Is AI Dangerous to Your Mental Health? A Portland Perspective
Artificial intelligence has quietly become part of daily life. It writes emails, recommends what we watch, answers questions, and even offers emotional support. For many people, interacting with AI feels natural and comforting. Many people are increasingly turning to LLMs like ChatGPT for advice about many aspects of their lives, including their mental health. Some […]
Treatment Resistant Depression: A Guide for Patients and Families
Treatment resistant depression can be one of the hardest illnesses to navigate for patients. It’s also one of the hardest illnesses for family and loved ones to witness. Most people with major depressive disorder (MDD) find some relief with treatment. Yet for a significant number, the journey to feeling better is long and complex. […]
How Long Does it Take for Addiction Treatment to Work? What Progress in Recovery Really Looks Like
You’ve decided it’s time to get serious about getting well and take back control of your life. You’ve found a local, evidence-based, patient-centered healthcare team in Portland, OR that feels like a good fit for you. (Can we suggest Shanti Recovery and Wellness?) You’re all set and you’re ready to jump in. When you get […]
Angry? 5 Hacks for Anger Management and Relationship Repair in Recovery
Recovery from addiction is a courageous process, and it often brings powerful emotions to the surface during the worst possible time. In recovery, and especially in early recovery, anger can feel especially confusing. You may be proud of your progress while also feeling irritated, resentful, or quick to react. These reactions do not mean you […]
What is Neuroplasticity? Does Addiction Treatment Really “Rewire Your Brain?”
Neuroplasticity is a simple concept, but really appreciating the science of what goes into “rewiring your brain” may renew your belief that recovery from addiction is always possible. Hope isn’t just a fluffy idea in recovery. The promise of “rewiring your brain” away from patterns of active addiction towards healthier pathways is actually an evidence-based […]
Parity Act in Peril: Will Your Health Insurance Stop Covering Addiction Treatment Soon?
In the fight against addiction, insurance coverage for treatment is perhaps the most important lifeline for Substance Use Disorder patients in Portland and beyond. We often take health insurance coverage for behavioral healthcare for granted, but, believe it or not, de-facto discrimination against SUD, mental health, and dual diagnosis patients was standard in many health […]
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Addiction Treatment in Portland
Insurance coverage for addiction treatment can be a major barrier for many individuals and families seeking help. While the journey to recovery is priceless, understanding how to navigate the health insurance side of addiction treatment in Portland Oregon helps you unlock the care you deserve. In this post, we’ll break down the financial aspects of […]
Many patients in Portland, Oregon find that Alcoholics Anonymous is a bad fit. Why?
As an addiction medicine doctor, I’ve found that many patients begin their recovery journey with a 12 step program. For some, this works wonders. For others, the 12 steps don’t feel like a good fit. So, what happens if Alcoholics Anonymous isn’t effective for you? What can you do now? The answer is: plenty. Here’s […]
The Surgeon General is Right: Alcohol Use is Linked to Cancer
In January this year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy asked Congress to require that alcoholic beverages be sold with a “Surgeon General’s Warning” like the black and white warning boxes found on cigarettes. In his announcement, the Surgeon General noted that alcohol is the third leading (and preventable) cause of cancer behind cigarettes and obesity. […]
TMS for depression in Portland Oregon: How does it work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for individuals in Portland struggling with treatment-resistant depression.