Author: Brook McKenzie, LCDC

5 Common Dual Diagnoses

5 Common Dual Diagnoses

Most people who struggle with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health issue, or a dual diagnosis. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 3.3 percent of all American adults had a dual diagnosis of addiction and another mental health issue. [https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FRR1-2014/NSDUH-FRR1-2014.pdf]

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4 Reasons to Practice Gratitude in Addiction Recovery

4 Reasons to Practice Gratitude in Addiction Recovery

Recovery from addiction is about much more than abstinence from drugs and alcohol. The strongest recovery is one based on living a happier and more fulfilling life. That requires making changes in your relationships, habits, and outlook. One way to significantly improve the quality of your life is to make

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Why Making Comparisons is Bad for Addiction Recovery

Why Making Comparisons is Bad for Addiction Recovery

It’s normal to feel a bit disoriented when you enter treatment for the first time or enter a specific program for the first time. The way most people respond to this kind of uncertainty is to start looking around at what others are doing. As a social species, we are

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Ending the Legacy of Addiction

Ending the Legacy of Addiction 

Addiction runs in families, of this much we are certain.  While almost everyone has at least one relative that has been touched by addiction, it seems that people who struggle with addiction themselves can usually name a few addicts in their family, and at least one immediate family member.  Because

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7 Reasons to Find a Sponsor in Recovery

7 Reasons to Find a Sponsor in Recovery

The concept of a sobriety sponsor has been popularized through Alcoholics Anonymous and many references to the 12-step-program made in popular culture.  If you are considering entering a treatment program for the first time, or returning to treatment after relapse, you may be wondering if it is the right time

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5 Reasons Long-term Aftercare is Critical to Addiction Recovery

5 Reasons Long-term Aftercare is Critical to Addiction Recovery

Many addiction recovery programs and treatment centers have evolved their techniques and strategies exponentially over the past decade to incorporate new research and methods that prove successful for clients with addictions.  One clear factor in determining success in lasting recovery is the availability of quality aftercare for people who have

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7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Psychotherapy

7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of the most important parts of addiction treatment. At least half of people with substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health issue, and many believe the figure is closer to 80 percent. Issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, and

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group therapy

6 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Group Therapy

Group therapy plays a central role in nearly every quality treatment program and for good reason. Studies show that group therapy is a cost-effective way to treat many conditions, including addiction. More importantly, group therapy offers a valuable opportunity to learn and practice skills that are hard to acquire on

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