A patient tries to convince her patient that depression isn't all in her head

Depression Isn’t All in Your Head, Part 3: Changing Our Approach to Treatment

This is the third of three posts based on the work of writer Johann Hari, whose search for answers about his own depression led to his book Lost Causes: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression–and the Unexpected Solution. In the first part of this series, we looked at the problems with the serotonin model of… Continue Reading Depression Isn’t All in Your Head, Part 3: Changing Our Approach to Treatment

A woman hangs her head as she tries to fight the 4 lies people with addictions tell themselves

4 Lies People with Addictions Tell Themselves

Anyone who has had a loved one who struggles with substance use has probably been frustrated by that person’s evasiveness, stubbornness, and lying. Deception and secrecy are common characteristics of addiction, but people who struggle with addiction don’t just lie to others; they lie to themselves as well. Here are some common lies people with… Continue Reading 4 Lies People with Addictions Tell Themselves

A man talks to his wife about 4 common excuses for not getting treatment

4 Common Excuses for Not Getting Addiction Treatment

Getting someone you love to enter addiction treatment is often difficult. You may experience several stages of resistance. First, they don’t acknowledge the problem. Then, they may acknowledge they have a problem but they can take care of it on their own. After these two hurdles have been cleared, they may resort to practical objections.… Continue Reading 4 Common Excuses for Not Getting Addiction Treatment

4 friends talk about how to make your new year's resolutions for recovery work as they drive along a sunny road

How to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions for Recovery Work

Many people make some new year’s resolutions every year. They start diets, join gyms, and throw away their cigarettes, promising themselves things will be different from now on. Unfortunately, new year’s resolutions rarely stick. Most people make it a couple of weeks and give up. It’s just too hard or there’s too much going on.… Continue Reading How to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions for Recovery Work

A man talks to his therapist and learns why some depression doesn't respond to medication

Why Some Depression Doesn’t Respond to Medication

Depression is the number one mental health issue in the US, with more than 16 million Americans suffering from a depressive episode each year. Symptoms typically include sadness, irritability, lack of energy and motivation, disturbed sleep, poor concentration, physical aches, slow movements, and thought of suicide or death. Depression is typically treated with a combination… Continue Reading Why Some Depression Doesn’t Respond to Medication

A therapist talks to a young man about which is better: methadone or suboxone

Which is Better: Methadone or Suboxone?

Methadone and Suboxone are drugs commonly used in opioid replacement therapy, a form of medication assisted therapy, or MAT. Methadone and Suboxone both work by mimicking the effects of opioids, only they don’t cause the same euphoria. Therefore, they can reduce the intense cravings that so often derail recovery from opioid addiction while allowing the… Continue Reading Which is Better: Methadone or Suboxone?

A doctor talks to his patient about whether people on MAT need medication forever

Do People on MAT Need Medication Forever?

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, means using FDA-approved medications in conjunction with counselling or treatment to recovery from addiction. The most common and controversial form of MAT is opioid replacement therapy, in which patients typically take methadone or buprenorphine to control drug cravings and prevent relapse. While opioid replacement therapy is controversial, it is not… Continue Reading Do People on MAT Need Medication Forever?

A doctor talks to a man in a hospital bed about 3 risks of medication assisted treatment

3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, is the practice of using FDA-approved medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. MAT has been shown to be most effective for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Typical medications include Antabuse, naltrexone, and Campral for alcohol addiction, and methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, often in the monthly, injectable form,… Continue Reading 3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment