Potentiation is a term widely used in psychiatry, pharmacology, and the study of substance use. It is the process by which one substance enhances the effects of another when used together, resulting in amplified therapeutic benefits or increased risks of adverse effects. Potentiation plays a significant role in psychiatric medication management, substance use, and understanding […]
Our Latest Blogs
22
Jun
Jun
The COVID-19 pandemic and global quarantine made people’s lives enormously hard. Especially, people with chronic diseases or different addictions suffer because their treatment was impacted the most. For the first weeks of the quarantine, people were not able to get their regular treatment in hospitals, some of them even had to stop it. People with […]
07
Oct
Oct
First semesters are starting across the country, and college freshmen have immersed themselves in an environment unlike any they’ve been in before. Without parental oversight, this year’s 18-year-olds will begin the rites of adulthood, surrounded by large amounts and varieties of alcohol and drugs. College freshmen are at the end of adolescence and the beginning […]
03
Oct
Oct
In today’s world, mental health and addiction issues are pervasive challenges that affect millions of people across various demographics. Despite increasing awareness, the barriers to seeking help for these conditions remain significant. A major contributor to these barriers is stigma, which often prevents people from pursuing treatment due to fear of judgment, discrimination, and isolation. […]
21
Mar
Mar
Living with a mental health disorder is hard enough. It can seem like a never-ending pursuit to find the right therapist, medication, and ways to cope. The darkness and distress of conditions such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder can leave you feeling helpless, struggling to find anything that works. Having a purpose […]
19
Feb
Feb
Did you know that approximately 280 million people worldwide struggle with depression, according to the World Health Organization? Depression is more than just feeling sad sometimes. It’s a mood disorder that can stem from various causes, such as genetic vulnerabilities, faulty mood regulation by the brain, or stressful life events. Depression, also known as a […]
28
Sep
Sep
Substance use disorder (SUD) has a variety of potential causes — and just as many treatments. One of the biggest causes is trauma of some sort. Traumatic early childhood experiences are one of the biggest risk factors for developing addiction. While not all trauma may result in post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) or directly cause someone […]
31
Aug
Aug
When a marriage falls apart, it can significantly impact a person’s life. One common health hazard that often accompanies divorce is depression. Feeling sad or down for a brief time after divorce is a normal reaction to the breakup of a marriage. However, an increasing number of divorced people stay in a depressive state for […]
27
Apr
Apr
Experiences are like bricks that lay the foundation of children’s mental health. If the bricks are weak, they will never sustain the pressure and weight. Thus, the building is at risk of collapsing. Just like that, traumatic childhood experiences destabilize the foundation of children’s mental health, leading to serious problems later in life. How Do […]
13
Apr
Apr
Emotional upheaval is part and parcel of life for many, and it’s pretty common. But what if the up and down feelings reach an extreme level? Those extreme ups and downs might be due to a mental health condition called bipolar disorder. In this disorder, a person experiences manic highs, other times sinking into depressive lows. […]
21
Feb
Feb
As a Clinical Psychologist, I am often asked by families to assist them in finding an appropriate treatment program for a loved one with an addiction problem. The addiction can vary from drug or alcohol dependency to video gaming and gambling. One of the ways I help my clients and their families is by exploring […]
06
Dec
Dec
Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges in many people’s lives. But for people with a substance use disorder, the stress of the pandemic may pose unique risks. It’s not uncommon for people to use drugs or alcohol to cope with difficult situations or feelings. Even those without a history of substance abuse […]
03
Dec
Dec
The Holidays can be stressful times. Last year, we faced a raging pandemic that put many people’s holiday plans on hold. Families were forced to make difficult choices and often forgo seeing their loved ones and friends during what is normally a time of joyous celebration and large gatherings. Public health authorities advised people to […]
27
Apr
Apr
Underlying the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is another public health crisis that has devastated American lives for decades: alcohol misuse and addiction. For years, medical professionals and organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have warned against excessive consumption. Now, the isolation, uncertainty, and stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated alcohol misuse, as more […]
02
Jan
Jan
Meditation and mindfulness exercises are used globally by drug and alcohol addiction centers as a complementary form of treatment to help patients improve physical and mental health. Substance abuse can cause problems ranging from kidney failure to depression to parasitic relationships. While professional help is the best course of action for treating addiction problems, meditation […]
27
May
May
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by a loss of boundaries between sleep and wakefulness. An affected person becomes very tired while awake and may fall into sleep in any relaxing situation during the day, such as sitting on a comfortable chair. Narcolepsy is often accompanied by cataplexy, a partial or total loss of […]
02
Mar
Mar
So, which came first, depression or substance abuse? The question is akin to the chicken/egg conundrum that has befuddled generations, yet the relationship between substance abuse and depression is much more complex than meets the eye. Of course, those who live with co-occurring disorders understand this complexity all too well. “Co-occurring disorders,” also called dual […]
07
Feb
Feb
Part One (of a two part series) – Inside the Illness When someone has a serious psychiatric illness, one of the most difficult aspects of the condition is that most sufferers cannot see the true extent of their symptoms. Some cannot see that they have symptoms at all, and instead project blame for their distress […]
