Potentiation is a term widely used in psychiatry, pharmacology, and the study of substance use. It is the process by which one substance enhances the effects of another when used together, resulting in amplified therapeutic benefits or increased risks of adverse effects. Potentiation plays a significant role in psychiatric medication management, substance use, and understanding […]
Our Latest Blogs
22
Jun
Jun
The COVID-19 pandemic and global quarantine made people’s lives enormously hard. Especially, people with chronic diseases or different addictions suffer because their treatment was impacted the most. For the first weeks of the quarantine, people were not able to get their regular treatment in hospitals, some of them even had to stop it. People with […]
25
Aug
Aug
Food, coffee, wine, weed — we often talk about these as indulgences, treats, or vices. But for many of us, they’re more than that. They’re survival tools for feelings we never learned to hold. Maybe you crave something sweet late at night when the house goes quiet. Or you can’t get through the afternoon without […]
06
Jun
Jun
Peer pressure can feel like an invisible hand steering decisions—especially for teens and young adults. Whether it’s the urge to fit in, avoid rejection, or gain approval, this social pressure often pushes people toward choices they wouldn’t make on their own—including experimenting with drugs or alcohol. Understanding how peer influence works and why it’s so […]
05
May
May
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction are closely linked, creating significant challenges for individuals struggling with both conditions. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can contribute to an increased risk of substance use disorders (SUDs). Understanding the connection between ADHD and addiction is essential for developing effective treatment strategies that […]
27
Feb
Feb
There’s a great deal of focus at the moment on the mental health challenges of younger populations. Examples are the impact of social media on self-harm and suicide rates or the rise of burnout in the culture of overwork. These are vital points of concern that deserve attention. Yet, one issue that tends to get […]
07
Oct
Oct
First semesters are starting across the country, and college freshmen have immersed themselves in an environment unlike any they’ve been in before. Without parental oversight, this year’s 18-year-olds will begin the rites of adulthood, surrounded by large amounts and varieties of alcohol and drugs. College freshmen are at the end of adolescence and the beginning […]
03
Oct
Oct
In today’s world, mental health and addiction issues are pervasive challenges that affect millions of people across various demographics. Despite increasing awareness, the barriers to seeking help for these conditions remain significant. A major contributor to these barriers is stigma, which often prevents people from pursuing treatment due to fear of judgment, discrimination, and isolation. […]
21
Mar
Mar
Living with a mental health disorder is hard enough. It can seem like a never-ending pursuit to find the right therapist, medication, and ways to cope. The darkness and distress of conditions such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder can leave you feeling helpless, struggling to find anything that works. Having a purpose […]
19
Feb
Feb
Did you know that approximately 280 million people worldwide struggle with depression, according to the World Health Organization? Depression is more than just feeling sad sometimes. It’s a mood disorder that can stem from various causes, such as genetic vulnerabilities, faulty mood regulation by the brain, or stressful life events. Depression, also known as a […]
28
Sep
Sep
Substance use disorder (SUD) has a variety of potential causes — and just as many treatments. One of the biggest causes is trauma of some sort. Traumatic early childhood experiences are one of the biggest risk factors for developing addiction. While not all trauma may result in post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) or directly cause someone […]
31
Aug
Aug
When a marriage falls apart, it can significantly impact a person’s life. One common health hazard that often accompanies divorce is depression. Feeling sad or down for a brief time after divorce is a normal reaction to the breakup of a marriage. However, an increasing number of divorced people stay in a depressive state for […]
27
Apr
Apr
Experiences are like bricks that lay the foundation of children’s mental health. If the bricks are weak, they will never sustain the pressure and weight. Thus, the building is at risk of collapsing. Just like that, traumatic childhood experiences destabilize the foundation of children’s mental health, leading to serious problems later in life. How Do […]
13
Apr
Apr
Emotional upheaval is part and parcel of life for many, and it’s pretty common. But what if the up and down feelings reach an extreme level? Those extreme ups and downs might be due to a mental health condition called bipolar disorder. In this disorder, a person experiences manic highs, other times sinking into depressive lows. […]
06
Dec
Dec
Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges in many people’s lives. But for people with a substance use disorder, the stress of the pandemic may pose unique risks. It’s not uncommon for people to use drugs or alcohol to cope with difficult situations or feelings. Even those without a history of substance abuse […]
03
Dec
Dec
The Holidays can be stressful times. Last year, we faced a raging pandemic that put many people’s holiday plans on hold. Families were forced to make difficult choices and often forgo seeing their loved ones and friends during what is normally a time of joyous celebration and large gatherings. Public health authorities advised people to […]
27
Apr
Apr
