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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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

disease model of addiction

Understanding the Disease Model of Addiction

Monday, January 31st, 2022

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 [...]

National Recovery Month

Thursday, September 9th, 2021

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 [...]

going back to school

Going Back to School After Remote Learning

Wednesday, August 18th, 2021

The fall of 2021 will mark the beginning of the third school year that has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the past year and a half, the isolation, uncertainties, and loss have affected virtually everyone – however, this time has been particularly [...]

protect your child from addiction

Protect Your Child from Addiction by Building Self-Efficacy

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021

As a parent, you probably worry about your child’s mental and physical health constantly. As your child grows, they may be tempted by a lot of negative influences in their life. You can take steps to keep your child safe even when you can’t [...]

recommit to your recovery

How to Recommit to Your Recovery | September is National Recovery Month

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Recovery does not happen overnight; it is an ongoing process. After you have successfully completed your addiction treatment program, you will need to continue to focus on a sober, healthy life in the years ahead. September is National Recovery Month: a great time to [...]

pandemic drinking turns to addiction

When Pandemic Drinking Turns to Addiction – Know the Signs

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020

COVID-19 has changed seemingly every aspect of most people’s daily lives. You have probably seen this in the way you work, in the way your kids are learning, in the way you shop for essentials, and in the way you socialize with friends and [...]

how do I know if I have PTSD

How Do I Know If I Have PTSD | Screenings, Resources, & PTSD Awareness Month

Monday, June 8th, 2020

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is usually associated with military veterans. While it is true that PTSD is often a result of war or combat, there are also many other causes that affect people from all walks of life. June is PTSD Awareness Month and, [...]

Tools to Thrive

Mental Health Month 2020: Tools to Thrive

Tuesday, May 19th, 2020

May is Mental Health Month. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis on mental health is critically important. Stress and anxiety are common during these challenging times, for most people across the country and across the world. Even in normal times, mental [...]

stay connected while social distancing

Why You Need to Stay Connected While Social Distancing

Tuesday, May 5th, 2020

People are social beings. Whether your social circle consists of a large number of contacts or a select few friends and family members, you need that connection for your physical and mental health. During the coronavirus outbreak, you probably cannot connect with your circle [...]

mental health and coping during the coronavirus

Mental Health and Coping During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected virtually every person across the globe in some form. Those who are not identified as essential workers are either working from home or being laid off from their jobs. Everyone is focused on keeping social distances and staying safe and healthy. People with [...]

managing the effects of quarantine

Managing the Effects of Quarantine

Wednesday, April 8th, 2020

In a time of social distancing, isolation, and quarantine, people throughout the world are experiencing a wide range of emotions and practical challenges. Quarantine is a strict separation from others, a step that has become necessary for many as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread. How do you [...]

understanding co-occurring disorders

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Thursday, March 19th, 2020

Almost a third of people in the US who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder also have a mental illness. Those who are diagnosed with both are described as having co-occurring disorders. This is also referred to as a dual diagnosis. Understanding co-occurring disorders more clearly [...]

addiction in teens

The Experience of Addiction in Teens

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020

Early exposure and a brain that is still developing leave teens more vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction. The earlier a person begins to use drugs or alcohol, the more likely they are to progress to serious use and abuse. Behavioral neuroscientist and Bucknell University professor Judith Grisel [...]

alcohol-related deaths

Alcohol-Related Deaths Doubled in Past 20 Years

Friday, February 21st, 2020

Researchers studying the use and abuse of alcohol in the US from 1999 to 2017 have discovered some startling statistics. While the focus within the past few years has been primarily on the increase of opioid abuse and the crisis created by opioid-related overdoses and deaths, the [...]