08
Jan
Jan
Our intestines play an important role. They not only digest food but also extract nutrients from it. Bowels are a protective barrier between internal organs and the outside world but they have one weak spot. The intestinal mucosa consists of a thin layer of epithelial cells that are interconnected by special proteins. These proteins don’t […]
30
Dec
Dec
It’s no secret that binge drinking is a cultural problem in the U.S. and around the world. The behavior is primarily associated with young people, but increasingly, senior citizens are drinking alcohol excessively. In fact, a 2019 study found that more than 10% of Americans aged 65 and over engage in binge drinking on a […]
08
Nov
Nov
By Ken Seeley, Founder and CEO, Ken Seeley Communities You know the signs of the trailblazing workaholic. He seems to have unlimited reserves of energy, remaining laser-focused on his work for hours on end while his mortal colleagues are fading fast. You may scratch your head in awe of his unique ability to plow through […]
21
Oct
Oct
The term ‘substance abuse’ refers to harmful or noxious consumption of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol, illegal drugs and other prescribed medications in amounts or quantities that are harmful to a person. Drug addiction or substance use disorders often lead to alteration in thinking, judgment, perception, attention, behavioral and cognitive impairment, physical and psychological dependence, […]
11
Oct
Oct
On Tuesday September 24, rtor.org Resource Specialists Denise Vestuti and Kim O’Rielly, and Laurel House Mobile Employment Specialist Greg Dunn, joined a group of over 200 people who joyously gathered at Mitchell’s in Westport, CT for Communities 4 Action’s 6th Annual Recovery Celebration in recognition of National Recovery Month. This community-wide event was conceived by […]
14
Aug
Aug
Bipolar disorder is a serious and persistent mental health disorder in which a person experiences unusual changes in mood. Other characteristics of this disorder are changes in energy and activity level. It can cause risky suicidal behavior and can affect social life and academic and work performance. Thirty to fifty percent of people with bipolar […]
10
Jun
Jun
A college campus can be overwhelming for any student, let alone someone who is recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD). There are many challenges to deal with every day—such as meeting class requirements, finding a place to fit in with new friends, and dealing with the increased availability of alcohol and other substances. With […]
10
May
May
Suicide and prescription drug misuse can be pretty complex, often interwoven in a cause and effect relationship. Neither one is easy to spot (or prevent, for that matter). For many individuals with mental health disorders like depression or borderline personality disorder the risk of suicide is even higher. Each year in the United States, over […]
05
Mar
Mar
Medical Hypnotherapy can be a powerful method to treat various mental health conditions. By creating a calm and controlled environment, it allows patients to focus on their deepest disruptors. What is Hypnosis Treatment? Medical hypnotherapy works through its ability to remove all distraction from the mind of the patient, and speak clearly and directly about […]
04
Oct
Oct
Within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBTQ), substance abuse is at an all-time high and mental health problems are becoming more prevalent. According to a 2015 study by SAMHSA, “More than twice as many LGBTQ adults compared to heterosexual adults reported using drugs in the past year.” Mental health problems are also becoming […]
13
Sep
Sep
“A drinking man’s someone who wants to forget he isn’t still young and believing.” – Tennessee Williams, author of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” It may come as a surprise to you that according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information 64% of people addicted to alcohol actually meet all the criteria for […]
06
Sep
Sep
Business executives don’t necessarily fit the prototypical model of someone with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, but many of the triggers that impact someone who doesn’t work in the corporate sector are clearly present among business professionals. Stress, family pressures, and the overarching worry about falling short of expectations can all combine to push […]
04
Sep
Sep
This September, www.rtor.org is observing National Recovery Month with a guest blog series on co-occurring disorders – the presence of mental health and substance use disorders in the same person. To kick-off the special series on co-occurring disorders we open with a guest blog post from Lloyd I. Sederer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the […]
09
Aug
Aug
“And all the while I feel like I’m standing in the middle of a crowded room, screaming at the top of my lungs, and no one even looks up.” I remember watching Titanic as a kid, empathizing with Rose and her emotional turmoil. Growing up, I always felt like I was drowning and desperately waiting […]
19
Jul
Jul
According to a recent survey in 2010, over 45% of individuals struggling with addiction, have also been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the combination of substance abuse and the presence of a mental health disorder. Over 16% of individuals receiving treatment for substance abuse have also […]
28
Jun
Jun
When I began doing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), I had already been going to traditional therapy for several years off and on with no result. I found the conversation wandered when there wasn’t something of substance to focus on, and eventually I felt like I was wasting my money. EMDR was different, though. […]
08
May
May
When dealing with a substance use disorder, sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself and your recovery efforts is to push the outside world away. Music and music therapy are excellent ways to recover from a difficult past. Here are the benefits of music therapy along with pointers on a few of the […]
20
Mar
Mar
Outpatient Treatment Program
Darien, CT
The Newport Academy Outpatient Program treats teens aged 13–19 who are experiencing psychological, behavioral, and substance abuse issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. The Outpatient Program is founded on an ongoing commitment to recovery, essential for ensuring sustainable results.