Underlying the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is another public health crisis that has devastated American lives for decades: alcohol misuse and addiction. For years, medical professionals and organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have warned against excessive consumption. Now, the isolation, uncertainty, and stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated alcohol misuse, as more […]
27
May
May
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by a loss of boundaries between sleep and wakefulness. An affected person becomes very tired while awake and may fall into sleep in any relaxing situation during the day, such as sitting on a comfortable chair. Narcolepsy is often accompanied by cataplexy, a partial or total loss of […]
02
Mar
Mar
So, which came first, depression or substance abuse? The question is akin to the chicken/egg conundrum that has befuddled generations, yet the relationship between substance abuse and depression is much more complex than meets the eye. Of course, those who live with co-occurring disorders understand this complexity all too well. “Co-occurring disorders,” also called dual […]
07
Feb
Feb
Part One (of a two part series) – Inside the Illness When someone has a serious psychiatric illness, one of the most difficult aspects of the condition is that most sufferers cannot see the true extent of their symptoms. Some cannot see that they have symptoms at all, and instead project blame for their distress […]
08
Jan
Jan
Our intestines play an important role. They not only digest food but also extract nutrients from it. Bowels are a protective barrier between internal organs and the outside world but they have one weak spot. The intestinal mucosa consists of a thin layer of epithelial cells that are interconnected by special proteins. These proteins don’t […]
30
Dec
Dec
It’s no secret that binge drinking is a cultural problem in the U.S. and around the world. The behavior is primarily associated with young people, but increasingly, senior citizens are drinking alcohol excessively. In fact, a 2019 study found that more than 10% of Americans aged 65 and over engage in binge drinking on a […]
08
Nov
Nov
By Ken Seeley, Founder and CEO, Ken Seeley Communities You know the signs of the trailblazing workaholic. He seems to have unlimited reserves of energy, remaining laser-focused on his work for hours on end while his mortal colleagues are fading fast. You may scratch your head in awe of his unique ability to plow through […]
21
Oct
Oct
The term ‘substance abuse’ refers to harmful or noxious consumption of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol, illegal drugs and other prescribed medications in amounts or quantities that are harmful to a person. Drug addiction or substance use disorders often lead to alteration in thinking, judgment, perception, attention, behavioral and cognitive impairment, physical and psychological dependence, […]
11
Oct
Oct
On Tuesday September 24, rtor.org Resource Specialists Denise Vestuti and Kim O’Rielly, and Laurel House Mobile Employment Specialist Greg Dunn, joined a group of over 200 people who joyously gathered at Mitchell’s in Westport, CT for Communities 4 Action’s 6th Annual Recovery Celebration in recognition of National Recovery Month. This community-wide event was conceived by […]
14
Aug
Aug
Bipolar disorder is a serious and persistent mental health disorder in which a person experiences unusual changes in mood. Other characteristics of this disorder are changes in energy and activity level. It can cause risky suicidal behavior and can affect social life and academic and work performance. Thirty to fifty percent of people with bipolar […]
10
Jun
Jun
A college campus can be overwhelming for any student, let alone someone who is recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD). There are many challenges to deal with every day—such as meeting class requirements, finding a place to fit in with new friends, and dealing with the increased availability of alcohol and other substances. With […]
10
May
May
Suicide and prescription drug misuse can be pretty complex, often interwoven in a cause and effect relationship. Neither one is easy to spot (or prevent, for that matter). For many individuals with mental health disorders like depression or borderline personality disorder the risk of suicide is even higher. Each year in the United States, over […]
05
Mar
Mar
Medical Hypnotherapy can be a powerful method to treat various mental health conditions. By creating a calm and controlled environment, it allows patients to focus on their deepest disruptors. What is Hypnosis Treatment? Medical hypnotherapy works through its ability to remove all distraction from the mind of the patient, and speak clearly and directly about […]
04
Oct
Oct
Within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBTQ), substance abuse is at an all-time high and mental health problems are becoming more prevalent. According to a 2015 study by SAMHSA, “More than twice as many LGBTQ adults compared to heterosexual adults reported using drugs in the past year.” Mental health problems are also becoming […]
13
Sep
Sep
“A drinking man’s someone who wants to forget he isn’t still young and believing.” – Tennessee Williams, author of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” It may come as a surprise to you that according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information 64% of people addicted to alcohol actually meet all the criteria for […]
This September, www.rtor.org is observing National Recovery Month with a guest blog series on co-occurring disorders – the presence of mental health and substance use disorders in the same person. To kick-off the special series on co-occurring disorders we open with a guest blog post from Lloyd I. Sederer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the […]
20
Mar
Mar
Outpatient Treatment Program
Darien, CT
The Newport Academy Outpatient Program treats teens aged 13–19 who are experiencing psychological, behavioral, and substance abuse issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. The Outpatient Program is founded on an ongoing commitment to recovery, essential for ensuring sustainable results.
