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Depression is a complex mental health disorder. Despite its ubiquity, with 21 million adults experiencing at least one episode of major depressive disorder in 2020 alone, each individual will have their own experiences with depression. Knowing its many sources and potential adverse effects is crucial for creating an effective plan for coping with depression, both for oneself with the help of trained professionals. 

The word trauma is used a lot, but what does it mean regarding mental health, self-medicating, and addiction? Learn more here.

The workplace can be an intense source of stress. An individual may face professional stresses, unfair expectations, or difficult peers in the workplace that all affect one's mental health and use of addictive substances. Setting boundaries with workplace peers is crucial for managing one's mental health and sobriety and for separating this stressful part of one's life from one's interests, hobbies, and personal life. For those challenging and maintaining their sobriety, setting effective boundaries with workplace peers can mitigate some of these stresses while continuing to prioritize one's sober efforts and focus. 

One of the most challenging steps in the recovery process is coming to terms with your need for treatment. But once you are ready for treatment, you are faced with another challenge of choosing a treatment program. You may consider Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) because of its popularity. But does Alcoholics Anonymous actually work? Finding out the effectiveness of AA can help you determine if attending this program is right for you.

There is nothing easy about overcoming substance use disorder (SUD), and those battling the effects of drug and alcohol addiction and its consequences face many challenges. Professional treatment and recovery programs are filled with necessary changes, and navigating these changes while managing symptoms of withdrawal is difficult. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one option available to help alleviate some of these symptoms during one's recovery journey, and their advantages and effectiveness can be instrumental in navigating one's complex needs and goals in treatment. 

Receiving a DUI may feel like the end of the world, but it doesn't have to. Through proper mental and physical preparation, you can learn how to appropriately manage any stress you feel before your court date. Discovering your needs and learning how to prepare for a DUI court hearing will make this experience as manageable as possible.

The use of alcohol has many destructive effects. While the immediate effects of alcohol can be apparent, alcohol can persist in one's body long after its initial effects have worn off. Between the immediate effects on one's body and mind and the prolonged damage that alcohol can do to one's mental and physical health, recognizing alcohol use disorder (AUD) in oneself or a loved one is crucial to the effects of addiction and its prolonged and persistent effects. 

Undoubtedly, addiction can cloud an individual's identity. During treatment and throughout recovery, individuals working to heal from the effects of substance use must have knowledge of activities that aid in self-expression. Art therapy is more than doodling or painting pictures. Through art therapy, you or your loved one can learn to express themselves in ways they never thought they could. With endless forms of art to be discovered, this unique form of therapy can be of interest to everyone.

Exposure to traumatic experiences as a child can leave us with long-lasting scars, both physical and psychological. Not surprisingly, unresolved childhood trauma is commonly associated with substance use and the development of addiction. In recovery, we have to heal from these past traumas to achieve sobriety and prevent future relapses.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a severe condition that negatively affects individuals as well as their loved ones. Each client responds to treatment differently, and often a unique combination of treatment approaches is needed for lasting treatment success. One increasingly popular treatment modality that is being used to treat addiction and substance use is known as mindfulness meditation.