“Residential Care Is Only for Crisis”—5 Myths About Mental Health Treatment That Keep People Stuck
When life feels heavy—but not catastrophic—it’s easy to talk yourself out of asking for help. Especially when you’re functioning on the outside: going to work, keeping up with responsibilities, even smiling when you need to. But underneath? You might feel like you’re unraveling slowly, like your coping tools aren’t working the way they used to. […]
How Inpatient Rehab Supports Mental Health and Sobriety
Recovery from addiction is rarely a straight line. It’s often complicated by emotional distress, unresolved trauma, or underlying mental health conditions. Many individuals struggling with substance use also face challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. When these co-occurring disorders go untreated, they can sabotage recovery efforts and perpetuate a harmful cycle. That’s […]
Finding Effective Support at Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centers
Are you or a loved one struggling with mental health issues or addiction? Finding the right treatment center can be overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step toward recovery. At Harborview Treatment at Cohasset, we understand the complexities of dual diagnosis and offer comprehensive care for both mental health and substance abuse disorders. Recent studies show […]
How Long Do Xanax Effects Last?
You have been prescribed Xanax for anxiety or panic disorder. While Xanax can provide relief, it also comes with risks. As you take Xanax, be aware of how long the effects last so you can avoid dependence and addiction. Recent statistics in Massachusetts show increasing rates of benzodiazepine addiction. This article explores how long Xanax […]
Everything You Need to Know About Mood Stabilizer Drugs
You’ve heard of antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, but what about mood stabilizers? These medications help even out extreme highs and lows for conditions like bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers are crucial for an estimated 3% of U.S. adults who live with bipolar disorder. Yet myths and misconceptions still swirl around this family of drugs. Get the […]
Cognitive Restructuring: A Key Component of Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatments
You have likely experienced negative or unhelpful thoughts from time to time. These distorted thinking patterns can contribute to emotional distress and affect your mental health. Cognitive restructuring is an evidence-based technique used in many modern psychotherapy approaches to identify and replace maladaptive thoughts with more balanced perspectives. With practice, cognitive restructuring can help empower […]
CNS Depressants: Understanding the Connection With Depression
As you face the daily challenges of life, you may find your thoughts clouded by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The connection between depression and central nervous system (CNS) depressants is one that deserves thorough understanding. Moving forward with knowledge empowers you to make informed choices regarding mental health and substance use. What Are CNS […]
Casey’s Law: Providing Help for Addicts Through Residential Rehab Programs
You or your loved one may be suffering from addiction and feel there is no way out. However, there are options and support available. Casey’s Law provides a path to residential rehab that can change lives.This law allows families and friends to petition for court-ordered addiction treatment for individuals unable to recognize their need for […]
How Sleep Deprivation Can Impact Your Mental Health
Navigating the intricate relationship between sleep deprivation and mental health is essential for fostering well-being, as the quality of our sleep directly influences our mood and overall mental state. Tackling the often overlooked aspects of sleep and mood, it becomes clear that adequate rest is a pillar of physical health and a foundation for mental […]
Risks of Self-Medicating with Alcohol
In moments of stress, sorrow, or anxiety, it’s not uncommon for individuals to seek solace in what seems like readily available solutions. For some, this solution comes in the form of alcohol—a temporary escape that promises relief from life’s challenges. At Harborview Treatment at Cohasset, we understand the complexities behind the decision to self-medicate with […]
Can Anxiety Worsen Addiction?
Anxiety disorders and addiction often walk hand in hand. Many individuals grappling with anxiety may find themselves falling into patterns of substance abuse, leading to a complex intertwining of “anxiety and addiction.” This crucial topic needs addressing because understanding this connection can be the first step towards seeking help and beginning the journey toward recovery. […]
Identifying PTSD Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder, abbreviated as PTSD, is a mental health condition that many people grapple with, often silently. It’s a response to witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, and it can profoundly affect an individual’s life if not identified and treated promptly. PTSD symptoms can be debilitating, making it challenging to navigate everyday life and […]
Can Marijuana Worsen Depression?