20
Mar
Mar
Residential Treatment Center
Bethlehem, CT
The Newport Academy Residential Treatment Center for teens consists of a minimum of 30 hours of clinical and experiential therapy each week, plus 20 hours of academic study and tutoring. With a staff-to-resident ratio of five to one, we offer compassionate, attentive, and responsive care.
16
Jan
Jan
Adolescent Substance Use Program (ASAP)
Boston, MA
The Adolescent Substance Use Program (ASAP) at Boston Children’s Hospital provides the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of substance use problems and disorders in children and adolescents.
17
Oct
Oct
Nearly 45 million American adults struggle with mental illness each day. To complicate matters, individuals who have mental health disorders are much more likely to struggle with substance abuse than the general population. Approximately 20 million American adults have a diagnosed substance use disorder, and over eight million Americans struggle with both a diagnosed substance […]
20
Sep
Sep
Massachusetts
Public mental health services in Massachusetts are administered and provided by the Department of Mental Health. Substance use and addiction treatment services in Massachusetts are overseen by a separate agency, the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services.
20
Sep
Sep
Kansas
Public mental health services in Kansas are administered and provided by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services–Kansas Behavioral Health Services. Substance use and addiction treatment services are overseen by Kansas Substance Use Treatment Services.
07
Aug
Aug
In our day and age, where there are so many forces – both online and offline, visible and hidden – that collide with the sensitive machinery of our minds, the decision to use substances often begins with the desire to numb the impact of these disturbances. It’s the way it goes, and the mechanism seems […]
01
Mar
Mar
Years into my psychology degree, I still knew very little about self-harm. Armed with a vague idea that people self-harmed either in an attempt at suicide or as a cry for help, I had done no further research on the subject. The college I attended did not seem all that inspired to teach me anything […]
15
Sep
Sep
Growing evidence shows cannabis use, particularly among adolescents and young adults, can trigger permanent psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia. At the same time, marijuana is increasingly being legalized, decriminalized, glorified in pop culture and easier to access.
“It’s heading in a terrible direction,” said Rocco “Rocky” Marotta, MD, PhD, Service Chief for the Adult Transitional Living Program at Silver Hill Hospital. “I see the suffering. I see families suffering. I see these kids’ lives destroyed.
01
Sep
Sep
Carl just wanted his son back.
Jake had become “like a walking zombie who was incoherent and catatonic,” Carl said of his son. Jake had been admitted and released by several state mental health facilities after suffering what Carl believes is cannabis-induced psychosis.
20
Sep
Sep
Wyoming
Only 45.5% of adults with mental illness in Wyoming receive any form of treatment from either the public system or private providers (according to SAMHSA). The remaining 55.5% receive no mental health treatment. According to Mental Health America, Wyoming is ranked 29 out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. for providing access to mental health services.
01
Jun
Jun
Families play a powerful role in recovery. Learn how to create a home environment that supports healing through better communication, healthy boundaries, and consistent support.
14
May
May
If weekly therapy isn’t producing progress, it may be a mismatch in the level of care — not a failure of effort. Learn the signs and what to do next.
04
May
May
Physician burnout affects nearly half of all doctors — and puts patients at risk. Learn how burnout impairs clinical judgment and what families should know.
29
Jan
Jan
Learn how families can advocate for loved ones after addiction detox. Practical guidance on coordinating care, supporting mental health, and sustaining recovery.
29
Dec
Dec
Social anxiety in early recovery can trigger relapse. Learn practical strategies to navigate social situations without substances and build connections in sobriety.
15
Dec
Dec
Learn how crisis transport for teens provides safe, compassionate support during mental health emergencies and helps families navigate the path to treatment.
23
Oct
Oct
Exploring mindfulness in addiction recovery builds strength through stillness. Learn practical ways to stay present, manage cravings, and support lasting sobriety.
09
Oct
Oct
Complete guide to Medicaid mental health coverage: services included, who qualifies, and what work requirement changes mean for your benefits.
