Understanding Ritalin Ritalin is the brand name commonly used for the medication methylphenidate. This stimulant drug impacts the central nervous system (CNS), increasing communication levels between nerve cells throughout the brain and body. Methylphenidate has similar effects to amphetamine and cocaine. There are a number of street names for Ritalin, including: Kiddie cocaine R-ball Skippy…
Family is something universal, we have all, at times, been part of a family. Our interpretations, experiences, and understandings of what family is, however, can vary greatly. For some people, family are those who you grew up with, shared pivotal defining moments with, and with whom are deeply connected. For others, family is associated with…
There’s a famous saying about raising a child, noting that “it takes a village.” The same can be said for recovering from an addiction. Group counseling offers many benefits to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction and experience a lifetime of sobriety in recovery. Group therapy for addiction can help you or a loved one…
Detox, rehab, and traditional one-on-one counseling may all become pivotal pieces of the puzzle that a professional treatment facility will construct to encourage your long-term recovery journey. But there are other ways you can supplement your care, including art therapy, nutritional education, yoga therapy, and mindfulness. Another way to foster sobriety, healthy living, and a…
When we think of the damage caused by substance use disorders, it’s easy to focus first and foremost on the physical damage done to the body and mental anguish suffered. The downstream effects of an addiction to drugs and alcohol take a toll on families and loved ones. Healing relationships through compassionate family therapy at…
Codependence can sometimes be described as an addiction to another person rather than an addiction to a particular substance. As a substance use disorder becomes a drug addiction, even the closest and most stable relationships can begin to erode. It can be a challenge for a person suffering from codependency and addiction to build and…
Seasonal depression is not a myth. It is a legitimate and common form of depression that can be triggered by a change in seasons, usually at the start of fall. Additionally, you may suffer depression during the holidays caused by reliving childhood trauma and interacting with toxic individuals or being back in a triggering environment.…
Sadly, many people have suffered through traumatic events in their lives. Whether the trauma occurred over many years or was a single traumatic event, there is an all too common connection between trauma and addiction. The impact of trauma can cause severe psychological and physical reactions, and at times, the hurt is extreme enough to…
A 12-step therapy program has helped many people overcome an alcohol use disorder. In fact, as far as therapy for alcoholism goes, the classic 12-step program has played a vital role in the history of American society. Even non-drinkers have likely heard of it and could name some of the benefits of 12-step therapy. While…
Emotional trauma is the end result of traumatic events, situations, and/or experiences that have left you feeling profoundly unsafe and, at times, completely helpless. This can be as a result of a single solitary event or from an ongoing series of negative experiences, such as abuse, bullying, humiliation, or discrimination. While some traumatic experiences may…
Family counseling is a type of psychological therapy designed to help foster healthier communication between family members as well as to assist with the resolution of toxic conflicts that may exist within families. The issues you are experiencing with your family members could benefit from a family therapy program at Alina Lodge. Often, rebuilding relationships…
Your personality consists of the way you feel, think and behave. Upon reaching adulthood, most people have personality traits that are consistent from day to day, year to year. However, 9% of Americans, which is nearly 1 in 10 people, are affected by a personality disorder. Some could benefit from personality disorder treatment to address…
Over 23.5 million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol. To put that into perspective, that amounts to roughly one in every 10 Americans over the age of 12 or nearly the entire population of Texas. And yet, only 11 percent of those struggling with addiction receive addiction treatment therapies that could help them break…
With over 47,500 Americans dying by suicide in 2019, suicide ranks as the 10th leading cause of death in the country. As terrifying as that staggering figure is, it’s the 1.38 million suicide attempts in that same year that should be even more alarming and ringing the bell loudly for increased focus on suicide prevention.…
Recovery takes more than just quitting. It requires making efforts towards both physical and psychological health, and nutrition plays its own important role. Substance use disorders can arise out of many different situations, including having an eating disorder or having difficulty maintaining a healthy diet. Fortunately, there are caring and knowledgeable professionals who can provide…
The symptoms of depression can present themselves in many ways, and family relationships are often adversely affected by the behaviors that depression can cause. While changes in a family member’s behavior might feel frightening, especially if they seem to be negative changes, it’s crucial to understand that family support can be life-changing for those experiencing…
There is more and more research showing that yoga can have real mental health benefits. For those struggling with anything from addiction, to depression, to bipolar, to schizoaffective disorders, yoga can provide relief from stress, tension, muscle pain, and strain, and it can calm and quiet the central nervous system to help hone and strengthen…
Dealing with the grief and devastation that comes with losing a loved one may seem overwhelming, and it may be difficult to imagine feeling happy or at peace again. Many people turn to unhealthy ways of coping with loss, such as isolating themselves, pretending that everything is fine, or turning to substance use to self-medicate.…
One of the most effective therapies used to overcome addiction or mental health disorders is mindfulness. Being aware of the present moment and one’s immediate surroundings is something that can get desensitized over years of trauma or grief, and engaging our senses in the present moment can bring us back to the tools that lay…
Living with depression isn’t easy, but it doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Depending on each person’s individual circumstances, depression can manifest itself in obvious ways or ways that are harder to spot. It may be that you or a loved one has been finding relationships, work, physical activities, or other aspects of life…