Content Warning: This blog contains information about depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. If you are struggling, help is always available. Dial 988 for 24/7 access and support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In recent years, the topic of marijuana has become increasingly prevalent in discussions surrounding mental health. As the stigma surrounding its use […]
Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, a condition marked by extreme mood swings, is often misunderstood. It is critical to recognize that there are different types of bipolar disorder, each with its unique symptoms and nuances. Understanding these types is the first step towards managing the disorder and providing the proper support. Bipolar disorder treatment can significantly help and support […]
Utilizing DBT Techniques
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines cognitive techniques with mindfulness techniques to help individuals cope with overwhelming emotions and improve their interpersonal relationships. Psychologist Marsha Linehan originally developed DBT techniques in the 1980s to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. Still, it has since been used to help people struggling with a variety of issues, such […]
Recognizing Xanax Abuse
Xanax, a highly prescribed medication known for its calming effect, is unfortunately often misused and can lead to serious health complications, including addiction. Recognizing the signs of Xanax abuse can be challenging, particularly as the drug’s legitimate usage can mask the destructive path toward dependency. Withdrawal from Xanax can have severe side effects, further complicating […]
The Importance of Controlling Emotions
Controlling emotions can often feel like a strenuous uphill battle. The ability to regulate emotions is an essential aspect of mental well-being, yet it remains a challenge to many. For many dealing with mental health concerns like borderline personality disorder, those coping with the aftereffects of trauma, and those who deal with anger, managing emotions […]
What Is Complex Trauma?
Our understanding and diagnosis of trauma have changed through the decades, and it is now widely accepted that not all traumas are the same. In fact, there is a term used to describe a specific type of trauma that goes beyond the general definition—complex trauma. Complex trauma can be defined as repeated exposure to traumatic […]
Wellbutrin and Alcohol: The Dangers in Mixing
At Harborview Treatment at Cohasset, we recognize that understanding the complex interactions between prescribed medications and alcohol is crucial for maintaining optimal health. One such interaction of concern is between Wellbutrin and alcohol. Wellbutrin, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, can have potentially harmful interactions when mixed with alcohol. This article aims to provide an informative and […]
Is Tramadol a Muscle Relaxer?
Tramadol, a common medication, is often misunderstood in terms of its use and effect on the body. One frequent question is: “Is tramadol a muscle relaxer?” The clarification of this aspect is crucial in understanding the purpose and limitations of tramadol. Furthermore, while discussing opioids like tramadol, it’s important to mention that addiction to these […]
Tramadol for Sleep: Uses and Risks
Tramadol, often misunderstood, raises questions such as “Is tramadol an antidepressant or opioid?” In reality, it’s a unique medication that falls under the category of opiate analgesics, often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. However, its usage has veered into areas beyond its initial purpose, including as a self-prescribed remedy for sleep disorders and anxiety. […]
Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety can often feel like an insurmountable mountain, with each worry adding to its peak. But there’s a path forward, a method to navigate the slopes and conquer the summit. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, a powerful and proven technique, can serve as your guide. This approach, steeped in understanding and empathy, employs behavioral counseling as […]
Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that impacts countless individuals worldwide, particularly young adults. Manifesting in various forms and stages, it can often be challenging to recognize and diagnose due to its fluctuating symptoms. We need to understand the unique signs of bipolar disorder to offer timely help and support to those silently […]
Signs of Depression in Women
Depression, a common yet serious mental health disorder, has a profound impact on one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. While it affects both men and women, the signs of depression in women can often manifest differently and may sometimes be more challenging to recognize. Postpartum depression, a subset of this condition, specifically targets women after childbirth […]
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
Understanding the profound connection between trauma and addiction is a critical step in fostering healing and recovery. For many individuals, the effects of childhood trauma serve as a catalyst for substance abuse, creating a cycle that can be challenging to break. This intricate relationship between past traumatic experiences and addiction is often underestimated, yet it […]
5 Benefits of Group Counseling
Therapy is integral to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD), mental health issues, and co-occurring disorders. In addition to individual therapy, most treatment programs offer group therapy to help patients improve coping and communication skills, identify strengths, and recognize that they are not alone. Research shows that group therapy is highly effective and allows clients […]
How to Support a Loved One With Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide, so you likely know or love someone with depression. When a friend or family member struggles with depression, knowing what to say or how to support them isn’t always easy. You might fear saying something wrong or that your words will worsen things. However, […]
Treating PTSD in Young Adults
Trauma is a response to experiencing or witnessing a fearful event that threatens a person’s sense of safety and well-being. While many people experience trauma and process it appropriately, others do not. Unaddressed trauma that is not treated correctly can have devastating effects, including the development of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. When trauma symptoms […]
How Alcohol Can Worsen Anxiety?
