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 [...]
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 [...]
Even though substances such as CBD and marijuana may be legal in some states, they can still be dangerous. It's essential to understand what these substances contain and why they are considered a health and safety risk, particularly for the developing brains of teenagers [...]
After a brief decline in the 1980s and 1990s, alcohol consumption is on the rise in the US once more. Many factors have contributed to this increase, including the fact that American drinking patterns are considerably different than those in other parts of the [...]
When you notice signs of substance use or mental health problems in your loved one, your first instinct is probably to try to find help for them. Often, family members become frustrated because they just don’t know what to do or where to turn. [...]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. When you are facing the challenges of a mental health issue, you may be hesitant to reach out for help, given the stigma that you may feel. However, overcoming the stigma and getting help are critical steps for [...]
The past year has certainly been a challenging one for many people. The isolation and uncertainty caused by the pandemic have affected almost everyone’s mental health in some way. When it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what you are feeling, but you know you are [...]
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 [...]
Marijuana has often been thought of as a harmless drug that does not lead to addiction. However, many recent research studies have determined that not only is cannabis addictive, but the teen marijuana addiction rate is a serious concern. One study in particular found [...]
March is Women’s History Month. In the field of mental health, many women have made significant accomplishments and contributions, even though it seems most people primarily recognize the names of men who have been involved in mental health throughout history. Famous women in psychology [...]
The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic one year ago, in March of 2020. Since then, its effects have reached everyone in some form. Adults are working from home. Medical appointments are being conducted remotely. School is being held virtually. This has been a [...]
Everyone can have a “down” day now and then. Usually, they can shake it off and continue with their lives. If you are experiencing high-functioning depression, however, you may continue to meet your career and personal obligations, all while struggling to cope with negative [...]
Parents naturally want to raise their children to be successful and independent. Then, one day, the last child leaves the house and the parents become “empty nesters.” Many celebrate that day, enjoying their new freedom and lifestyle. However, some are challenged with adjusting and [...]
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic rerouted most personal interactions into the virtual world, teenagers were spending a great deal of time online. The excessive screen time has had some adverse effects on everyone, but particularly on younger people. The link between teen stress and [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of virtually everyone’s life. The stress of economic uncertainty, the isolation of the pandemic-related restrictions, and the fear of the virus itself have created a significant strain on people’s physical and mental health. Unfortunately, COVID challenges have [...]
You are probably counting down the days until 2020 is over. This has been a challenging year for many people on multiple levels, and you may be one of those who are struggling with mental health issues as a result. Now you are ready [...]
When the coronavirus was declared a pandemic in March 2020, most in-person activities were either canceled or shifted online. Schools made plans for remote sessions, business meetings morphed into video chats, and addiction support groups went virtual. While this transition has meant that certain [...]
Just like most of the rest of 2020, the holidays will be different this year. More people will be celebrating alone or with immediate family members rather than traveling for large gatherings. It is very important for you to understand how to cope with [...]
As the days grow shorter, we change our clocks to adjust to the winter hours. What many of us cannot change, though, is our reaction to less sunlight and more darkness throughout the winter months. While many people experience the winter blues, some people [...]
Telehealth has been an option in healthcare for several years. Recently, and particularly in the time of COVID-19, remote sessions have become more popular among providers and patients. Teletherapy provides a safe option when care is needed during the pandemic. Does teletherapy work? Recent [...]
Mental health is a concern throughout the year, of course, but each year we take a day to highlight the need to recognize and treat mental health issues. October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a time to reflect on what good mental health [...]
If you or a loved one struggle with the idea of suicide, please know that there is hope. You are not alone. When you are in crisis, help is available and there is no shame in reaching out to others for support during this [...]
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 [...]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is spending more time online. Adults are using virtual meeting platforms for remote work and meetings. Kids are using online resources to attend school remotely. Beyond that, people who are staying home and maintaining safe social distances are spending [...]
The uncertainties and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have been stressful for almost everyone across the globe. We have been under orders to stay at home, maintain our distances from other people, and wear masks when out in public. Many people have lost their [...]
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 [...]
Everyone has a unique personality. Each person thinks, feels, and behaves differently. Personality is developed through experiences, environment, and inherited traits. We often speak of someone having a “great personality” as a reason to enjoy that person's company. So, what is a personality disorder? [...]
June is Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on the specific physical and mental health needs of men and boys. Men and women are obviously different in terms of their physical health needs, but they also have different needs in regard to their [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
We all experience traumatic events at various points in our lives. We may be in or witness a car accident. We may have been the victim of abuse or a violent crime. We may get stuck in an elevator on our way to the office. Each of [...]
When we think of loss, we often associate it with the death of a loved one. Loss can come in many other forms, however, that can be just as difficult in the way they challenge us. We can grieve over the loss of a marriage or serious [...]
For many in recovery, the holidays are a source of stress. If you’re concerned about maintaining sobriety during the holiday season, know that you’re not alone. Now is the time to remind yourself why you no longer use drugs and alcohol, so you can [...]
Psychotherapy has been used for well over a century as a tool to improve a person’s mental health. By the end of the 19th century, Sigmund Freud was using the “talking cure” to help his patients better understand their own minds. Though the field of psychology has become [...]
Some addiction professionals describe substance use disorders as family diseases. This idea speaks to the many ways that addiction indirectly affects those close to someone with a substance use disorder. Addiction impacts families in many ways, and it can create feelings of abandonment, stress, [...]
If you are seeking information about addiction or mental health treatment, you are likely looking for help, either for yourself or your loved one. Understanding the different types of resources available can be confusing and overwhelming as there are so many options. How do [...]
Manufacturers of vaping products have touted e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to smoking. That’s created a lot of misinformation about the safety of vaping devices, which we are now learning can present a much greater threat to users than manufacturers originally promised. An outbreak of vaping-related injuries and deaths have [...]
Letter To The Family About Our Therapeutic Consulting and Intervention Services Dear Family Member, Thank you for coming in to meet with us today to discuss the current situation with your family member. We are confident we possess the experience and expertise to help you with [...]
Conventional wisdom says that a person with a substance use disorder can only become sober if they are willing to change. Managing an addictive disease is incredibly difficult, so this idea makes sense. However, as the U.S. struggles to deal with the toll of [...]
