Mental Health Articles

What Are Club Drugs and Why Are They Dangerous?

September 19, 2018 Posted in: Announcement

Going out to a club in the evening is a long-held tradition for teenagers and young people. Unfortunately, today, part of that clubbing scene also includes the use of club drugs. As a club-goer or a parent of a club-goer, it’s important that you learn as much as possible about these party drugs.

What Are Club Drugs and Who Uses Them

In the 1980s, raves became popular in England and the United States soon followed the fashion. A rave is an electronic dance party that’s usually held in a warehouse, or other large... Continue reading →

Hooked on a Feeling: The Reality of Psychological Addiction

August 17, 2018 Posted in: Announcement

Some substances, such as inhalants and cannabis products, don’t actually contain any neurochemical addictive properties – so how do people become addicted to them all the same?

Most are familiar with what physical addiction looks like, but the severity of psychological addiction is often overlooked.

Just because a substance doesn’t contain any physically addictive ingredients or cause physical symptoms of withdrawal doesn’t mean that it can’t be just as addictive—or difficult to resist.

Physical Addiction vs Psychological Addiction

Before we determine what are typically considered distinguishing features of physical and psychological... Continue reading →

Mood Disorders: What They Are and How to Spot Them

July 24, 2018 Posted in: Announcement

The stigma around mental health disorders is progressively changing.

For example, these days more people recognize that something like depression isn’t something you can just “snap out of.”

And it’s changing for the better with regard to other mood and personality disorders, too.

People are more likely to seek treatment than ever before, and they’re more likely to discuss their mental and emotional health with friends and family members. Because the conversation surrounding mental health is opening up so much, it’s important that people are well-informed about the symptoms and causes of these... Continue reading →

Substance Abuse in the Elderly: An Overlooked Epidemic

February 2, 2018 Posted in: Announcement

When people think of substance abuse, they normally think of teens and young adults.

The truth is: addiction can happen to anyone at any age.

In fact, the elderly are perhaps even more vulnerable to substance abuse due to a variety of risk factors and environmental conditions.

As the older community grows in the United States at an unprecedented rate, it's important to understand the signs of addiction in the elderly.

How Common is Substance Abuse in the Elderly?

The... Continue reading →

Depression in College Students and How to Get Help

December 4, 2017 Posted in: Announcement

Depression in college students is more common than many parents realize and if left untreated, can lead to more serious issues such as drug abuse and even suicidal thoughts. Collegiate life is stressful, there is no doubt about it, but with the added burden of depression, the outcome can be devastating.

Whether you are a college student suffering from depression or the parent of a college student you are concerned about, know that help is out there. The first thing you need to do is recognize the signs and symptoms of college depression and then learn what you can do to get the help you need.

... Continue reading →

New Study Reveals Half of All PhD Students Suffer from Psychological Distress

September 12, 2017 Posted in: Announcement

Getting a PhD is no easy task. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and mental focus. But this is not a secret. Before anyone decides to go for their PhD after undergrad, they usually have some idea of the amount of studying, time commitment, and lack of sleep that often go hand in hand with a doctorate degree. What future doctors may not understand, however, is the psychological effects they may experience when working toward their academic heights.

In recent years, studies have drawn a correlation between mental health issues and students in PhD programs. The pressure to succeed, and the consequences if you don’t, can take its toll on any... Continue reading →

Understanding the Behaviors of an Enabler

March 24, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

When working to overcome an addiction, it is important to surround yourself with people who know your commitment to becoming healthier and support your decision to change for the better. Whether they are friends, family members, or coworkers, they should be aware of your plans and what you need to achieve success.

This video is an interview with two women who have had their own experiences with addiction. Watch to learn more how those who feel like they are supporting a loved one with addiction may actually be enabling the problem. If you have any questions about addiction, call Las Encinas Hospital of Pasadena at (888) 348-2165.

Methods to Manage Your Stress to Prevent Relapse

March 24, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Recovering from substance abuse can be a significant challenge. Withdrawal is almost always excruciating, and in the presence of stress, symptoms of withdrawal can get even worse. Keeping your stress under control on a daily basis can help keep substance-seeking behaviors at bay and may even improve the efficacy of other behavioral health therapies. If you are worried that your everyday stresses are keeping you from recovering from addiction, consider the following tips for managing stress on a daily basis:

Change Your Situation

Chronic high levels of stress can harm your whole system. When confronted by a stressful situation in your everyday life, use problem solving to change the situation. An overwhelming to-do... Continue reading →

Roadmap to Recovery: Beating Addiction

March 24, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Recovery from substance abuse isn’t something that just happens in one day. It’s a process that is filled with ups and downs, slip-ups and saves. If you embrace the long-term nature of recovery, however, you can triumph over chemical dependency and reclaim your health and your life. The first step is deciding that you’re ready for addiction treatment. When you decide you want to stop using, recovery is within your reach. This infographic from Lac Encinas Hospital, a substance abuse treatment center, offers some insight into succeeding at recovery. Please share this vital information so that everyone who needs it can find it.

Prescription Drug Abuse in College 101

March 24, 2017 Posted in: Press Release

Among the homecoming games and pledge weeks on college campuses, a new tradition is taking hold: prescription drug abuse. A startling number of college students admit that sharing prescription drugs is common in their peer groups, and many rely on these drugs for everything from study help to weight loss. In addition to the dangers that come with mixing prescription medication with binge drinking, misusing these medications often leads to indulging in other recreational drug use, including cocaine abuse. This infographic from Las Encinas Hospitaloffers an eye-opening look at prescription drug abuse among college students. If you’re concerned about your prescription drug use or that of a friend, contact our treatment facility to learn about our substance abuse program. Please share this... Continue reading →