A co-occurring disorder is a person simultaneously having two or more substance use disorders (SUD) or mental health conditions. Also called dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders are common and impact millions of Americans. The combination of co-occurring disorders can vary widely. However, some are more prevalent than others. Anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a […]
Substance Abuse and PTSD
It is normal to experience upsetting memories, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms after a traumatic event. For most, symptoms gradually disappear over a relatively short period. For others, though, symptoms remain and may even get worse. Symptoms that worsen, last for one month or longer, and interfere with daily functioning can indicate PTSD. PTSD […]
How Trauma Impacts Alcohol Abuse
Trauma and substance abuse impact millions of Americans from all walks of life and frequently co-occur. Trauma is the emotional response to experiencing or witnessing a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms a person’s coping ability. When trauma is not adequately addressed and treated, it can devastate a person’s physical, cognitive, psychological, and social well-being. […]
Alcohol and Anxiety
A co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis, is an individual having two or more distinct diagnoses simultaneously. In the context of mental health and addiction, dual diagnosis typically refers to having a substance use disorder (SUD), such as drug or alcohol addiction, and a mental health disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Co-occurring disorders impact […]
Outpatient vs. Residential Treatment
At Harborview Treatment at Cohasset, we recognize that the decision to seek treatment for addiction issues can be a difficult one. That’s why we strive to provide our clients with the best resources and care to help them through their recovery journey. Our team specializes in both outpatient and residential treatment options, giving each client […]
Danger of Self-Medication
Self-medication is becoming more and more prevalent in our society today as people are looking for solutions to their problems. Lack of access to medical or mental health care and stigma can contribute to those who choose to self-medicate. Unfortunately, self-medication can have severe consequences for one’s physical and psychological health. At Harborview Treatment at […]
Depression and Relationships
Do you find yourself struggling to maintain healthy relationships due to feelings of sadness or despair? Have you ever wondered how depression might be impacting your connections with others? Depression is a common mental health issue affecting millions of people worldwide, and it can significantly affect personal relationships. Depression and relationships are often interconnected, and […]
Alcohol and Depression
Have you ever wondered how alcohol might be affecting your mental health? Many people use alcohol to unwind or as a social lubricant, but the relationship between alcohol and depression is far more complex than it might appear on the surface. Let’s delve into how alcohol and depression are intertwined, the effects of alcohol on […]
How Alcohol Can Impact the Brain
The effects of alcohol on our bodies are widespread and quite known, but what it does to our brain, the center of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, can often be underestimated. Let’s look deeper at how alcohol and the brain interact and how our alcohol rehab in Massachusetts can help you or a loved one […]
Long-Term Effects of Trauma
The journey through life is often a complex path riddled with sharp turns and steep hills, some of which are more challenging to navigate than others. One such challenging hurdle is the lasting echo of childhood trauma, a ghost of past experiences that can continue to haunt individuals into adulthood. In this respect, you are […]
Using DBT for Anxiety
In a world increasingly fraught with uncertainties, the relevance of targeted therapeutic techniques such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for managing anxiety becomes ever more significant. But what exactly is DBT, and how does it apply to anxiety treatment? Harborview Treatment in Massachusetts At Harborview Treatment in Massachusetts, we offer a comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy program […]
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
High-functioning depression, also known as dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder, is a form of depression that affects up to three percent of the general population. People with high-functioning depression often seem to be functioning normally on the outside, but they struggle with feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. It can be challenging to identify the […]
Tips for Managing Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is a real and common condition that can impact your everyday life. It can make it difficult to interact with others and enjoy social situations. Many people experience social anxiety, which can manifest in different ways, from being unable to make eye contact with strangers to avoiding social events altogether. The good news […]
Addiction and Mental Health
When it comes to addiction and mental health, many people experience co-occurring disorders—meaning that both mental health concerns and substance use disorders occur simultaneously. This powerful combination can be challenging to manage and often requires comprehensive, integrated treatment to treat both conditions effectively. At Harborview Treatment in Cohasset, we understand that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to […]
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, can be challenging to understand but not impossible to treat. So, what are co-occurring disorders? At Harborview Treatment in Massachusetts, we understand the complexities of co-occurring disorders and offer a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program in Massachusetts that addresses the underlying causes of addiction and mental health issues. […]
Options for LGBTQ-Friendly Rehab in Massachusetts
Like all other Americans, members of the large, diverse LGBTQ community have significant risks for substance problems. In fact, in Massachusetts and elsewhere, members of this community bear a disproportionate amount of that risk. This means there is a vital need for LGBTQ-friendly addiction treatment options in Massachusetts. Identification of these options can make the […]
Recognizing Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Anxiety is an increasingly common problem in the 21st century. The unpleasant sensations that come with anxiety can affect you in various ways. One potential problem is the onset of a panic attack. Symptoms of this kind of attack can have an extreme, disorienting effect on you. However, you can potentially mistake them for other […]
The Dangers of Depression in Addiction Recovery
Depression and addiction often overlap in profound ways. One of the significant root causes of addiction is mental health issues. Often, people who struggle with addiction develop mental health issues at higher rates than the general population. Depression in addiction recovery is widespread. Sometimes it stems from the presence of a dual diagnosis, and sometimes […]
Where to Find Group Therapy in Massachusetts
Group therapy is a common treatment for mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. Research indicates it can be as effective as individual therapy. For some people, the unique benefits of the group therapy setting may even be better than just receiving individual therapy. The majority of addiction treatment providers offer group therapy programs alongside […]
Ways to Manage Your Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety is a prevalent issue in American society. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health issues and are treated by millions of Americans every year. But even if you do not have anxiety that rises to the level of a diagnosable disorder, anxiety may still be interfering with your quality of life. […]
Are Depression and Addiction Related?
