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World Mental Health – A New Survey on Wellbeing

  A new survey by Sapien Labs and The Mental Health Million Project, shows a comparison of the mental wellbeing profiles of eight countries. It also highlights differences across age and gender groups, and addresses lifestyle factors that drive mental wellbeing. The survey also includes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on worldwide mental health. […]

Reduce your Risk of Cancer? Stop Drinking Alcohol

  By now, we have all read or heard that the pandemic has caused a surge in alcohol sales. We also know or intuit that misuse of alcohol can result in a substance use disorder. And after an overindulgence, we might begin to understand that alcohol touches and can damage every system in the body. […]

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Older Adults’ Addiction Treatment – Rae Green at U of M

  It was my pleasure to speak to the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan last week. The topic was “Alcohol and Other Substance Use Treatment and Monitoring” for a class addressing “Interpersonal Practice with Older Adults”. Higher education continues via zoom during the pandemic. And I can say that I have […]

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Breakthrough: Methamphetamine Use Disorder Medication

    The New England Journal of Medicine (January 2021) has published the results of a successful clinical trial, using two approved medications for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder. There is currently no approved medication to treat addiction to methamphetamines. Behavioral interventions are the best available treatment at this time.   Pharmacotherapy Treatment for […]

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Continuum of Care, MAT, Telehealth: Limelight Interview

  The “continuum of care” in addiction treatment describes a system in which individuals enter treatment at a level appropriate to their needs. As monitoring progresses, they step up to more intense treatment or down to less intense treatment as needed. Care is individualized and incorporates the following, no matter the level in which a […]

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Mixing Medications With Alcohol? Harmful Interactions by NIH

  Since April of 2020 we have experienced a unique set of circumstances as relates to our physical and mental health. With the pandemic came physical distancing and isolation: a sense of being on our own to handle our problems. And with isolation came an increase in both the use of telehealth and the purchase […]

Substance Use, Mental Health, COVID-19 – the Connection

  A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Report verifies what we have been hearing and reading over the past ten months of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has negatively impacted our mental health. But with nearly a year of social constraints and disease diagnosis, the data coming in are showing some interesting new […]

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COVID-19 Relapse – Miley Cyrus Focuses on Sobriety

  In a series of recent articles, Miley Cyrus, who was 6 months alcohol free, admits to “falling off” during the pandemic. She says she is now “focusing on sobriety” after a relapse a few weeks ago. Miley is not alone in her struggles. And by speaking out, and reclaiming her recovery, she serves as […]

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What is Brainspotting? Innovations in Addiction Treatment

  Brainspotting is a brain-based psychotherapy approach that uses the field of vision to find where a person is holding, not only trauma, but any negative experience in their brain. We say with Brainspotting, where you look is how you feel…  Brainspotting developer, David Grand, Ph.D.   What is Brainspotting? The optic nerve connects and […]

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The Importance of Healthy Attachments – Limelight Interview

Emphasizing the importance of healthy attachments is a mainstay in addiction treatment. Particularly when speaking of positive outcomes in recovery. Like the legs of a stool, the more support one has, the sturdier the result.   What are Healthy Attachments? “Attachment” is defined as: a strong emotional bond, an affectionate regard, fidelity to a cause, […]

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