Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance Abuse Counseling Training Article on Substance Abuse Stats

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

A very indepth detail of substance abuse with illicit substances for adolescents and young adults shows some staggering figures that need corrected.  Why are young adults and adolescents turning to these substances?  Maybe better family life, better role models and better coping strategies are the answer?  Whatever the answer, America has a huge problem as our younger population turn to drugs for a variety of answers.  Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Training.

The article and report, ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT SUBSTANCE .Federal Grants for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services and for Research, states,

“About 16 percent of adolescents and 38 percent of young adults used illicit substances in 2016. Most young adults who develop substance use disorders begin using in adolescence.

There are federal grants that fund drug addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults. But most of the stakeholders we talked to believed that there are too few studies about drug addiction treatment for adolescents, too few providers to treat these patients, and too few services to sustain their recovery.”

To read the entire article, please click here

These statistics are far from good signs and corrections need to be made.  If you feel you can make a difference in this area, please review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program.

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Article on Youth and Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The rise of substance abuse among youth is startling.  It is a constant temptation to many children and be something that either harms them physically or puts them at odds with the law. I It is every parent’s nightmare to deal with substance abuse with their children and it is something that parents must take seriously to prevent if possible, and if not possible, deal with in an effective manner.  It is up to parents to raise their children through these temptations so they can become functional and fruitful members of society.  Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

The article, Efforts to prevent youth substance abuse on the rise, by Frank Stanko states

“Preventing underage substance abuse is a year-round priority. For Richland County Community Prevention Coordinator Ariel Johnson and members of the Project YES Coalition, efforts are expected to be more prominent this fall.”

To read the entire article, please click here

The adolescent brain does indeed play a role in substance abuse.  Fitting in, feeling indestructible and taking risks are all part of the development of the mind and the addition of drugs can be a deadly combination.  It is very important for parents to help protect their children whether in prevention or in action to keep their children and teens safe

Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional needs.

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Article

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Interesting article on substance abuse among, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people. Many issues can arise for alternative life style groups trying to fit into the norms of society.  They face discrimination and ridicule as they try to find their niche.  This can lead to drinking issues and other self esteem problems that lead to drinking.

Substance Abuse is a major issue, please also review our program in Substance Abuse Counseling by clicking here

The article,LGBTQ teens face increased risk of substance abuse, states

“Turns out, lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning (LGBQ) teens are at substantially higher risk of substance use than their heterosexual peers.

According to a new study led by San Diego State University researchers, LGBQ teens are more likely to use dangerous drugs.

As part of the most recent National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15,624 high school students were asked about their use of 15 substances, including alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.”

To read the entire article, please click here

In the meantime, please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program and see if it matches your academic and professional needs.

The program is an independent study program aimed for working professionals within the medical and health fields, as well as the behavioral health fields who are looking for certifications to enhance their professional careers.

The certification is good for four years and can be renewed.

Substance Abuse Counseling Program Article on Alternatives to Pain Meds

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Alternative pain management compared to pain killers is an important thing to avoid possible addiction.

The article, Virtual Reality: The Alternative To Marijuana And Opioids For Pain Management, by Reenita Das states,

“Those who have tried on a virtual reality headset can tell you that the experience is lifelike, almost real. If the projection is of you standing atop a tall building’s edge, you will be afraid of falling – the experience is real enough to fool your brain! Gaming is a natural application of the technology, but what is the application in healthcare and what can it do enhance the patient experience?”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program

Addiction Counseling Certification Article on New Opioid Laws

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

With new prescription laws hoping to net abuse and limit drug addiction, there is a group suffering from the fallout.  Legitimate individuals in hospice and other post op patients are now suffering the effects of not having enough pain medication during recovery.  Hopefully a balance can be found.

The article, Opioid laws to make it difficult to get prescription, by Riley Murdock states,

“As the opioid epidemic continues to make headlines across the country, Michigan has new laws poised to take effect that would combat addiction at the source.

The damage done by the epidemic is staggering:  2,356 people died in 2016 of drug overdoses in Michigan, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. This number eclipses the 1,064 deaths from car accidents in 2016, according to Michigan State Police.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Addiction Counseling Certification

Substance Abuse Counselor Training Article on College Substance Abuse

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Good article on substance abuse and the threat of substance abuse on college campuses.

