Education Center

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Revisiting the D.A.R.E. Program: Success or Failure?

February 25, 2024|Education Center|

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program was initiated in the 1980s to help curb drug use among youth through school-based programs led by law enforcement officers. Its core mission was to educate students about the dangers of drug use, build self-esteem and teach skills to resist peer pressure. Decades later, the question arises: did the D.A.R.E. program succeed or fail?  The Origins and Evolution of D.A.R.E.  D.A.R.E. was founded in Los Angeles in 1983 amid growing concerns about drug abuse in communities across the U.S. The program quickly became a staple in schools nationwide, expanding to 75% of [...]

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Can Marijuana Be A Gateway Drug?

April 4, 2023|Addiction and Substance Abuse, Education Center|

The conversation around marijuana is no longer black and white. In some states, marijuana is promoted as a borderline-miraculous plant in terms of its healing qualities, while other states continue to pump out negative statistics surrounding marijuana use.  While some people preach the potential dangers of marijuana and warn of its ability to act as a gateway drug, others fight equally as hard to de-villainize it and prove its benefits. As marijuana use continues to rise in the States, both legally and illegally, recreationally and medicinally, it’s important to remain aware of its effects on the individual and society as [...]

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

January 8, 2023|Clinician’s Corner, Education Center, Treatment and Therapy|

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a technology that was established in the 1980s and FDA-approved for the treatment of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) in 2008. There have been many randomized controlled studies that have found TMS to be beneficial to help resolve TRD following its FDA approval. TRD, in general, is depression that does not respond to traditional pharmacotherapy. With TRD, symptoms of depression do not completely resolve or change at all, despite adequate medication management. Transcranial magnetic stimulation utilizes a magnet similar to an MRI machine, but on a much smaller scale. This magnet is placed on your scalp to [...]

Relapse Statistics You Need to Know

August 15, 2022|Addiction and Substance Abuse, Education Center|

Talking about relapse is hard. It can be terrifying if you or someone you know is in recovery. There’s no reason to be superstitious that bringing up relapse will trigger it.  In fact, the opposite is generally the case. The more knowledgeable you are about addiction relapse statistics, warning signs and the nature of addiction, the more likely you are to minimize the potential for a relapse. Here’s what you need to know to stay on track and achieve the freedom you want. Addiction is a disease Understanding relapse begins with understanding what addiction is, and how an addiction forms. [...]

Mental Health Disparities in Minority Communities

August 11, 2022|Education Center, Mental Health|

Mental health care is a frequently under-addressed (even dismissed) matter in minority communities, especially those of Hispanic, African and Asian roots. On average, individuals within minority communities struggle with mental health conditions at the same rate as their counterparts, and yet, multiple disparities cause these individuals to face longer-lasting and sometimes even more severe consequences. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the disparities in mental health conditions between those who are in minority communities and those who are not. Understanding factors in disparities A mental health disparity refers to the imbalanced or unequal treatments of a [...]

Managing the Stress of Graduating

June 3, 2022|Education Center, Young Adults|

You just graduated! Congratulations.  Maybe you’ve been celebrating everything you’ve accomplished in the last four years. Or maybe you’ve been too overwhelmed and stressed about what life is going to be like post-graduation that you haven’t given yourself time to truly recognize just how far you’ve come. In this article, we’re going to share some tips to help you stay grounded and positive after you’ve graduated from both high school and college. Acknowledge the stress, but don’t dwell on it We’re not here to tell you to “just relax” or “look on the bright side,” because your stress is valid.  [...]

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How Does Vivitrol Work for Alcohol and Drug Dependence?

January 27, 2022|Education Center|

Getting over an addiction isn’t a question of willpower, despite arguments to the contrary. While there is surely some choice involved in overcoming a substance use disorder, there are also neurological mechanisms that require professional intervention rather than just sheer determination. Understanding the way drugs and alcohol affect the brain has led to new studies and new understanding that has opened new avenues of treatment. Vivitrol is one of many medication-assisted treatment options that can help you find sustainable recovery. If you’ve ever thought, “how does Vivitrol work?” you’re in the right place. Here we’ll answer your questions about this [...]

How to Pursue a Career in Mental Health

January 26, 2022|Education Center|

If you’re committed to helping people make positive changes in their lives, one, the world needs more people like you, and, two, the field of mental health treatment is calling your name. More and more people are investing in their mental wellbeing as stigma decreases, stress rises and services become more accessible. You’re guaranteed to find a job quickly in the field of mental health, especially with the right degree and certification. There are an incredible variety of possible careers in the growing world of mental health. Though there is some overlap in what these professionals actually do, there are [...]

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What is Separation Anxiety in Adults?

January 18, 2022|Education Center, Mental Health|

When we talk about separation anxiety, most people assume you’re talking about a condition children experience. Some dismiss separation anxiety as a phase or a demonstration of a child’s healthy or unhealthy attachment to parents. Separation anxiety is neither of these. Moreover, separation anxiety affects people of all ages — children as well as parents and other adults. Unfortunately, there is a strong stigma around adults who struggle with this condition. Understanding separation anxiety in adults can help shift that societal mindset. If you’ve wondered about separation anxiety disorders in adults, your questions are about to be answered. In this [...]

How Long Does Heroin Stay in the Human Body?

January 18, 2022|Education Center|

Answering the question “how long does heroin stay in the human body?” starts with understanding the substance itself, and its effects. You may be wondering, “how long does a heroin high last?” or “how long will someone be able to detect the drug in my body?” In this article, we’ll provide an overview of heroin and the short and long-term ways that it changes the body and brain. What is heroin? Heroin is a substance in a class of drugs called opioids. Opioids bind to the opioid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for feelings of pain, pleasure and [...]

Having the Conversation About Addiction With Your Children

September 28, 2021|Education Center, Teens & Children|

Talking to children about addiction can feel uncomfortable, but it is important that kids and teens are informed about the dangers of addiction. How to talk to kids about addiction Children can be very perceptive, and they likely understand more than we sometimes give them credit for. When things are too scary or uncomfortable to talk about, like addiction, it may seem easier to avoid talking about them altogether, but this can play into the idea that certain topics are bad or taboo. While your kids may not need to know the gritty details of addiction, it is critical [...]

How to Get Back in the Game After Losing a Job

July 30, 2021|Education Center|

Despite the nearing end of the Coronavirus pandemic, there are still major obstacles left in the wake- unemployment being one of the most devastating among them. Whether you were fired, laid off, furloughed, lost benefits, transitioned to part-time, took a pay cut or overall household income was affected, the past year has surely been tough. However, there is hope for returning to the ranks of the happily employed, and soon. The right mindset Bouncing back after losing a job is no easy task. Immediately following a job change, there may be a period of grief, especially if you found fulfillment [...]