resilience, and Hope
September is National Recovery Month, a time to honor the millions of people across the United States who are in recovery from substance use disorders, as well as their families, friends, and the dedicated professionals who support them. It’s a month to raise awareness, [...]
Americans Are Drinking Less as Health Concerns Rise
For the first time in nearly a century, fewer than six in ten U.S. adults report drinking alcohol—a sign of a notable shift in American habits. According to Gallup’s latest Consumption Habits survey, conducted in July 2025, just 54% of adults report consuming alcohol—the [...]
The Kratom Controversy: What You Need to Know About the Trending Plant
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 [...]
Understanding the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Key Insights and Implications
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 [...]
The Dangers of THCA: What You Need to Know
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 Addiction in Adolescents
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 [...]
The Online Gambling Epidemic Targeting Teens
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 [...]
Latest Research Reveals a Connection Between Marijuana Use and Cardiovascular Disease
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
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 [...]
Observing Mental Health Awareness Month
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 [...]
April Is Alcohol Awareness Month
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 [...]
The Risks of Self-Diagnosis in the Digital Age
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 [...]
5 Strategies for Planning a Successful Intervention
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: Fostering Compassion for Yourself
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
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
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
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 [...]
Marijuana and Mental Health: The Psychosis Connection
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 [...]
Failure to Launch: Understanding the Phenomenon and Its Impact on Families
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 [...]
Combating Gaming Disorder in Teens
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
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 [...]
Separating Facts From Fiction – What Parents Should Know About College-Age Drug Use
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 [...]
New Study Highlights Disconnect Between Teens and Parents
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 [...]
The Relationship Between Anosognosia and Schizophrenia
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 [...]
Should There Be a Legal Age Limit for Social Media?
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 [...]
10 Ways to Observe Mental Health Awareness Month
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 [...]
Study Suggests Link Between Pandemic and Women’s Alcohol Abuse
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 [...]
Experts Warn High Potency Marijuana Strains Lead to Increase in Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
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 [...]
Understanding Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
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
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 [...]
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder’s Causes and Symptoms
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 and Substance Abuse in Young Adults
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 [...]
Substance Use Among Adolescents: Latest Insights From the Monitoring the Future Survey
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 Today’s Teens
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 [...]
The Evolving Landscape of Teen Marijuana Use: What Parents Should Know
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 [...]
Fentanyl and the Rise of Teen Overdoses
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, [...]
Teens Are Spending Less Time Than Ever With Friends
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 [...]
Evidence Links Marijuana Use to Mental Health Risks in Young Adults
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 [...]
Families Need Help Reaching Addicted Loved Ones
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 [...]
Meta-Analysis Reveals Risks of Moderate Drinking
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 [...]
How Can You Tell if You’re Addicted to Marijuana?
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 [...]
DEA Calls Xylazine a Public Safety Threat
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 [...]
Sadness and Depression in Teen Girls
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 [...]
What Is an Eating Disorder?
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, [...]
Cutting Back on Alcohol Improves Anxiety, Depression
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 [...]
Understanding Family Resilience
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 Worsens Withdrawal Symptoms
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 [...]