
Behind the Badge: Shining a Spotlight on Police Officer Mental Health
Law enforcement can be a tough—and oftentimes distressing—career, which makes it important to acknowledge police officer mental health and its unique stigma in the police community. Though police officers have never had it easy, public unrest especially in 2020 and beyond has added new stressors to the job and taken a toll on officer morale. …

Common Signs of Alcohol Dependence Everyone Should Know
There’s a thin line between drinking for fun and developing a dependency, which is why everyone should be aware of the signs of alcohol dependence and the various indications that it’s time to take a step back—or get professional help. Social drinking is common, especially in younger populations. With April being Alcohol Awareness Month though, …

The History Behind Denim Day and How to Show Your Support
You may have heard that April 27 is Denim Day, but do you know why something as simple as wearing jeans can serve as a positive stand against sexual violence? The idea for Denim Day, which is held annually during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), came from Italian activists as a direct response to a …

What is Harm Reduction and How Does it Apply to Substance Use Treatment?
You may have heard the term “harm reduction” applied to substance use treatment, but what is harm reduction, and how can it help individuals on their path to recovery? In light of the current administration’s support for it—including sanitary drug paraphernalia programs—we thought it was important to give a deeper look at the harm reduction …

Understanding Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Military sexual trauma (MST) is a reality for many individuals serving in the armed forces. According to national data from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), about one in three women and one in 50 men report experiencing MST, and it’s likely that there are also a significant number of individuals who experience MST …

Honoring Lives Lost: What is Black Balloon Day?
March 6 is Black Balloon Day, an annual event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating those who have lost their lives to substance overdoses. In doing so, we not only honor lives lost but also help raise awareness about the stark realities of substance misuse around the world, putting human names and faces behind the often …

The Risks of Substance Use During Pregnancy: What Can Happen
The dangers associated with substance use during pregnancy cannot be overstated, and any woman who may feel vulnerable or susceptible to substance use during this time should be given adequate resources and treatment, with zero judgment. Both mother and child’s health remain top priority, and for that reason it’s good to be aware of potential …

Highlighting Black LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
As Black History Month continues, one of the main topics for discussion, especially regarding the current youth mental health crisis dominating the United States, is the position that black LGBTQ+ youths are faced with. This prominent sub-group of individuals belonging to two separate minority groups are facing afflictions with little to no adequate support or …

Managing PTSD And Paying It Forward This Holiday Season: How Giving Can Transform Your Mental Health with Karmai Alexander
by Hadassa Delhomme Growing up in a Muslim household, the holiday season was never a strong point of interest for young Karmai Alexander. While she was on active duty in the military, she admitted being the first to volunteer to work the winter holidays. Although she did not celebrate the traditional holidays like Christmas and …

The Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering Your Workspace
The various mental health benefits of decluttering apply to any area you spend time in—including your workspace. Whether it’s an office, a desk, or just a corner of your kitchen table, a clean workspace can make a significant difference in your mood. It can also help you stay more focused on the task at hand. …
Welcome to Our Mental Health & Substance Abuse Blog
Our blog is designed to be a resource for patients, families, and the general public to learn more about substance abuse and mental health, including signs & symptoms of addiction, research into these illnesses, and how to build the support network you need to overcome these challenges.
We hope that these posts will help open up the conversation about mental health and addiction recovery, including difficult topics that don’t get discussed nearly enough. If you are suffering from a mental illness, know that you are not alone, and that support and solidarity is out there.
What You’ll Find on Our Substance Abuse, Mental, and Behavioral Health Blog
The substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral health blog is here to help readers understand more about a range of topics related to behavioral and mental health treatment, associations, substance abuse and statistics. From our blogs about addiction to our personal stories and up-to-date news posts, you’ll find a wide variety of articles all aimed at helping spread awareness and lifting the veil on topics that we all should be discussing more. We hope that you find this information helpful.