The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening children starting at age 9 for substance-use. In mental health outpatient settings such as CARE Counseling, concerns are assessed for all children, with screening done for children 10 and older.
Relapse is the recurrence and worsening of a condition that has previously improved. For individuals who are in recovery, relapse and even multiple relapses are common. Due to the addictive and chronic nature of drug and alcohol dependence, there is not a quick and easy “cure” but rather an ongoing journey of recovery.
Keeping in mind that relapse is common, it is so important to remain focused on recovery after a relapse.
When relapse occurs during the treatment of substance use disorders, it is an indication that additional support is needed. You are not a failure.
There is incredible power in sharing one’s story. There are various characters that are part of story. The settings and plot change. There is a beginning, middle, and end as well as elements of conflict and resolution.
Recovery is for everyone because it benefits everyone. In recovery, we build new connections to ourselves, our families, and our communities. The 2021 National Recovery Month theme, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” reminds people in recovery and those who support them, that recovery belongs to all of us.
Awareness, prevention, education, and treatment are key aspects for mental health wellness. For men, factors such as social norms, reluctance to seek help, stigma, lack of culturally-competent care, or minimization of symptoms can make it difficult to get treatment for these common mental health problems that are prevalent among men.
Binge-drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks in females, in about a 2- hour period. Heavy alcohol use can cause serious long-lasting damage. The good news is that these consequences can be preventable.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink (or alcoholic drink-equivalent) in the US contains 0.6 fl ounces of pure alcohol. Here is what this would look like:
Tough conversations often create discomfort and can lead to avoidance. There may be reluctance to speak up due to fear of consequences. What will people think? How do I manage my own anxiety? Consider for a moment that remaining silent during tough conversations also communicates a message. What message do you wish to convey?
Caring for a loved one struggling with the mental and physical reliance on substances can be a very painful experience, especially for those who experience the effects first-hand. Substance use impacts the entire family system; therefore it is important to have support at all steps along the way–from the time of emerging concerns to treatment and recovery. Knowing what to do is not always easy, especially when watching a loved one engage in self-defeating behavior.