20
Mar
Mar
Residential Treatment Center
Bethlehem, CT
The Newport Academy Residential Treatment Center for teens consists of a minimum of 30 hours of clinical and experiential therapy each week, plus 20 hours of academic study and tutoring. With a staff-to-resident ratio of five to one, we offer compassionate, attentive, and responsive care.
15
Feb
Feb
Co-occurring disorders are two or more behavioral health disorders which occur together in the same person. The term is often used to describe any mental health disorder that is accompanied by substance abuse, a problem that affects millions of Americans. The reasons may vary widely from one individual to the next, but the symptoms are […]
16
Jan
Jan
Adolescent Substance Use Program (ASAP)
Boston, MA
The Adolescent Substance Use Program (ASAP) at Boston Children’s Hospital provides the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of substance use problems and disorders in children and adolescents.
17
Oct
Oct
Nearly 45 million American adults struggle with mental illness each day. To complicate matters, individuals who have mental health disorders are much more likely to struggle with substance abuse than the general population. Approximately 20 million American adults have a diagnosed substance use disorder, and over eight million Americans struggle with both a diagnosed substance […]
05
Sep
Sep
Depression is a mood disorder that can wreak havoc on your life. It comes with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, numbness, and isolation. It is this numbness, the inability to feel anything at all, that drives many people to substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol provide a shock to the brain so that suddenly, after months of […]
09
Oct
Oct
On October 16, 2014 in Stamford, Laurel House will present the third installment in its Family Seminar Series on the topic of Medication and Symptomology. Carol Monroe, a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, will talk about the symptoms of some common mental health disorders and the medications that are typically prescribed for them, including […]
20
Sep
Sep
Massachusetts
Public mental health services in Massachusetts are administered and provided by the Department of Mental Health. Substance use and addiction treatment services in Massachusetts are overseen by a separate agency, the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services.
20
Sep
Sep
Kansas
Public mental health services in Kansas are administered and provided by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services–Kansas Behavioral Health Services. Substance use and addiction treatment services are overseen by Kansas Substance Use Treatment Services.
01
Mar
Mar
Years into my psychology degree, I still knew very little about self-harm. Armed with a vague idea that people self-harmed either in an attempt at suicide or as a cry for help, I had done no further research on the subject. The college I attended did not seem all that inspired to teach me anything […]
15
Sep
Sep
Growing evidence shows cannabis use, particularly among adolescents and young adults, can trigger permanent psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia. At the same time, marijuana is increasingly being legalized, decriminalized, glorified in pop culture and easier to access.
“It’s heading in a terrible direction,” said Rocco “Rocky” Marotta, MD, PhD, Service Chief for the Adult Transitional Living Program at Silver Hill Hospital. “I see the suffering. I see families suffering. I see these kids’ lives destroyed.
01
Sep
Sep
Carl just wanted his son back.
Jake had become “like a walking zombie who was incoherent and catatonic,” Carl said of his son. Jake had been admitted and released by several state mental health facilities after suffering what Carl believes is cannabis-induced psychosis.
20
Sep
Sep
Wyoming
Only 45.5% of adults with mental illness in Wyoming receive any form of treatment from either the public system or private providers (according to SAMHSA). The remaining 55.5% receive no mental health treatment. According to Mental Health America, Wyoming is ranked 29 out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. for providing access to mental health services.
