Posts

The Power of Meditation for Mental Well-Being

In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. However, an ancient practice is gaining new popularity as an antidote to modern mental health struggles: meditation. By taking time to focus inward and cultivate mindfulness, meditation provides powerful benefits for psychological well-being. Reduces Stress and Anxiety One of the primary advantages of meditation is its ability to lower levels of stress and anxiety. When we meditate, Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Part 4 of 4 – Behavioral Manifestations of Addiction: It’s Medical, Not Moral

Title: Beyond Chemistry: Exploring Behavioral Patterns in Addiction Behavioral patterns offer crucial insights into the complexities of addiction. While chemical imbalances play a role, behaviors serve as tangible indicators of addiction’s grip on individuals. The DSM-5 delineates addiction based on behavioral criteria, emphasizing impaired control, social consequences, risky usage, and pharmacological factors. Recognizing addiction through behavioral cues is paramount in providing effective intervention. By reframing behaviors as symptoms rather than moral failings, we can offer Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Part 3 of 4 – Decision Fatigue: An Unseen Hurdle In The Recovery Journey  

Even after restoring healthy dopamine levels, recovering individuals face another neurological challenge – decision fatigue. Research shows the more choices we navigate daily, from mundane to momentous, the harder it becomes to exert willpower and self-control by evening. In recovery, each day brings a deluge of decisions loaded with relapse risks: refusing drug offers, avoiding triggers, battling cravings. This unrelenting gauntlet wears down finite cognitive resources before tackling other commitments like securing employment or housing. Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Part 2 of 4 – Decoding Dopamine: The Motivation Molecule

Dopamine, often dubbed the “motivation molecule,” plays a pivotal role in human behavior. Essential for functions ranging from forming bonds to driving ambition, dopamine influences our everyday actions. From the moment we wake up to pursuing our goals, dopamine serves as the driving force behind our endeavors. Understanding the significance of dopamine levels provides insights into addiction. On a typical day, our dopamine levels fluctuate, impacting our mood and motivation. However, substances like methamphetamine disrupt Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
diseased brain. Coloured stipple etching

Part 1 of 4 – The Quiet Epidemic: Understanding Addiction as a Disease

Addiction, a complex and devastating disease, affects millions in the United States alone. With over 21 million individuals grappling with addiction, it’s a crisis that demands our attention. Among these, 15 million suffer from alcohol use disorder, while 3 million battle opioid use disorder, a leading cause of injury-related deaths. In 2015, over 50,000 people succumbed to overdose. This is a remarkably high number, but to illustrate the prevalence and severity of the disease of Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

What Is Trauma?

In my network of mental health counselors, many of us are recognizing a shift in how American culture processes mental health issues. On the positive end, mental health diagnoses and concerns are becoming far less stigmatized, and society as a whole is more accepting, understanding, and accommodating of mental health needs.  Certainly, there are still significant limitations to this rule, but when I walk into a children’s museum with my kids and see that they Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Supporting a Friend or Loved One through a Mental Health Crisis

Mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, but it can be affected by many factors, such as stress, trauma, loss, or change. Sometimes, these factors can trigger a mental health crisis, which is a situation where a person has difficulty coping with their emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. A mental health crisis can take many forms, such as self-harm, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or aggression. It can be scary and overwhelming for both the Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is a term that refers to the actions and activities that we do to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care can help us cope with stress, prevent burnout, and enhance our overall health and happiness. But what does self-care look like in practice, and how can we make it a part of our daily routine? In this article, we will explore the benefits of self-care for mental health, the different Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

The Link Between Substance Abuse and Dopamine

Introduction Substance abuse is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for both physical and mental health. While the reasons behind substance abuse are multifaceted, one critical factor to consider is the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain’s reward system. In this article, I will explore the connection between substance abuse and dopamine, shedding light on the neurochemical pathways that contribute to addiction. Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Navigating the Complex Intersection of Substance Abuse and Mental Health: A Compassionate Perspective

Introduction The intertwined struggles of substance abuse and mental health issues are challenges that millions of individuals face around the world. These two issues are deeply interconnected, and understanding the complex relationship between them is crucial for offering support, compassion, and effective solutions. This article offers a brief exploration of the profound connection between substance abuse and mental health while emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in helping those who are affected. The Overlapping Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago