Tag: mental health

Dangers of Self-Medicating with Drugs and Alcohol

Research on substance use disorders and mental health disorders depicts strong evidence for consistent links between the two. Approximately half of Americans who have substance use disorders also have mental health disorders and vice-versa. While it cannot be said that one causes the other, the two are complexly intertwined. When these disorders coincide, it is […]

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7 of the Most Common Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues are rising in the United States. Specifically, anxiety and depression rates are steadily rising across the country. These conditions are especially prevalent in young people, a major change over the last two decades. Dangers that arise with mental health issues are the unsafe coping mechanisms, such as using drugs or alcohol to […]

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Benefits of a TMS Therapy Program

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, referred to simply as TMS, was invented in 1985 and approved for use by the FDA in 2008. Multiple clinical studies have shown TMS to be highly effective for the treatment of depression. In addiction treatment, TMS therapy programs treat depression that either contributed to the substance use disorder or arose as […]

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8 Movies About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects around 2.8 percent of the adult population in the United States. This mental health issue can be treated through therapy and medication, and if you or a loved one is struggling, it’s important to reach out for help. At Westwind Recovery®, we offer dual diagnosis treatment to help […]

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Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. It was created to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Organizations work to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental health issues and their families. At Westwind Recovery®, we know […]

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How Grief and Substance Abuse Are Connected

Grief is an emotion that occurs after loss, especially the loss of a loved one. Symptoms of grief may be denial, shock, guilt, or anger. The trauma experienced from a loss of this kind can be all-consuming and debilitating, causing some individuals to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope or develop other mental health […]

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Do You Need Residential Mental Health Treatment in Los Angeles?

Mental health disorders are common and can range from mild to severe. There is a strong link between mental health disorders and substance use disorders, but it cannot be definitively stated that one causes the other. In fact, the two often have a cyclical relationship that is difficult to break without the proper treatment of [...]
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Understanding Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance abuse is a chemical dependency that is characterized by the uncontrollable use of addictive drugs or alcohol. A dependency on addictive substances impacts the mind and body and can have dangerous long-term consequences. Health problems like seizures, internal damage, difficulty breathing, tremors, and brain damage are just some of the harmful and life-threatening effects. [...]
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How to Cope with Being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired (HALT)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a lifesaver for many people. AA not only provides a recovering addict with a community of sober people (or at least trying to stay sober) but there is also an entire philosophy behind life after addiction. AA provides a clear set of guidelines, a map that will direct you out [...]
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Don’t Let Loneliness Get in the Way of Living Sober

For those in recovery, loneliness can be a trigger for relapse. Spending time alone can make using drugs or drinking tempting, and some individuals might turn to substance abuse to feel relief from anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Understanding how loneliness can be dangerous and having a plan for when this feeling strikes […]

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