Addiction is complex and multi-factored. So is its treatment. One method often incorporated into the treatment plan for substance use disorder is experiential therapy. Here’s a closer look at this therapeutic technique and how it can fit into treatment and recovery. About Experiential Therapy Experiential therapy uses a variety of expressive tools that allow patients…
by Sarah Surrey, LCSW, CRAADC Gone are the days when the only support a person in recovery could find was in a blue book, and a church basement. Support still exists there, but recovery has become as widespread and pervasive as substance use. Sober influencers show off a different kind of high life. Comedians, musicians,…
Knowledge about substance use disorder and its treatments is always advancing. Choosing a rehabilitation program that adheres to the latest and most effective treatment practices can lead to improved outcomes for people struggling with addiction and the people who love them. As part of its Evidence-Based Resource Guide Series, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health…
By: Sarah Surrey, LCSW, CRAADC Remember the lofty goals that you had for 2020? The books you were going to read, and career-climbing you were going to do? Remember the massive nutrition overhaul you were going to take on, and the worldwide travelling you were going to complete? 2020! This is the year! …
The return of a loved one after time in a residential treatment program is a joyous occasion. But it’s not without its share of uncertainty, too—including how the readjustment process will go for both of you. Knowing what to expect can be helpful when it comes to navigating this happy but often also challenging time….
No one wants to think that a family member or close friend is suffering from a substance use disorder. However, this is very much the reality for millions of Americans. And the sooner the problem is brought into the light, the sooner your loved one can start on the path toward recovery. Which begs the…
by: Sarah Surrey, LCSW, CRAADC Have you ever tried meditation and thought, “I’m not doing it right, this doesn’t work for me”? If so, this post is for you. By the end of this post, you’ll know why meditation has become so widely recommended, how to confront the biggest meditation myths, and how to…
Approximately 10 percent of Americans have had a substance use disorder (SUD) at some point in their lives, according to a study funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). That means that one out of every 10 people you know has suffered with—or is currently suffering with—this struggle. Unfortunately, 75 percent…
In recent years, knowledge about the relationship between substance use and mental disorders has continued to grow. According to the epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study, the prevalence of a psychiatric disorder is 44 percent among people with alcohol disorders, and skyrockets to 64.4 percent among people with other drug-use disorders. Furthermore, research shows that the…
Addiction is a terrible condition that can take over your life. The decision to take control and work toward sobriety is a monumental one, as is the journey that follows. When we talk about substance use treatment, we usually talk about finding the right rehab program, medication assisted treatment options, and a strong support system….