The article, The threat of substance abuse to college students, by Ahston Nanninga states, 

“The opioid crisis has become a serious threat to public health, but from where does the drug abuse stem? Under the Controlled Substances Act, drugs have been categorized into their respective classes ranging from Schedule I to Schedule V. Schedule V is the lowest containing drugs such as codeine and other common substances used in cold/flu medicines. As the scheduling moves toward the lower numbers, the drug classifications intensify.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Substance Abuse Counselor Training

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Article on Abuse and Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Child abuse is seen to be a closely related to issues of later substance abuse

The article, Research finds substance abuse varies widely in association with child abuse, neglect, Source; The University of Kansas states

“Alcohol and other drug use are regularly linked to child abuse or neglect in families, but simply assuming the former causes the latter is not taking a deep enough look. A University of Kansas professor has authored a pair of studies examining how a range of parental alcohol and substance use behaviors are related to abusive and neglectful parenting behaviors and argues that a more thorough understanding can help address the associated problems to better serve families.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

Substance Abuse Counseling Article Modern Strides Being Made in Addiction and Mental Health

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Modern Strides Being Made in Addiction and Mental Health

Modern strides for aiding addiction recovery and helping in overcoming mental health disorders are creating opportunities for individuals to incorporate new perspectives, healing, and new tools and techniques in the quest for the best possible health outcomes. With new ways of looking at and treating addiction, will come less stigma attached with the disease.

The Evolution of a Theory

No longer seen as a sign of weak character or moral shortcoming, there have been great advancements made in helping individuals to recover from addiction and to overcome mental health disorders. Modern theory over the last fifty years now views addiction as a treatable disease and there are a number of treatment plans available to help the individual struggling with addiction or mental health issues.

At the Beginning

Most drug and alcohol recovery programs begin with the process of detoxing. Once the substance that has been abused is removed and the addict is allowed to work on recovery with a clear mind and body the foundation is laid for addressing the issues that led to addiction.

Therapy

One of the tools used in recovery is therapy. It is now recognized that many addicts have undiagnosed or untreated mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTS, and other issues that need to be addressed. Therapy can include individual, group, immersion, cognitive, behavioral counseling, and other types of counseling.

Skills for Living

Another useful tool is to develop skills for living. This is useful for both addiction recovery and mental health issues. These skills may include anger management, priority setting, visualization, and learning appropriate self-talk and interpersonal communication skills. Many modern Addiction Treatment centers work with patients to come up with plans to work on these skills.

A United Front

Another modern stride toward working with addiction and mental health issues is recognizing the body/mind/spirit connection. Being united and holistic in looking at healing both in body and mind can be beneficial in working about the greatest change.

Food is the First Medicine

Nutrition is paramount. Many addicts are malnourished which exacerbates problems. Recognizing the connection between health and nutrition, addiction recovery centers take pride in not only providing nutritious cuisine but often try to use organic foodstuffs whenever possible.

Move

Exercise is a major component in the goal of attaining health. In numerous studies, exercise has proven a wonderful method for restoring both physical and mental health.

The Skills of Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness practice is an ancient system that is now being studied by scientists and added to the tool chest to help individuals in every walk of life have a better quality of life. Mindfulness training is a method to calm and quiet the mind and is proving extremely useful for people seeking help in overcoming addiction and mental illness.

Supplements

Supplements, vitamins, herbs, tinctures, and teas are a method now being employed to help people live their best lives. The benefits of natural supplements are gaining acceptance with allopathic healthcare providers.

Drugs

Many people have had good outcomes with the use of medication to control mental illness. Pharmacological modalities are one more possible way to handle the challenges that come with mental illness and addiction. The individual should work closely with his/her healthcare provider to reach the right dosage as it not only varies with each person, but one person’s plan may change over time.

Connection

One of the obstacles and/or symptoms that add to the problems of addiction and mental illness is a tendency for people in that state to isolate. We now recognize this as a symptom of the disease, and one that lends itself to the dilemma of the downward spiral. One of the best ways to deal with mental illness and addiction is to develop a connection with others. Whether it is through therapy, family, friends, or a group with which one shares common interests, it is beneficial to form healthy alliances.

Animal Companions

Another avenue for healing is through interacting with animals. Their non-judgmental affection enables people to find peace and comfort. The responsibility of nurturing and enjoying the company of an animal companion is therapeutic. So much so that some addiction recovery centers are now adding an animal care component, such as equestrian therapy, as part of their healing services.

Joy

One of the best things that an individual on the road to recovery can do is to find an arena of satisfaction. Whether it’s a hobby, sport, intellectual pursuit, or cause, finding something that brings personal satisfaction is a way to maintain mental and emotional equilibrium. In addiction and mental illness, hobbies and goals are often jettisoned and restoring them is one of the roadways back to health.

In the sphere of mental health and recovery from addiction, there have been incredible modern strides made in diagnosis and treatment.

Please also review our substance abuse counseling program

Addiction Counseling Training Article On Rise of Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Good article from TIME about the epidemic of addiction in our country and how it is a moral epidemic and test to the country..  Addiction is rising as people fail to cope with issues properly and turn to substances.

The article, “Surgeon General Says Addiction Crisis a ‘Moral Test for America’” by Justin Worland states

“Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called addiction to drugs and alcohol “a moral test for America,” given the more than 20 million people in the country with substance abuse problems in a new report released Thursday.”

To read the entire article, please click here

If you would like to learn more about addiction counseling training then please review the program