trauma and addiction

How Trauma Impacts Addiction

One or more untreated emotional issues can play a role in developing addictive behaviour. Very often, the underlying issue involves a traumatic experience. While this trauma may have occurred recently, it usually stems from childhood wounds, in which the individual goes on to self-medicate with substances. If your teen needs treatment for trauma-based addiction issues,…

high-functioning depression

Getting Help for High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression (HFD) is not technically a clinical diagnosis, so there is no one standard of diagnostic criteria. This form of depression is a loose collection of persistent symptoms that doctors don’t believe are severe enough to fall under clinical depression. However, those with high functioning depression can struggle to get through their lives and…

ADHD in teens

Recognising ADHD in Teens

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, is a widespread but misunderstood condition. Although it’s one of the most well-known disorders to treat successfully, many people aren’t able to recognise the signs. As a result, they delay or avoid seeking treatment, especially when it comes to teens. However, with proper support from…

depression over the holidays

Addressing Depression Over the Holidays

For most people, the holidays are a joyful time of the year filled with social gatherings, events, and celebrations with friends and family. For others, it’s a time filled with loneliness, sadness, and anxiety. When a feeling like hopelessness is at its peak, it’s challenging to be around others, especially at festive parties. If you…

alcohol and mental health

Connection Between Alcohol and Mental Health

If your teen is struggling with alcohol addiction, you may have trouble helping them cease their addictive behaviours. However, this may be due to underlying relationships between their behaviours and their thoughts. Often, teens begin to use drugs to anesthetize certain symptoms of mental illness. The teen years are a time that is rife with…

Adderall addiction

The Effects of Adderall Addiction

Adderall is a prescription amphetamine that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, studies show there is an increasing number of young adults that are misusing Adderall. Misuse of Adderall is to get high and increase focus. Concerningly, this can cause an addiction. Ultimately, drug addiction treatment may be needed to address this…

self-medication

Risks of Self-Medication

There are many reasons why people self-medicate. Often people turn to self-medication to relieve stress, anxiety, unresolved trauma, and depression. Teens, in particular, self-medicate for a variety of reasons, including attention-deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety disorders. Additional reasons are attempting to treat chronic pain or illness and peer pressure. Ultimately, self-medication…