In pop-culture, dopamine is the media-hyped brain chemical responsible for your addiction to gambling, cake, sex, drugs, love and rock and roll. It seems straightforward: do something pleasurable, get that hit
We understand what addiction is, but how much do we know about how it happens? Addiction’s complex interactions with certain areas of the brain is a key part of why
Deciding you have an alcohol or drug addiction and considering a medical detox is the first step towards taking your life back. The idea of quitting can feel overwhelming for
By definition, the dictionary will tell you that to enable means to make something easy, to create conditions for it to happen. This simple explanation stands true when related to
Addiction and mental health issues take a heavy toll on personal relationships, shattering one’s sense of community and driving people into isolation. An essential part of recovery is learning how
Your heart is racing, your palms are sweating and your thoughts are in an anxious jumble – you’ve just been triggered. Preparing for triggers, and having an array of techniques
You know what you need to do about your addiction, but you also realize that you are scared to go to rehab. Moving past this mental block is a critical
Once best-known as a psychedelic club drug, ketamine has also gained attention as a possible innovation in the treatment of severe depression. However, the chance of negative side effects, including
Your husband’s prestigious job posting overseas was supposed to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. But ever since the move, you’ve been feeling empty, depressed, and anxious. You
Few people want to relive the pain of old traumas, and yet allowing the brain time to process these feelings and emotions is essential to healing. Getting the right kind
Talking to your spouse about your drug addiction for the first time may not be easy, but it is essential. Thoughtfully preparing for this discussion can help as you take
When the phone rings and your loved one demands to leave rehab, don’t despair. Here are some tactics to help address their needs while keeping them in the safety of
The simple answer is RIGHT NOW. Why? Because an addiction only worsens with time; so committing yourself to getting help now is critical to preserving your health, your relationships, and your financial wellbeing. For most of us, few days pass that aren’t completely filled to the brim. We are constantly
Mark uses cocaine every weekend with his friends. He has a high-pressure job as an investment banker. He works hard. He plays hard. And if you ask him if he has a cocaine addiction, his response would be, “Don’t I deserve to relax with my friends after a hard week
You have probably read about narcissism. You have probably read about addiction. But when someone you love shows both patterns, the usual advice falls short. You see the substance use. You see the defensiveness, the blame-shifting, the refusal to admit anything is wrong. Every conversation seems to go in circles,
An unsolicited treatment review by one of our clients – anxiety sufferer Kirsty spent 21 long years in and out of therapy before finally finding effective treatment at The Dawn’s mental health retreat in Thailand. “I’ve been in and out of counseling, group therapy, psychiatric wards and rehabilitation my whole