08
Sep
Sep
From ‘I am broken’ to ‘I am healing’—a therapist’s personal journey using mindfulness and self-compassion to transform mental health recovery.
04
Sep
Sep
Learn to set boundaries with toxic family members without guilt. Discover the psychology behind boundary struggles and proven strategies to protect your mental health.
01
Sep
Sep
Anxiety isn’t just something adults and older adolescents face—young children experience it, too. Sometimes, its signs are so subtle and difficult to distinguish from everyday worries that parents may not recognize the gravity of what’s happening. As a parent or caregiver, realizing your child’s struggles aren’t “just a phase” can be both frightening and heart-wrenching. […]
14
Jul
Jul
When a service member returns home, the transition to civilian life can be filled with both relief and unexpected challenges. For many veterans, the burdens of military service don’t end when deployment does. Some carry visible wounds, while others struggle to heal from invisible ones, including addiction. Families often find themselves standing at the front […]
03
Jul
Jul
When we talk about eating disorders, most people picture young women battling anorexia or bulimia. But the reality is much broader and far less recognized. About one in three individuals with an eating disorder is male. In the U.S. alone, millions of boys and men will struggle with food, body image, and disordered eating at […]
30
Jun
Jun
More middle-aged women are dying from opioid overdoses, with a 260% increase in fatalities, according to research by Pathways Recovery Center. This research highlights the rising impact of opioid overdoses on middle-aged women, revealing a concerning link between the lack of targeted addiction treatment and increasing mortality rates in this group. For many women, the […]
29
May
May
Behavioral issues in teens and adolescents are often rooted in underlying mental health challenges. Recognizing this connection enables schools to provide better support for students. When educators and caregivers understand that such behavior is not merely a disciplinary issue but a sign of deeper struggles, they can respond with empathy and appropriate interventions. This approach […]
18
Apr
Apr
I suppose the first thing to say is that ‘overcoming’ addiction is a bit of a reach. For me, it is ‘one day at a time,’ an ongoing daily process. But after ten years of sobriety, I’m delighted to say that the ‘beast in me’ (a Johnny Cash refrain) is a long way down the […]
14
Apr
Apr
It was a typical day as the Medical Director of a methadone clinic. I sat down with a new patient and explained how treatment works, the clinic’s rules, and requirements for counseling and drug testing – everything I thought she needed to know. She listened patiently, then calmly said, “I know. This isn’t my first […]
04
Apr
Apr
Breaking free from addiction is a remarkable triumph, yet the emotional aftermath can weigh heavily on the soul. Low self-esteem often lingers, casting shadows of doubt and guilt. Many people struggle with self-worth during addiction recovery, questioning their values and abilities. Without self-esteem, the risk of relapse increases, as negative thoughts can easily pull a […]
28
Mar
Mar
Understanding the Link Between Housing and Mental Health Veterans experiencing homelessness often face multiple barriers, with mental health challenges at the forefront. Many return from military service with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, making reintegration into civilian life difficult. Without stable housing, these issues can intensify, trapping veterans in a cycle that is […]
26
Mar
Mar
Addiction is a powerful force that can profoundly impact every aspect of a person’s life. Whether it is addiction to substances like alcohol or drugs or behavioral addictions such as gambling or technology use, the grip of addiction can feel overwhelming. However, addiction is not a life sentence. With the right strategies and support, individuals […]
10
Feb
Feb
With nearly 60 million U.S. adults affected by mental health conditions each year, the need for accessible and effective mental health care is urgent. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly transforming this landscape, improving diagnosis, treatment, and support. From helping healthcare providers deliver personalized care to offering individuals real-time therapy through medical AI chatbots, artificial intelligence […]
03
Feb
Feb
In today’s fast-moving and sometimes overwhelming world, taking care of mental health has become more crucial than ever. Mental health challenges affect people from all walks of life, impacting their emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Mental health counseling services provide crucial support, helping individuals navigate through various mental health issues such as […]
13
Jan
Jan
Technology addiction has become a growing concern, affecting children, teens, and young adults worldwide. Have you noticed your child or teen spending more and more time on smartphones, social media platforms, or gaming? If it becomes all-consuming, it may impact their well-being and mental health. Internet Addiction in Young People Gen Z is the first […]
09
Jan
Jan
The transformative impact of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) cannot be overstated, especially for individuals grappling with unresolved trauma or tangled in the snares of addiction. There is also a link between trauma and addiction. If you’ve found yourself haunted by memories that tether you to the past or you are lost in the […]
