Alcohol and Mental Health Effects

Alcohol and the Brain It is well-known that excessive consumption of alcohol has an adverse impact on the liver, heart and digestive system. It is important to note, the effects of alcohol on the brain are also serious. It can result in structural damage, cognitive deficits and changes in mental health status. Alcohol blocks chemical…

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Understanding the Enabling of Addictive Behavior

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease,” explaining that “people with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”   Many addiction professionals regard the loss of control over substance use as an important aspect of the disease. While many people…

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Why COVID-19 is Taking a Heavy Toll on the Mental Health of People in States With Large Rural Areas

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of anguish for many Americans. Lockdowns and social distancing can make people feel isolated and lonely, increasing stress and anxiety. More than 460,000 Americans have now died from the disease. As we reported previously on this blog, the number of people reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression…

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Trauma Informed Leadership

By Jaime W. Vinck, MC, LPC, NCC Chief Executive Officer CPF Recovery Ways   Since early 2020 we have been in the midst of a triple pandemic; COVID19, mental health, and social/racial injustice. Last March when the depth and magnitude of COVID 19 was still unknown, (and from where we are today quite unimaginable), I…

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Comprehensive and Individualized Addiction Treatment for Improved Outcomes

Addiction is a complex biopsychosocial disorder frequently driven by co-occurring mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Severe substance use disorder (SUD) often requires clinical treatment for an extended period to include different levels of care to support sobriety. At Recovery Ways, an individualized treatment plan for a new patient starts with intensive…

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