by Debbie Bensching | Feb 1, 2013 | Addictions
For some people a behavioral addiction starts as a casual activity such as gambling or shopping. For others it starts as a way to feel better, relieve stress, escape worries, or distract themselves. These seemingly normal activities evolve into a persistent behavior....
by Debbie Bensching | Feb 1, 2013 | Addictions
Getting professional help for difficulties with alcohol is an important step towards taking charge of your life. Most people do not decide to make this change to their drinking habits overnight, or even after they start to think they have a problem. The hesitation may...
by Debbie Bensching | Feb 1, 2013 | Addictions
Substance use disorders generally include overuse, abuse, and addiction to a mood-altering substance such as drugs and alcohol. As with any addiction concern, the first step is to assess or determine what level of problem, if any, exists. Getting professional...
by Debbie Bensching | Feb 1, 2013 | Addictions
Recovery is a stage of actively abstaining from the use of a substance or behavior, and working toward developing new skills that support a life without the substance or behavior. The recovery process generally includes working on maladaptive coping patterns, triggers...
by Debbie Bensching | Feb 1, 2013 | Trauma
An often overlooked area of trauma impacts by mental health providers are dissociative symptoms and dissociative disorders. Dissociation is the mind’s last alternative to escape from a situation where there is no escape. A person may unconsciously adapt to a...
