Desiree Patton
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Addiction and Recovery Expert
Desiree Patton Quick Facts
Desiree Patton is a Media Correspondent for Pyramid Healthcare, a provider of treatment for adults and teens suffering from addiction or substance abuse, as well as individuals with mental health disorders. Our locations in western, central, and eastern Pennsylvania allow us to provide comprehensive care across the entire state to people with behavioral health issues.
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How to Improve Mental Health Without Medication
Mental health encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect an individual’s behavior, emotions, and thought processes. Psychiatric drugs are often used to treat common mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression, but there are other options available. These options may be ideal for those who are conce ed about possible side effects of medications. In addition, if you have co-occurring disorders, such as substance use and bipolar disorders, you may prefer other treatment options.
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Defense Mechanisms and Addiction
Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological responses to things that the mind finds anxiety-provoking, uncomfortable, or threatening. Everyone uses defense mechanisms from time to time; however, it becomes problematic to engage in defense mechanisms too frequently. Doing so can create problems in relationships, communication, and self-worth. Addiction and defense mechanisms often occur together. Such mechanisms can prolong addiction or prevent someone from seeking recovery. Learn more about the relationship between substance abuse and addiction.
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Effects of Alcohol on the Brain and Body
Many people do not realize the health hazards associated with drinking alcohol because it is legal. However, alcohol has many detrimental short and long-term effects on the brain and body. If you're considering quitting drinking, this information could be the motivation you need to kick alcohol to the curb. The Brain
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5 Signs You’re Ready for Drug or Alcohol Rehab
It can be difficult to admit that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but it truly is the first step to recovery. Once you’ve taken this step, and recognize your addiction and its impact on yourself and others, your new focus should be choosing a strategy to get sober and change your life for the better. It’s likely that you’ll consider inpatient or outpatient rehab during this process.
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How to Find the Right Support Program for Mental Health or Substance Abuse Issues
Whether you’re recovering from drug or alcohol abuse or dealing with a mental health condition, you need the right support. You may have completed inpatient or outpatient treatment for your condition, and you’re ready to get back to your life. But without the proper support, it can be challenging to maintain your progress. Learn why support programs are so important, the difference between peer support and formal support groups, and how to find the right support program for you. Why Use Support Programs?
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Alte ative Support Groups: When Alcoholics Anonymous Isn’t for You
There’s no doubt that Alcoholics Anonymous has become a huge part of the world of addiction recovery since its founding in 1935. The 12-step program is designed to lead members to a spiritual awakening to achieve sobriety. Many programs – including those operated by Pyramid Healthcare – incorporate the teachings and tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous into the care that they provide. In some cases, inpatient facilities will host AA meetings on-site, or transport clients to off-site meetings in the community.
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How Social Media Affects Teen Mental Health
It’s never been easy to raise a child, but with the addition of something as widespread, ever-changing and topical as social media, parents can feel as if they’re always playing catch up. According to Verywell Family, 51 percent of teens use social media sites daily. With so many adolescents on social media, it’s important for parents to understand the potential impact that social networking can have on teen mental health. Social Media and Mental Health
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How to Stop People Pleasing
People pleasing occurs when a person puts his or her wants and needs aside to please another person. An example of people pleasing includes saying, “I don’t care, whatever you want” when someone asks what restaurant you’d like to have lunch at, even though you really do have a preference about where you’d like to eat. Another example would be allowing a friend to borrow some money when doing so is going to create a financial hardship for you.
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5 Ways to Help Your Teen Avoid a Relapse
Your teen has relapsed. Despite whatever fear, disappointment, and frustration you may feel, you need to remain as calm as possible. Your loved one still needs your support. So, what can you do as a conce ed parent to help them get back on the road to recovery? 1. Envision Relapse as a Setback—Not a Failure
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Teens Abusing Methadone and Suboxone Risk Seizures and Death
Suboxone and methadone addiction is spreading among teens. These drugs are used to help teenagers overcome addictions to opiates like heroin and prescription painkillers like OxyContin, but their use has become controversial. Teens are now obtaining them illegally on the streets, as substitutes for the addictions for which they’re being treated. As with the excessive use of most drugs, it is possible to overdose and even die from methadone and Suboxone misuse. What are methadone and Suboxone?
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7 Important Facts Every Parent Needs to Know About Rising Teen Heroin Use
It’s cheap, and it’s everywhere. For these reasons alone, heroin offers an appeal to teenagers that other drugs just can’t match. Factor in peer pressure, the need to self-medicate, or just plain, simple teenage curiosity, and it’s easy to see why heroin is making an alarming comeback in the United States. As a parent, you can’t afford to remain blind to the terrifying truth surrounding this dangerous and highly addictive drug. - A Growing Trend
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Contacting Desiree Patton
For more information, visit the Contact Us page on Pyramid Healthcare's website.