What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originated in response to a need for improved treatment of individuals with borderline personality disorder. However, the application of DBT has since expanded to treating people with a variety of mental health or substance use disorders. DBT was modified from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to place emphasis on…
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What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? The concept of “I think therefore I am” illustrates the importance of thought as an essential component of our very existence. What is cognitive behavioral therapy? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based practice that focuses on how thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect feelings and behavior. In other words, how…
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Her whole life, Miriam had been afraid – of appearing weak, of admitting she had a problem, “of everything.” Her fear led her to the power of escape through art and reading. Then suddenly, the fear grabbed hold of her life, pushing her away from the characters of Anne Rice, Stephen King and John Irving,…
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Nicks Success Story: Breaking the Cycle Addiction was nothing new to Nick. His father drank routinely, and after watching his family fall apart, Nick told himself he would never drink or do drugs. Yet, as the stress of school, friends and the pressure to fit in grew stronger, he fell victim to the disease of…
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It takes courage to ask for help to overcome substance abuse. For some, help for a substance use disorder involves a stay in a Residential Treatment facility. If you have never been in treatment before, it can be overwhelming not knowing what to expect. Do I Need to Go to Rehab? While it might be…
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What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a method to help clients overcome their substance abuse problems in a way that can improve every aspect of their lives by overcoming experiential avoidance. Different patients need to focus on different aspects of the model, depending on their individual life circumstances.…
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People tend to think of alcoholism as an all-or-nothing proposition. The perception is if a person can maintain a job and a life that is not falling apart, then they do not have a problem. The reality, however, is a lot less black and white: alcohol addiction is a progressive disease with many different degrees. Binge drinking…
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Low self-esteem, a perception that one is inadequate, unlovable, unworthy and/or incompetent. It often stems from exposure to dysfunctional behavior as a child. When children bear the brunt of anger, abandonment, abuse, neglect or continual negative criticism, it can lead to feelings of low self-worth. Low self-esteem isn’t limited to individuals who have suffered trauma…
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What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)? Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medication, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to comprehensively treat substance use disorder. MAT can be used for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Not everyone is a candidate for MAT. Prior to initiating Medication-Assisted Treatment, medical professional evaluate the patient to…
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Outrunning Addiction A 30 pack of beer and a bottle of Bacardi every day was Cheryl’s norm for 22 years. After experiencing emotional and physical pain at a young age, Cheryl found solace in alcohol, which helped her escape her family reality and fit in with those around her. Cheryl’s alcohol addiction had already taken hold by…
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