Teenage Addiction and Self-Harm: Co-occurring Disorders

Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder, better known as self-harm, is characterized by the purposeful actions of causing physical harm to oneself without the intention of committing suicide. Cutting and burning are the two most common types of self-injury behavior.  This behavior is more common in teenagers and adolescents and occurs due to severe underlying emotional pain and […]…

How Can I Help My Troubled Teen?

Updated 5/5/25 Raising a teenager can be very challenging. Teenagers are in a state of limbo where they are trying to seek their own independence but are still under the authority of their parents. They are more inclined to seek relationships outside of their family and may yearn to be away from the home. Moodiness […]…

Can the Holiday Season Trigger My Child’s Depression?

Just like adults, children and teenagers often exhibit signs of stress around the holidays. If a child is known to have depression, the holidays can be triggering and may contribute to holiday depression and anxiety. Children are like sponges; they can absorb the stress and anxiety from other around them and will react to their […]…

Understanding Xanax Addiction: What Does Xanax Do?

Xanax, formally know as alprazolam, is a short-acting benzodiazepine, that is used to treat anxiety disorders including panic disorder. It is also used to help wean individuals from alcohol dependence in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal, which can lead to seizures. Benzodiazepines are also known for their strong addiction potential and have resulted in approximately […]…

Is Fast Food the New Painkiller?

The addiction circuit in the brain is wired to release dopamine, a feel good neurotransmitter that is increased in the limbic system whenever a pleasurable sensation enters the body. Many individuals relate addiction to drugs and alcohol however food addiction is a true addiction that can result in unhealthy behaviors both mentally and physically and […]…