Depression and addiction are two of America’s most common and widespread health issues. On its own, either of these conditions can affect you in seriously harmful ways. Having depression and addiction at the same time only magnifies that harm. Are the two illnesses related? Not in the strictest sense of that term. Still, you may […]
What Is a Veterans Treatment Program?
A veterans treatment program for addiction is a specialized program that is designed to address the unique needs of veterans who are struggling with substance abuse issues and other mental health issues. These programs typically include a combination of medical detox, counseling, and other support services to help veterans recover from their addictions. There are […]
Does Loneliness Cause Substance Abuse?
Loneliness is a state of mind, so being physically alone is not necessarily a sufficient condition for being lonely. One can have relationships or be in a romantic relationship and still experience loneliness. Loneliness is characterized by a dissociation between what a person gets or experiences in a relationship and what they expect out of […]
Does Childhood Trauma Increase the Risk of Addiction?
Childhood trauma is a term used to describe a violent, dangerous, scary, or life-threatening event that an individual may experience from birth until age 18. Other events that leave a child feeling alone, scared, or vulnerable can also be described as childhood trauma. These events are called adverse childhood experiences. Do you need to know […]
Connections Between Addiction And Our Personalities
Drug and alcohol abuse does not cause personality disorders, but addiction is a significant factor in the development and effects of several personality disorders. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 45% of people with addiction have a co-occurring personality disorder. By researching and attending treatment for addiction and co-occurring […]
How Does Addiction Affect Mental Health?
Understanding addiction and why it happens is the most critical step when facing drug or alcohol use. Many people do not realize that addiction is a disease of the mind and emotions. It is not a failing of self-will or bad interests and behavior. When someone gets addicted to a drug or drink, they use […]
Depression: Is This a Cause or Consequence of Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol abuse, is a chronic case of substance misuse. It is characterized by a constant desire to consume alcohol regularly or even a need to binge-drink when doing so. This disease is common in adults and even teenagers of both sexes. Liquor, beer, and wine rank among the most abused of […]
Removing Negativity From Your Life
Addiction to drugs and alcohol, gambling, or even food are common addictions and well-known, but what about being addicted to negativity? Is there such a thing? Have you ever met a person that is never happy no matter what? Being addicted to negativity is an emotional addiction that’s often overlooked. Addiction to negativity is a […]
Are There Any Major Side Effects To Mood Stabilizers?
Addiction is a complex disease and is often accompanied by mental health disorders. When going through treatment and recovering from addiction, a person may find that they have a mental illness they weren’t aware of and that this may have contributed to their substance abuse disorder. Oftentimes medications are used to help treat and mental […]
Chronic Stress And Drug Abuse
Addiction and substance abuse disorders affect millions of people every day. Most people are aware that we have been experiencing an opioid epidemic for the last 20 plus years. Well, it’s not only opioids at epidemic levels; it’s drugs and alcohol in general. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) reports that in 2020 there were […]
Can Drug Abuse Unearth Underlying Mental Health Disorders?
Mental health falls on a spectrum. No one is completely free from mental health concerns — maybe you deal with occasional anxiety, or you struggle with self-image. Maybe you suffered a brief bout of situational depression, or you get extra hard on yourself when you fail an exam or don’t do as well as you […]
What Are the Best Treatment Programs for PTSD?
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental illness caused by exposure to one or more traumatic experiences. Most people associate PTSD with combat veterans, though this condition can affect anyone who has been through extreme trauma. According to the National Center for PTSD, experiencing trauma is not rare. In fact, roughly 6 out of […]
Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health disease. People diagnosed with Bipolar will have periods of intense energy with high moods and subsequent periods of depression. An individual with bipolar disorder will also experience times when both mania and depression occur simultaneously, referred to as a ‘mixed episode.’ Bipolar disorder treatment typically involves medication to […]
Most Common Mental Health Issues Associated with Addiction
In the last two decades, the research on addiction has shown how and why addiction is a complex disease of the mind and emotions. People who are addicted have a substantial impact on the brain’s normal functioning, decreasing their acuity. Experts who treat addiction are always professionals who specialize in mental health because of the […]