DYING TO BE THIN
Very early in my counseling career, a beautiful young woman came to me for help with her addiction. Her name was Debbie. When she walked into my center, Debbie was malnourished....
Anxiety (and How to Manage It)
Everyone feels anxiety.
This is a normal human condition. It is what we feel in response to ambiguity. When you do not know what is going on, when you do not know...
Florida Makes The Marchman Act Easier To Use Assuring Families of Confidentiality
Florida’s Marchman Act found in Florida Statutes Chapter 397, “Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act”, allows families, friends or those with knowledge of an individual with substance use...
CALCULATING THE PRICE OF HAPPINESS
Many of us fantasize about having vast sums of wealth. Thoughts of winning the lottery are a prime example. We have all dreamed about spending that multi-million dollar jackpot, believing that...
EMPOWERMENT: HOPE, HEALING AND RECOVERY IN WOMEN’S HEALTH
This essay is about hope, healing, and recovery regarding women impacted by the opioid epidemic. It is not about blame, shame, or placing guilt on anyone or any system such as...
Communication
Communication is an essential life skill that allows individuals to better understand and connect with one another. Effective communication enables us to resolve differences, make connections, and build trust and respect....
WHEN IT GOES BEYOND BEING TIRED…
March is National Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month. As practitioners, it is important for us to be aware of the symptoms of chronic fatigue, as they may sometimes mirror symptoms of depression...
THOSE WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE NEED EXTRA SUPPORT DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), within the past five years, “27 million Americans reported dependence or misuse of illicit or prescription drugs.” As the nation is called upon to...
7 Tips for A Full Recovery
One of the first lessons I learned – and every addict is taught – in treatment is HALT, which are self-awareness cues critical to successful recoveries. HALT is like a flashing...
LOOKING INTO THE FACE OF FEAR
“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” ~ H. P. Lovecraft
Many times challenges emerge not from...