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While finishing substance abuse rehabilitation treatment is an enormous step, the journey isn't done just yet. In order to avoid relapse, you will need to plan for treatment aftercare. It may seem scary to think about what comes next in life outside of treatment, but proper planning and support will make it less daunting. Discover what to consider when aftercare planning and how Avalon Malibu sets you up for post-treatment success.

Many people think that sleeping pills are harmless and don't carry the potential for addiction. However, it is completely possible to become dependent on and addicted to sleeping pills. When someone is addicted to sleeping pills, they become reliant on their effects to sleep or relax. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available for those who want to overcome their sleeping pill addiction.

Many mental health issues have similar or overlapping symptoms, making distinguishing and understanding them difficult. Many misconceptions can arise surrounding certain mental health topics, so it's important to make sure that you're learning from a trusted, reliable resource. For example, individuals may question the differences between anxiety and panic disorders. Let's talk about what each disorder is, as well as their similarities and differences.

Recovering from chemical dependency can be complex. If you're beginning that journey, you will need the support of professionals. Choosing the right treatment program for your unique needs allows you to get comprehensive help. It will also set you up for success as you work to establish lifelong sobriety.

Marijuana addiction, or marijuana use disorder, is a dangerously overlooked issue for many. Despite plenty of assertions that the drug is neither addictive nor capable of causing an overdose, research has proven that this isn't the case. Unlike other drugs, identifying a marijuana addiction may be more difficult. Learn how to recognize if someone is abusing the drug and how to lower the risk of overdose.

If you're beginning to explore mental health and addiction treatment options, consider writing therapy. Writing therapy is a comprehensive, holistic option that encourages introspection. At Avalon Malibu, we utilize writing therapy because we've seen the benefits it can produce. Let's talk more about what writing therapy is and if it could be the right treatment choice for you.

Acupuncture is an ancient healing method. Many people use it for pain relief and improved overall wellness. Others have found it beneficial for their sobriety and mental health. Let's talk more about acupuncture and the many different benefits it can have.

The opioid crisis is a widespread epidemic that has impacted millions of lives. Since 1999, the CDC reports that over 932,000 individuals have lost their lives due to drug overdose. In 2020 alone, nearly 70% of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid drug. Understanding the dangers and risks of opioids, such as fentanyl, is more important than ever. This way, people can make informed decisions and limit their use when possible. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids when it's not used appropriately. This drug alone is responsible for a fair share of the ongoing opioid crisis.

When struggling with an eating disorder, the choice to recover is courageous. It may even seem like your brain is begging you to stay dedicated to this dangerously unhealthy mindset. When undergoing treatment for an eating disorder, especially anorexia, you and your counselor may discover a link to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Learn how untreated OCD can be directly linked to eating disorders and how treating one illness may help you recover from the other.

Understanding how various mental health struggles can impact one another is important. Often, multiple diagnoses can intersect and sometimes even lead to the development of one another. When two conditions exist simultaneously, they are known as co-occurring disorders. One set of commonly co-occurring diagnoses includes bipolar disorder and substance use disorder (SUD).

If you are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you likely experience intrusive thoughts. You are not alone in feeling like you are at war with your mind or like your mind is not yours. Through normalization, externalization, and neutrality you can begin to cultivate peace to manage obsessions and compulsions.

Anxiety is a mental health condition that manifests as a combination of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. From experiencing headaches and racing thoughts to rapid heartbeat and difficulty sleeping, anxiety causes individuals to miss out on experiencing their life as well as they could. Healing from anxiety is possible. Holistic therapy can be a huge benefit as you learn how to cope with and respond to anxiety. A holistic lens integrates all facets of your life for full-body wellness and healing from the inside out.