It should come as no surprise that the rates of substance use are more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ population. A correlation exists between the social, mental health, and financial issues that impact the LBGTQ+ and substance use. Data reported in the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Substances showed that adults who identify […]
substance use disorder
Suicide Prevention Resources and Tips for Loved Ones
Tragically, the rate of suicides has been steadily climbing for the past decade, becoming the 10th highest preventable cause of death in the U.S. In the younger demographic including teens and young adults, suicide has risen dramatically, becoming the 2nd leading cause of preventable death in this age group. With increasing evidence of mental health […]
Recovering During the Health Crisis: What Else Can I Do?
The COVID-19 pandemic has left people all over the world unable to go about their daily lives. It’s a time when watching the news can bring about feelings of fear and frustration, a time when we are often left with more questions than answers, and it can bring about feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness. Social […]
The Connection Between Mental Health, Addiction, and Self-Harm
Self-harm is, unfortunately, an incredibly taboo subject that is rarely openly discussed due to a lack of understanding and the feelings of shame and guilt in those that suffer from it. It is not, by itself, classified as a mental health disorder and is usually considered more of a symptom of other diagnoses, which makes […]
Trust the Process
Sitting in a room of strangers and discussing depression, grief, trauma, or familial problems can sound like an absolute nightmare, particularly for those with substance use disorder, who often feel separate from their fellows. If you look at the structure of a 12-Step program, you’ll see that while working individually with a sponsor is touted […]
Incomprehensible Demoralization Looks Different for Each of Us
Incomprehensible: not able to be understood; not intelligible. Demoralization: to undermine the confidence or morale of; dishearten. What this means for the person with substance use disorder: the place that is reached that is so painful, shameful, or far from their hopes for themselves that they cannot make sense of how they got there. For […]