The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reports a “definite connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances.” Most will not dispute that untreated mental illness can (and does) lead to self-medication. When people self-medicate, they often turn to addictive substances – … [Read more...] aboutSubstance Abuse & Addiction Are Mental Illnesses
Substance Abuse
Positive Self-Image & Substance Abuse Counseling: Do They Mix?
Do you know what self-image is? Here’s a hint; it’s not self-esteem. These two terms are regularly interchanged, but there’s a major different between self-image and self-esteem. As counselors who work with a diverse group of ever-changing people, we’ve seen firsthand how a positive self-image can … [Read more...] aboutPositive Self-Image & Substance Abuse Counseling: Do They Mix?
Low Self-Esteem & the Risk of Substance Abuse in Young Adults
It starts when a person is young. We’re talking about self-esteem. How one is raised can play a huge part in the difference between having positive or low self-esteem. And chronically low self-esteem can increase a person’s risk of substance abuse. What is Low Self-Esteem? Simply put, low … [Read more...] aboutLow Self-Esteem & the Risk of Substance Abuse in Young Adults
Private Prisons & Drug Sentences: Good or Bad?
Innocent until proven guilty. It’s the backbone of the American legal system. It’s the heart of justice. Or at least, it’s supposed to be. It’s what we’re told, what we grow up hearing, what (supposedly) sets us apart from all the other “justice” systems in the world. Yet, when it comes to the … [Read more...] aboutPrivate Prisons & Drug Sentences: Good or Bad?
