The Benefits of Music on Mental Health

Updated on 4/13/2023 Music plays a vital role in our daily lives. It brings about a sense of deep connection and wellbeing, both with and without the use of words. We know that music has unique properties for our mental health—but why? This blog explains the way music therapy reduces depressive symptoms, reduces anxiety and […]
Risk Factors for Co-occurring Disorders

Content reviewed by Nicholas G. Glines A co-occurring disorder, also known as dual-diagnosis, describes the presence of two or more conditions that occur simultaneously. Typically, co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of one mental health disorder and one substance use disorder (SUD), such as addiction. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that nearly […]
Do I Need Inpatient Residential Treatment, or Can I Treat My Addiction at Home?

Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands The field of mental health and addiction recovery treatment is on the rise, with more and more treatment centers opening up across the United States. With the increase in treatment resources, people have more opportunities to find a treatment program that best meets their needs. […]
How to Admit You Need Help for a Substance Use or Mental Health Disorder

How to Admit You Need Help for a Substance Use or Mental Health Disorder Updated on 4/13/2023 If you have substance use disorder or mental illness, you may avoid seeking treatment because you are afraid to admit that you need help. Whether you are worried about how you will be perceived by the community or […]
Managing a Co-occurring Disorder in Recovery
Managing a Co-occurring Disorder in Recovery Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer at Cliffside Malibu In recovery, a co-occurring disorder is defined as being diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder alongside one or more mental health disorders. These are often difficult to navigate as it is common for one to exacerbate the other while […]
Toxic People and Places: Safeguarding Your Recovery

Toxic People and Places: Safeguarding Your Recovery Relieving your body of toxic substances related to addiction is a top priority when beginning recovery. An important step many people overlook has to do with toxicity in other arenas. Once a person returns home from treatment, it benefits them to be on the lookout for toxic people […]
Understanding Anger as a Secondary Emotion

Anger is a complex emotion that can have a profound effect on you and the people around you. Anger can cause you to act in ways that you might not make you feel proud. Anger can even cause you to make mistakes that you might later regret. Anger can also become challenging to control at […]
Why People Drink Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism

The cause of alcohol use disorder (AUD) may range from various factors, including environmental factors, mental health disorders and more. There may even be several factors that can cause AUD that individuals are unaware of. However, through education, individuals can become aware of the potential risk factors of AUD and protect themselves and those they […]
Calming the Mind: Dialectical Behavior Therapy & Addiction

Calming the Mind: Dialectical Behavior Therapy & Addiction People take pride in who they are. You can find comfort or confidence in a personality trait that you think makes you stand out from others. Pride in your actions, choices and advancements is typical. You can have many different reasons that motivate you to reach goals […]
Residential Addiction Treatment: Find Health in a Serene Setting

Updated on 1/31/2023 Residential Addiction Treatment: Find Health in a Serene Setting You are not weak. Your decision to enter treatment is courageous and shows you are committed to your well-being. Your length-of-stay in residential treatment depends on the amount of time you need to heal from alcohol or drug addiction. The journey of healing […]