Conversations about cannabis (weed, pot, marijuana, etc.) often introduce many different schools of thought. Opinions differ, often significantly around the topics of right and wrong, legal or illegal, harmful or not. Those who support marijuana use but whether recreationally or medicinally, often point to many arguments that “prove” marijuana is safe for at the very…

Like opioid abuse and misuse, amphetamine abuse has become a significant challenge facing teens and adults across the nation. Prescription stimulants such as Adderall, drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and illegal amphetamines such as methamphetamine and ecstasy are highly addictive and potentially dangerous when used recreationally. Understanding more about how these medications…

People turn to drugs and alcohol for various reasons. Often, it is to feelings of pleasure and happiness. But what happens when alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications make you feel worse instead of improving your mood? Alcohol-induced (or substance-induced) mood disorders occur when using substances such as alcohol results in new or worsening depression. The…

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of teens across the nation. Teen depression is actually more common among adolescents and teens than many realize. In teens, depression causes persistent and sometimes overwhelming feelings of sadness. These are often accompanied by a loss of interest in everyday activities, which formerly brought joy…

2020 has been wrought with challenges. Nine months ago, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in our nation and nothing has been the same since. Adolescents and teens across the United States have missed out on fundamental milestones in their development. Many missed out on graduations, prom, first dances, and perhaps most importantly, time spent in a…

By definition, suicidal ideation defines the feelings one experiences when they want to take their own life or are thinking about and considering suicide. Suicide rates are alarmingly high among adolescents and teens in the United States. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of suicide for…

The best way to ensure your teen gets all they need from therapy is to ensure they feel comfortable asking their therapist for what they need while they are with them. This could be a matter of asking questions about how their treatment may progress or talking about the best ways for them to work…

As adults, we are at our best when we can calmly and systematically approach a challenge. Sometimes, however, the stress of a specific situation seems so overwhelming or threatening that it is hard to maintain a logical presence of mind. Your teen faces the same challenges. It can be equally as hard for them to…

Fear is a common emotion we all experience when there is a perceived threat to our sense of security or well-being. Sometimes, it can spur us to take action against the threat. Other times, it can cause us to do anything possible to avoid facing the threat or its causes. Fear is a common emotion…

Paranoid personality disorder or PPD is part of a group of conditions sometimes referred to as “cluster A” personality disorders. This group of personality disorders involves odd or eccentric ways of thinking. Teens with PPD also suffer from paranoia or an unwavering mistrust and suspicion of others, even when there is no reason to feel…