06
Nov
Nov
Stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic, global conflict, divisive politics, inflation, and the threat of recession have strained people’s mental health in recent years. This sentiment is echoed in data collected by the Mental Health Foundation, which found that 37.1% of women and 29.8% of men now live with high levels of anxiety. While you […]
24
Oct
Oct
Addiction recovery is a challenging journey that involves not just the physical act of overcoming substance dependence but also the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of rebuilding one’s life. One of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools in this process is the role of routine and normalcy. Establishing a stable, predictable daily routine can […]
15
Jul
Jul
The internet has made it much simpler for people to get help for mental health problems without leaving their homes. Now, you can search for information, talk to others experiencing similar issues, and even get professional help online. The move to online mental health support is happening because people realize how important mental well-being is, […]
08
Jul
Jul
What Does Self-Medicating Mean? Self-medicating means abusing drugs or alcohol to manage symptoms of a mental health disorder or other illness. It’s a common form of substance abuse. According to a survey, 77% of Americans have reported self-medicating for a health condition. Read on to learn more about the substances, risk factors, dangers, and treatment […]
04
Jul
Jul
Trauma and addiction are two interconnected issues that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. The experience of trauma, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological, can lead to a higher risk of developing an addiction. Studies show that individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop a substance use disorder […]
24
Jun
Jun
Adolescence marks a pivotal period in an individual’s life, characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes. It’s a time of exploration, self-discovery, and growth, but it can also be a period of immense challenges and uncertainty. Teens often grapple with issues such as identity formation, peer pressure, academic stress, family conflicts, and mental health […]
13
Jun
Jun
Anxiety and depression often co-exist, filling a person with negativity. At some point, these two things affect almost everyone alive, manifesting uniquely in each person. The level of depression and anxiety varies for everyone, but even when they seem to get out of control, there are several ways to manage both. According to a report […]
31
May
May
Failure to Launch syndrome is not a formal mental health disorder. Rather, it is a popular term for a young adult living at home who is highly dependent on parents or other family members.
13
May
May
Alcohol consumption is a common activity at social gatherings, celebrations, and everyday life for many people. Understanding how alcohol affects the brain is crucial for making informed decisions about consumption. From impairing judgment to impacting memory and motor skills, the effects of alcohol on the brain can be far-reaching and profound. Let’s explore the neuroscience […]
18
Apr
Apr
Stress, anxiety, despair, low self-esteem, and other mental health difficulties have been significantly more common in young adults over the past ten years, according to studies. During the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 outbreak matters only worsened. Psychologists and counselors were unavailable for in-person sessions due to the pandemic. Studies show that online counseling surged during […]
04
Mar
Mar
Living with co-occurring anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel like a never-ending uphill climb. Having both conditions contributes to what some describe as an “extra loud” mind, characterized by racing thoughts, worries, and distractions. The intersection of ADHD and anxiety can present in various ways, from struggling with organization and time management to increased […]
12
Feb
Feb
Addiction is a widespread problem that not only affects individual users but also seriously damages relationships, especially romantic ones. A crucial component of any treatment approach for addiction may be couples counseling. Couples therapy for alcoholism and other addictions is crucial to heal resentments and work through the distrust that has naturally occurred as part […]
08
Feb
Feb
Reaching out for help with addiction takes a great deal of courage, and many people focus only on the detox process or the therapy required for recovery. However, self-care in addiction recovery is equally important. During addiction treatment, your care plan will probably include things like group therapy sessions, giving you a chance to relate […]
05
Feb
Feb
Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be challenging, impacting various aspects of one’s life. This guide aims to shed light on the complexities of BPD, from understanding the disorder to resources for support and coping strategies. Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: BPD stands for borderline personality disorder. It is a mental health condition characterized by […]
08
Jan
Jan
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing patterns of thinking or behaviors that can lead to problems in your life. CBT is a highly effective evidence-based practice used to treat a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. If you’re struggling to stay sober, CBT might […]
20
Dec
Dec
The holiday season, often considered a time of joy and celebration, can be a challenging period for many individuals, especially those navigating the twisting path of addiction recovery. For those who have embarked on the journey to overcome substance use disorders, feelings of loneliness during the holidays can be particularly troubling. The struggle to maintain […]
07
Dec
Dec
Navigating the holiday season while in recovery can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Here are effective strategies to help you stay sober during the holidays, allowing you to embrace the joy and connection of this season without sacrificing any of its special qualities. Acknowledge Triggers and Practice Proactive Steps Being mindful of potential triggers, […]
27
Nov
Nov
He was the kind of kid who didn’t back down from a confrontation. But this day, as he sat in my office with his head in his hands, he never met my gaze. Instead, he recounted an earlier event when he took medication from a sick relative to get high. He didn’t look at me […]
13
Nov
Nov
If you’re in addiction treatment, most centers will have you develop a relapse prevention plan at some point. The goal is to avoid relapse entirely, but life happens, and for many people, relapse becomes a stepping stone on the way to permanent sobriety. A relapse is when you drink or use again after a period […]
