Winter Break: Did It Create Concern for Some Parents?

By Melissa Riddle Chalos Winter break can be a beautiful thing. It offers students the opportunity to slow down, rest up, and regroup, a much-needed break from the social and academic stress of the daily routine. It gives families time to be together, create memories, and have important conversations. Read More

Addiction’s Impact on You

By Beau Black How does addiction affect you? Substance use disorder impacts all of us, directly or indirectly; the effects of addiction may be physical, relational, financial, societal. The effects of addiction on those around us like family, friends, and co-workers are wide-ranging, but what about its… Read More

Overdose Risks, Rates, and Repercussions

By Clint Fletcher As data from 2020 continues to pour in from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s becoming increasingly clear just how devastating the pandemic was on our country’s health. During a year that was spent mostly in lockdown, overdose deaths… Read More

Has Addiction Damaged Your Decision Making? (And How to Repair It!)

By Christa Banister It’s not hard to see just how many aspects of life are negatively affected by addiction. Beyond the litany of health problems and the long-range effects on friendships, family life, mental health, productivity at school, and even future prospects, studies published by… Read More

The Digital Dilemma: Avoiding Online Pitfalls

By Anna McKenzie Without question, social media has increased our exposure to both the positive and negative aspects of social life. At their worst, these platforms have arguably created the potential for addiction as well as harm to our mental health. Likes, comments, and shares — seemingly indicating approval… Read More

Failure to Launch Syndrome: Do Trauma, Addiction, and Mental Health Play a Role?

Adulthood is an important rite of passage, but the transition isn’t a smooth one for everyone. When a young person experiences a “failure to launch,” what’s behind it? Addiction and mental health issues can be prevalent in young adults who struggle to thrive out on their own. Read More

NPR Story on Camp for Kids Impacted by Addiction Highlights Dr. Claudia Black’s Work

The reach of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare staff and Senior Fellows like Dr. Claudia Black extends far beyond our own treatment programs. Its impact is felt as our experts’ teaching, books, and ongoing work spread a message of hope and healing across the country and around the globe. A recent episode… Read More

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know About Program Aftercare

“Aftercare” is a general term for activities and other resources that behavioral health and addiction treatment patients receive after being discharged from a primary care facility. Aftercare answers the question of “Now what?” once your child has completed a behavioral health program. This aftercare can help keep patients on… Read More

What Do I Do With My Child?

College can be an exciting time for many young adults; it is where they experience many firsts, including a new lifestyle, friends, roommates, exposure to new cultures and a wide variety of principles and thinking. Unfortunately, when many students are unable to handle these firsts, they’re more likely to struggle. Insecure and unable to manage the new environment or adjustments they can become susceptible to depression and anxiety. Read More

PTSD in Children of Alcoholics

In addition to the basics of food and shelter, children also need stability, consistency, and emotional care in order to thrive. Typically, at a young age, children form an emotional attachment with their caregivers and this has an influence on their development. The most important emotional attachment for a child is usually their parents. Children learn from their parents how to behave, how to function in life, and how to form other healthy relationships. When children grow up in unstable environments, it can disrupt normal development and lead to difficulties, such as mental health conditions. Read More