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One of the most common catalysts for substance abuse is adverse childhood experiences. In fact, for every adverse childhood experience encountered, the risk of substance use increases. Experiencing some form of abuse, neglect, loss or lack of stability in childhood happens to most people. Research indicates 66% of us have had at least one childhood trauma.

Repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug addiction are at increased risk for returning to use even after years of not taking the drug. Like other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment requires action and diligence, and it should be ongoing and tailored to the individual.

A new school year is here. With it can come anxiety about the unknown, but also comes opportunities for developing problem solving and life skills. One of the best ways to manage anxiety is to get organized. Parents...work with your children to plan their time. Make a plan for each day about when they will do their schoolwork, when they will do chores, when they will do hobbies or extracurricular activities, and when they will have down time.

Governor DeWine has declared today Overdose Awareness Day. If you have an addiction to opioids or drugs of any kind, you already know that recovery is going to require change. You may fear both the physical and emotional withdrawal you'll experience from not having the substance. Recovery is within your reach. There are amazing medical and behavioral health supports in our area that will help you be successful. The first step is to talk  to a safe and trusted support person, and tell them you need help. At Appleseed  you'll find there are caring people who will go the rest of the journey with you.

If you are a parent of preschoolers, you have been placed in the privileged position of building our next generation. Though raising preschoolers has moments of challenge, building fun and learning into your parenting practice makes the job all the more rewarding. You’re bonding with your children and they’re learning and growing along the way!

The World Health Organization reports that COVID-19 has been followed by a 25% increase in anxiety and depression around the world. They cite loneliness and isolation as a primary contributing factor. If you are a person who has been experiencing increased anxiety or depression over the past three years, here are three things you can do to help,

Today is August 12th, and on this day in 1877 Thomas Edison completed his first model of the phonograph. The way we listen to music has changed a lot since then, and it can be a powerful tool in helping you to reduce stress.

Caring about someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can be very emotionally painful. If you're in that situation, there are things you can do to help yourself…and also possibly help the person in your life who is addicted.

Journaling is one of the best tools you can put in your mental health toolbox. Researcher Silvia Bastos writes, “Many of us, when we face anxious thoughts, try to deny them — push them away, and think of something else.” and “You probably know how it feels to lie in bed for hours unable to sleep because you’re worried about problems, commitments, or the future.”

Working on your sleep hygiene is something to take seriously and be intentional about. According to Helpguide’s resource on getting better sleep, try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. This helps set your body’s internal clock and optimizes the quality of your sleep. Choose a bed time when you normally feel tired, so that you don’t toss and turn.

Today is the Fourth of July, Independence Day. Our country is known as a melting pot because of the important role immigration and diversity has had on our history. July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s theme for BIPOC Mental Health Month is #BeyondTheNumbers.

It is important to recognize the mental health needs of the LGBTQ+ members of our community. According to NAMI, LGB youth are more than twice as likely to report experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness than their heterosexual peers. Transgender youth face are twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to cisgender lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning youth.