Education Center

Divorce. The word itself carries so much weight. The experience of divorce is so common, yet it can feel so isolating. Many people who go through a divorce feel an increased sense of loneliness and depression as their support system seems to crumble before their eyes. Finding help in such a difficult time can feel like another thing to add to the to-do list, but the benefits are well worth the effort. If you are searching for a renewed sense of hope and purpose after or in the midst of a divorce but aren’t yet convinced to join a divorce [...]

Around 2008, a new group of drugs appeared in the United States. Commonly known as K2 or spice, they are often referred to as synthetic marijuana, which is a misnomer. It began as a synthetic drug developed for use in scientific research, but after the publication of the formula, street drug manufacturers began producing it for illicit sale. The street version proved dangerous in an alarming number of cases. Chemicals in K2 When people ask, "What is spice?" it's easiest to start by explaining what it isn't: spice IS NOT marijuana. spice/K2 is a synthetic cannabinoid, while marijuana is a [...]

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has a legitimate medical use. However, it is also frequently abused due to its mind-altering effects.  Ketamine is given through IV infusions medically. When it’s abused, it can be taken as a pill, snorted, smoked, or mixed in a drink. It is known by various street names, including Special K, Super K, KitKat, and Ket. The substance is popular in nightclubs and is often labeled as a “party drug.” What Are the Effects of Ketamine? Ketamine produces a variety of physical and psychological effects in the user.  Psychological Effects Dissociation “Out of body” or [...]

You may have heard about a growing trend in college students seeking help for mental health concerns. While this is a positive sign that stigma has decreased, it also indicates that young adults are increasingly facing mental health challenges. One study found that nearly half of college-age individuals had a psychiatric disorder in the past year. 73 percent of students surveyed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reported having a mental health crisis while in college. These startling statistics have led many to call this trend “the college student mental health crisis.” Why are we seeing these increases [...]

You have probably heard about the national opioid crisis in the news at some point. The terms “opioid crisis” and “opioid epidemic” are used to describe the increase in opioid overdoses and deaths in the United States. Urban areas are particularly susceptible, and Philadelphia has been no exception. Here’s what you need to know about this epidemic and how we can all work to end it. History of the Opioid Crisis According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the opioid crisis started in the 1990s when pharmaceutical companies told doctors that patients wouldn’t develop an addiction to [...]

Adderall is a popular brand of medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When taken as prescribed by a doctor, it is a safe and effective method for managing symptoms. However, there has been an alarming trend of Adderall abuse among teens, college students, and even adults. What Is Adderall? Adderall is made up of four amphetamine salts - dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate, and amphetamine sulfate. It is a central nervous system stimulant, which means that it has a variety of effects that users find desirable, including: Increased energy  Improved attention and alertness Higher confidence Improved [...]

Reviewed by Jodi Jaspan, MS, LPC The following information may be triggering. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Suicidal thoughts are one of the most severe mental health symptoms someone may face. If you find yourself having these types of thoughts, or if a loved one expresses suicidal intent, it is a serious and often frightening situation. Here’s what you need to know about suicidal thoughts and what you can do to address them. Signs of Suicidal Ideation People experiencing suicidal thoughts may have trouble reaching out for help. They [...]

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder that can disrupt your entire life when left untreated. If you or your loved one are having trouble coping after a traumatic event, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Traditional treatments for PTSD consist of therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.  Therapy for PTSD According to the National Center for PTSD, these therapies have the best outcomes for PTSD treatment: Prolonged Exposure (PE) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) These are all trauma-focused therapies, which means they involve processing the traumatic experience itself. Here [...]

Self-harm, also called nonsuicidal self-injury, is not technically a mental health disorder. Rather, it is considered a negative coping mechanism. It often indicates an underlying disorder such as depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder. If someone you know intentionally hurts themselves, you may find it hard to understand why they’re doing this. Here is an overview of self-harm behaviors and reasons why people engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Common Self-Harm Behaviors Self-injury behaviors may include: Cutting Scratching Hitting Burning Pinching Inserting objects under the skin Pulling out hair Skin picking Many of these behaviors leave scars, bruises or other physical [...]

You may have heard about an herbal supplement known as kratom. Derived from a Southeast Asian tree, this supplement has sparked controversy over the past few years. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is still considering how to classify kratom, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to use it. However, there have been many personal anecdotes about beneficial properties. With all the conflicting information out there, you may be confused about what kratom really is, what kratom is used for and whether or not it’s addictive. Here is everything you need to know about kratom and [...]

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that affects an individual’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and daily functioning. Some of the most recognizable symptoms are hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and speech. What Causes Schizophrenia? Many people wonder what causes schizophrenia, and there are various theories about it. Further research is needed to fully understand the root cause of this illness. However, many potential risk factors have been identified. Genetics Scientific research has revealed that, while the general population’s chance of developing schizophrenia is about 1%, the risk increases when one of your close relatives has schizophrenia. If one parent has [...]

It’s unfortunately common to read or hear about heroin related overdoses in the news. Some of us may even have a friend or loved one who has struggled or is currently struggling with opioid addiction. It’s understandable, then, that heroin is often the first thing that comes to mind when hearing terms like “opioid abuse” or “the opioid epidemic.” However, illicit drug use is only one part of opioid addiction and the current opioid crisis afflicting the U.S. Sadly, opioid abuse often begins with prescription painkillers. Common opioid drugs While heroin was responsible for about 15,400 overdose deaths in 2017, [...]