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 taking a severe toll on our health, particularly when it comes to sleep deprivation. Studies show that students today are far more likely to be perfectionists compared to their Gen X predecessors, and much of this is [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
