Adolescents are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis. According to the newest data from the Center of Disease Control (CDC), more than 1 in every 3 high school students experienced poor mental health during the recent pandemic. Nearly half of students felt persistently sad or hopeless, while about two-thirds of these teenagers had difficulty completing […]

Adolescence is a time of critical development, both emotionally and physically. At this time, teenagers begin to establish their own identities and seek more independence in their everyday lives. Their behaviors might involve distancing themselves from parents, acting out, or rebelling against the rules, in order to assert themselves as self-sufficient and in-control. While behaviors […]

Parents often consider alternative schools for teens who have not been successful in the traditional school environment. These teenagers may need extra attention, support, guidance, and monitoring in their learning journeys—and, unfortunately, not all public schools can meet their needs. If you are a parent of a teenager who seems “troubled” in their current school, […]

If someone you know has overdosed on drugs, call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Even if the person wakes up, medical intervention may still be necessary. Do not wait to take action. If you have already reported an emergency, keep reading for recommendations on what to do while you wait. When an overdose happens, it […]

Substance addiction is a chronic disease that makes lasting changes in the brain. It takes time and commitment to overcome. Often, those battling substance addiction require long-term and residential treatment. This provides them a safe, secure, structured, and sober place to live while they recover.  A structured sober living program is a beneficial option for […]

Mental illness and substance addiction are often called “invisible disorders,” in that they are not always seen, nor talked about. Learn how the stigma of addiction and mental illness is harming individuals struggling – and how to break the stigma. Today, nearly one in five adults in the United States struggle with a mental health […]

Drug rehab and recovery are two related terms or concepts that often get used interchangeably. Many people believe that, when an individual says, “I am in rehab for my addiction” or “I am in recovery for addiction,” those phrases mean the same thing. The truth is, while rehab and recovery have an undeniable relationship with […]

Mental health disorders are extremely common among women, and often lead to substance addiction. Combined, substance abuse and mental illness become dual diagnosis, which requires very specialized treatment and a safe, secure place to heal. Learn why women need safe, sober recovery homes when battling dual diagnosis. About one in every five adults in the […]

Today, millions of Americans use drugs, whether that be in the form of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or illicit substances. On average, most substance use begins during the teenage years—before graduating high school. For young people especially, drug use starts as recreational: they use drugs to have a good time, to experiment, and to experience […]

When people use drugs for their mind-altering effects – such as to get high, have fun with friends, or escape from stress and emotion – it falls under the category of recreational drug use. Recreational drug use is a term that refers to nonmedical substance use, and it can involve a variety of different drugs […]