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Monday, February 26, 2018

Spotting the Signs of Orthorexia

Today kicks off National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and so we thought it could be the perfect time to touch on a type of eating disorder on the rise amid today’s ever growing focus on “clean living.” It’s call orthorexia nervosa, defined as a “pathological obsession with proper nutrition,” and characterized by a restrictive diet and ritualized eating patterns. 

Unlike many other eating disorders, patients with orthorexia often flaunt their eating habits instead of hiding them, especially on Instagram, say experts. What’s more, the condition often overlaps with obsessive compulsive disorder and obsessive compulsive personality disorder.

While healthful eating is a crucial part of recovery, obsessing about what you eat can be a slippery slope. This is especially true if the underlying motivations for eating healthy include compulsion for complete control, escape from fears, improving self-esteem or searching for spirituality through food, notes the National Eating Disorders Association.  

Knowing the signs can help you or someone you love get help. Start by honestly answering these questions – and if you finding yourself feverishly nodding “yes,” be sure to reach out to a medical professional for help: 
  • Do you ever wish that you could eat without obsessing about food quality?
  • Do you ever wish you spent less time on food and more time living?
  • Do you have difficulty eating a meal prepared by someone else? 
  • Are you constantly looking to discover how certain foods are unhealthy for you? 
  • Does following a perfect diet take precedence over love, joy, play and creativity?
  • If you stray from your diet, do you experience feelings of guilt or self-loathing?
  • Does sticking to the “correct” diet make you feel more in control of your life? 
Lasting Health and Sobriety
Sobriety requires a lifetime commitment, but we’re here to help. To learn more about Hope Academy support groups, transitional living options, aftercare programs, and sobriety-college living, call today: 866-930-4673.





Monday, February 19, 2018

Parental Alcohol Abuse Linked to Child Deaths and Injuries

One in three deaths or serious injuries in children are caused by parental drinking, according to a new study published by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

“Parental alcohol misuse scars kids for life and can lead many into a life of drinking too much themselves,” Liam Byrne, a member of parliament and chairman of the All-Party Group for Children of Alcoholics, told The Guardian. “Millions of parents drink too much and their misuse of alcohol causes horrific problems for their children.”

Researchers found that 15% of children had their bedtime routine interrupted by a parent’s drinking, and 18% were embarrassed by an intoxicated parent. 

There are 28.6 million children of alcoholics (COAs) in the United States and 6.6 million are under the age of 18. Previous studies have shows that children growing up in an alcoholic family experience difficulties as adults, too, including problems with: 
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Anger management
  • Self-esteem
  • Trust
  • Depression
Modeling Good Behavior
Parents have a big influence on young people’s decisions about alcohol consumption — 80% of children feel that parents should have a say in whether they drink alcohol. What’s more, the way you handle alcohol around your kids can have a big influence on their relationship with alcohol. This is why it’s important to set a good example by drinking in moderation and never getting behind the wheel, for example. 

In addition, experts recommend reminding your child that underage drinking is against the law, and for good reason. Namely, adults are fully developed mentally and physically so they can handle drinking. Children’s minds and bodies are still growing, however, so alcohol can have a greater effect on their judgment and health. And, of course, if you think you have a problem with alcohol, getting help is the best way to become a positive role model for your child. 

Alcohol Treatment for Young Adults
At Hope Academy, we help parents advocate for their children, so they get the help they need before it is too late. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.




Monday, February 12, 2018

Mental Health Overlooked in College Transition

News headlines and social media feeds seem to be brimming with studies about how today’s teens are more stressed out and anxious than year’s past – and, yet, mental health is often left off of the college prep checklist, according to a new survey from WebMD, Medscape and JED.

According to the survey, “Preparing for College: The Mental Health Gap,” in the past five years, the majority of healthcare professionals noted a rise in mental health issues among teens: 
  • 86% said they have had more anxiety and stress.
  • 81% saw more anxiety disorders.
  • 70% reported seeing more mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
And parents echoed these findings, with 45 percent of those surveyed claiming that their teen had been diagnosed or treated for a mental health issue, learning disorder or substance abuse.

Yet here’s the surprising part: Only 28% of parents of teens with anxiety, stress or a mood disorder considered mental health services while choosing a school.

"If your child is already in therapy, don't assume it's going to go away once they start school,” Cora Collette Breuner, MD, a professor of pediatrics and adolescent medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, told WebMD. “Assume the opposite."

College presents what experts call a sort of “perfect storm” for mental health issues. For one, nearly 75 percent of all mental health conditions begin by age 24, and there’s also a significant amount of stress during this time. In other words, the college years are a critical time to understand and talk about mental health with your kid. Even if it doesn’t touch your child, he or she might deal with a roommate who is in emotional distress.

The survey stressed the need for all parents – not just those of kids with issues – to discuss mental health concerns. "It's going to touch your family's life, and certainly your child's life in one way or another," Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, PhD, director of the College Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital, told WebMD. "It does so much to decrease stigma and fear and anxiety just to talk about these issues."

Do You Need Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?
Co-occurring mental health conditions like depression may exist prior to substance abuse, or develop as a side effect of drug and alcohol dependency. At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.




Monday, February 5, 2018

Volunteering Helps Self-Esteem in Adolescents

If you want to feel better about yourself, you should start by helping someone else, according to a recent study. Researchers found that adolescents who perform acts of kindness (big and small) get a boost to their self-worth. And if you’re helping a stranger, the benefits can last up to a year later. The study, published in December in the Journal of Adolescence, surveyed nearly 700 adolescents.

"Surprisingly, teens who helped friends and family members did not report the same emotional change," said Dr. Laura Padilla-Walker, a psychology professor at Brigham Young University and one of the study's researcher, in a statement. "Helping a stranger is more challenging than assisting a friend, and when teens take this risk, they feel more competent.”

Volunteering and Your Recovery
We’ve talked about how volunteering can help your recovery in the past. To recap, volunteering is a great way to mitigate any negative feelings you may have about yourself and to gain the confidence you’ll need to deal with the ups and downs of sobriety. Here are a few more ways acts of altruism can help you stay sober: 
  • You’ll occupy your time. Especially in early recovery, healthy distractions can prevent you from daydreaming about using again.
  • You’ll build relationships: Volunteering is a great way to expand your social network with like-minded people with similar interests and goals.
  • You’ll improve your resume: Volunteering teaches you some essential job skills, including project management and sales. Plus, it’s great for networking.
Job Prep at Hope Academy
At Hope Academy, we provide practical, real-world guidance for clients who have completed college or are already pursuing a professional or vocational career. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.


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