Preparing for Your First Outpatient Behavioral Health Appointment: Guidance for Teens and Adults
Starting outpatient behavioral health treatment is a courageous and essential step toward mental wellness. Whether you're a parent helping your teen prepare or an adult beginning your own journey, approaching this experience with understanding and openness can lead to meaningful progress. High Focus Centers is here to support both teens and adults as they take the first step toward healing. Why Preparation Matters Entering therapy can feel intimidating, whether it's a teen's first experience or an adult seeking help after years of struggle. Thoughtful preparation can: Ease Anxiety: Understanding the process reduces fear of the unknown. Encourage Openness: Feeling prepared [...]
Embrace the Season of Change: Why January Is the Best Time to Prioritize Mental Health and Recovery
As winter settles in and the new year begins, it’s natural to slow down and reflect. Much like the natural world enters a season of hibernation, this quiet period offers the perfect opportunity to focus on mental health, substance abuse recovery, or addressing co-occurring disorders. High Focus Centers is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment to support lasting wellness. Harness the Power of Winter for Mental Wellness Winter invites us to turn inward, making it an excellent time to prioritize mental well-being. The colder, quieter months encourage introspection and self-care—key components of recovery and personal growth. January symbolizes a fresh [...]
What to Know About Out-of-State Addiction Treatment Therapy and Mental Health Disorder Treatment
Choosing an out-of-state recovery facility for addiction treatment therapy or mental health disorder treatment can be a significant step toward a new, healthier future. Deciding on a distant location might feel daunting, but many find that leaving familiar surroundings can provide a beneficial environment for focused healing. If you or a loved one is considering out-of-state treatment, here are some key points to help ease this transition and ensure you are well-prepared for the journey. Benefits of Out-of-State Recovery Going out of state for treatment can provide numerous advantages. Many individuals choose this option to create distance from the routines [...]
Finding Your Place on the Continuum of Care: Understanding the Right Treatment for Recovery
When embarking on a journey toward recovery from mental health or substance use challenges, understanding where you fit on the continuum of care is essential. The continuum of care is a comprehensive model of services designed to provide personalized levels of support depending on an individual’s needs. Finding the right spot on this continuum can make all the difference in your recovery treatment, as the level of care you choose should match your current situation and overall treatment goals. Here’s a guide to help you determine which level of mental health or substance use treatment is right for you. What [...]
Exploring Bibliotherapy: How Reading Can Support Mental Health in Johns Creek, GA
In the fast-paced world we live in, mental health challenges can arise from various aspects of life, be it personal, academic, or professional. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply searching for ways to enhance emotional well-being, bibliotherapy can be a powerful tool in your mental health journey. In Johns Creek, GA, bibliotherapy is gaining recognition as a unique therapeutic practice that uses reading, writing, and discussion to help individuals grow and heal. Notably, High Focus Centers offers bibliotherapy services in Johns Creek, providing residents with an innovative and accessible path to emotional well-being. Imagine a therapy session [...]
Why Should I Talk About My Struggles With Drug Addiction?
Addiction usually comes hand in hand with some sense of guilt, shame or embarrassment. Whether you felt these things because of the addiction itself, because of an experience of relapse or because of the choices you made as a result of battling addiction, you may feel tempted to keep it all to yourself and share as little as possible about these humbling moments. But the truth is, you may significantly benefit from sharing your addiction story – while it takes a significant amount of courage and a willingness to take a look at yourself and share the reality that you [...]
What Are The Similarities and Differences of Ativan and Xanax?
Anxiety, panic disorders and seizures are not illnesses to be taken lightly. Mental health conditions and diseases such as these usually require more intense forms of treatment and daily medication. Options like Ativan and Xanax can help provide relief from symptoms but should be pursued with caution. With addiction potential, it is essential to find out whether Xanax or Ativan is better for addressing your symptoms and work closely with your doctor to address your concerns effectively. What is Ativan? Ativan, also known by its generic name lorazepam, is a prescription medication classified as a benzodiazepine. It is commonly prescribed [...]
What Is the Risk of Overdose If I’m Taking Lexapro?
The levels of hormones in our bodies change all the time – this is how our bodies keep us regulated, healthy and operating appropriately. However, these hormones sometimes fall out of balance and inappropriate levels occur. When this happens, specific mental health and physical health complications can occur. For example, when serotonin levels in our body fall, depression and anxiety disorders may arise. To combat this, medications like Lexapro may be prescribed for chronic cases. The critical thing to note is the risk of overdose when taking Lexapro. What is Lexapro? Lexapro is a prescription medication that belongs to a [...]
Side Effects of EMDR Therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, helping individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. While many find relief through EMDR, it can also come with side effects. Understanding the nature of EMDR therapy side effects, their duration and how to manage them is essential for anyone considering this treatment. EMDR Therapy Side Effects EMDR therapy involves the patient recalling distressing memories while the therapist directs their eye movements. This process helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. However, like any therapeutic intervention, EMDR can have side effects. 1. Emotional Distress: - [...]
What to Look for When Choosing a Rehab Facility
Selecting a suitable rehab facility for your needs is a crucial step towards recovery from addiction. With so many options available, knowing what to look for in a rehab facility is essential to ensure you receive the best care possible. Whether considering an inpatient or outpatient rehab facility, asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision. What to Look for in a Rehab Facility When evaluating the best rehab facilities, consider the following factors: Accreditation and Licensing: - Importance: Ensure the facility is accredited by recognized organizations such as The Joint Commission or CARF (Commission on [...]
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Duration, Timeline and Symptoms
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia and other conditions due to their sedative effects. However, long-term use can lead to physical dependence, and discontinuation can result in withdrawal symptoms. Individuals looking to discontinue benzodiazepine use safely must understand the withdrawal timeline, duration and the signs and symptoms. Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline The withdrawal process can vary significantly depending on factors such as the specific benzodiazepine used, the dosage, duration of use and individual patient characteristics. Here is a general timeline of what to expect: Immediate Withdrawal (1-4 Days): - Onset: Symptoms typically begin within one to four days after [...]
Is Yoga A Beneficial Practice in Holistic Recovery?
Addiction recovery includes numerous modalities to help men and women recover from habits of substance abuse and other mental health illnesses. From drug and alcohol detox to traditional talk therapy to holistic techniques, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to crafting a healthy lifestyle. One such holistic treatment that many find successful is yoga – based on its all-encompassing focus on body and mind, it proves to be an effective healing method for those needing to recover from the harm that substance abuse can incur on both. What is yoga? Yoga is a body/mind practice that encompasses physical exercise, intentional breathing, [...]
