Creating New Patterns of Behavior and Thinking   The addicted brain experiences many thoughts and exhibits many behaviors during the course of an addiction.  The addict has thoughts related to getting the drug or alcohol, finding resources to buy the drug or alcohol, and using the drug or alcohol.  The addict’s behaviors are centered around...Read More

Substance Abuse Treatment and Group Therapy   Substance abuse treatment might include group therapy sessions, which can either occur through inpatient or outpatient services.  Many inpatient programs provide group therapy to complement other types of therapy received.  There are many advantages to attending group therapy sessions, which are outlined below.  Some individuals consider 12-step meetings...Read More

The Addicted Family   Most of us belong to a group of people referred to as our family.  We may define the participants of this family in different ways but the term family represents those that are closest to us emotionally and spiritually.  An addict’s family is no different than a non-addict’s family.  Each has...Read More

Sex Addiction Sex addiction has nothing to do with sex.  As with any addiction, it is a way to relieve feelings associated with depression, loneliness, and a sense of emptiness.  Many sex addicts live with guilt and shame; the same as an alcoholic or drug addict.  Sex addiction can include any number of behaviors including...Read More

Relationship Conflicts   Relationships are one of the most important parts of our lives.  We have relationships with spouses, significant others, co-workers, bosses, relatives, and of course our friends.  Relationships allow us the opportunity to feel connected to others and to share our hopes, dreams, and goals as well as our fears and uncertainties.  We...Read More

  Anxiety and Substance Use Disorders   Anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults and if you have an anxiety disorder, you are 2-3 times more likely to have a co-occurring substance use disorder.  Anxiety disorders encompass a broad range of disorders including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and phobias.  Approximately one-third...Read More

Music Therapy and Trauma Treatment   Music therapy has been used to treat victims of trauma for many years.  Music therapy interventions are provided by professionals who use music to assist those who need to recover from a traumatic event.  Music therapy can address an individual’s physical and psychological issues through a non-invasive medium.  Individuals...Read More

Mindfulness Therapy for Depression   Mindfulness therapy for treating depression is a relatively new approach. There is a growing body of research that supports mindfulness therapy as a way to treat the negative thought patterns associated with depression. Depression is a major disorder affecting millions of individuals.  It is a complex mental health disorder that...Read More

Impulsivity   Impulsivity is characterized by behavior that is given little thought of future consequences.  The term also implies that a person may act without thought to longer-term goals, which may lead a person to take risk in the short term.  A person can be impulsive and actually experience a positive outcome, whereby explaining why...Read More

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR is gaining recognition as a viable integrative therapeutic treatment intervention.  EMDR is used to treat panic and other anxiety disorders, phobias, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addictions.  EMDR was developed in 1987 following a discovery that eye movements can reduce the severity of disturbing thoughts.  After several years...Read More