Category Archives: Mental Health

When Should Addicts Be Protected by Disability Laws? The question of whether addiction is a disability or simply unacceptable behavior is complex. This topic involves legal, ethical, and societal considerations that need thorough exploration. A real-life example from Oregon illustrates this. Back in 2011, a police officer lost his job after driving under the influence[…]

Understanding How The Brain Heals Creates New Treatment Options For Addicts We used to think that the brain, once damaged, could not repair itself. Breakthroughs in neuroscience have shown that this is not true.  Though individual neurons might be damaged beyond repair, the brain attempts to heal itself when damaged by making new connections or new neural[…]

Anxiety can stem from many sources: relationship problems, work stress, or even health concerns. Though medications are commonly used, there are alternative methods that can effectively alleviate anxiety. In this article, we explore four case studies highlighting treatments that focus on action and understanding, helping individuals break free from the grip of anxious thoughts. Case[…]

We Tend to Oversimplify Concepts Such as Powerlessness & Willpower By now, the research is clear: Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a matter of willpower. This means that, contrary to old stereotypes, people who become addicted to drugs or alcohol are not weak, immoral, or tragically flawed. David Sack, M.D., is board certified in Psychiatry, AddictionPsychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Sack currently[…]

Teenagers are naturally inclined to push boundaries as part of their developmental journey. Early childhood compliance often shifts into defiance as cognitive abilities, abstract thinking, and emotional complexity grow. In environments where family stability is compromised, such as during a divorce, rebellious tendencies may increase, making teens more susceptible to risky behaviors like substance use.[…]

Help from the Unconscious After working with dreams for over thirty-five years, I am convinced that all dreams come in the service of health and wholeness. Even recurring nightmares aim to help the dreamer move forward consciously toward well-being. If a dream is remembered, it indicates an important role for the dreamer’s waking mind in[…]

The Risk of Cross-addictions in Early Recovery A leading cause of eating disorder relapse is getting into a relationship too early in recovery. Early recovery is emotionally volatile; add in the additional ups and downs of a romantic relationship and you’ve got a recipe for relapse. In the vulnerable early stages of recovery, there is[…]

Highly sensitive children often feel emotions deeply, which can make them more likely to face challenges like depression. While their sensitivity can lead to creativity and empathy, it also requires proper emotional support to prevent difficulties from worsening. This article discusses how to help sensitive children manage their emotions, build resilience, and find happiness. The[…]

Craving is a powerful and complex experience, often described as a profound sense of incompleteness. When we crave, we are driven by an intense desire to fill an internal void by acquiring something external. This need to take something from the world and place it within ourselves defines the essence of craving. The Role of[…]

The Link Between Perfectionism and Obsession in Workaholism Workaholism is not just about working excessively; it is an obsession that stems from perfectionism. Understanding this inner dynamic is crucial to grasp how workaholism leads to narcissism. In this post, we will explore how obsession plays a pivotal role in workaholism and its psychological consequences. The[…]