PCI Blog Posts
What is the difference between inpatient vs outpatient rehab programs? Generally, inpatient rehab is for those who need around-the-clock monitoring and often require more intensive care, while outpatient rehab is used for those who can continue to live at home while receiving treatment. Inpatient and outpatient therapy have different potential benefits, so the decision to…
What is holistic addiction treatment and how it works Holistic addiction treatment is a more individualized and innovative approach to addiction treatment, in comparison to traditional treatment methods. Holistic treatment takes on a “whole-person” approach to rehab and healing, which means that all aspects of a person’s health are considered, including physical, mental, emotional, and…
Social media can have a positive impact on mental health by providing a support system. Studies have shown that social media usage, in moderation, can be beneficial to one’s mental health. Obviously, social media can be used as a fun, creative outlet to interact with friends and family members. By connecting people through posts and…
What is the blood test for depression and mental health conditions? Typically, a blood test is ordered by your physician, usually during a physical examination. This blood/lab test is ordered to see if there are any abnormalities in your blood work that can cause various health problems. One of these problems can be depression. Along…
What is telehealth opioid treatment and how does it work? Telehealth treatment, sometimes referred to as telemedicine, is the method in which doctors and health care professionals are able to provide treatment or counseling by means of virtual communication. Without the need for an in-person office visit, telehealth is becoming increasingly popular, especially during the…
Do you suspect they may be struggling with addiction? Are you worried about a loved one and think (or know) if they struggle with addiction? If so, it is crucial to take action. Addiction can be a difficult thing to face on your own, and it can be even more challenging if you are not…
Many search for “IOP near me” when looking for IOP program and it can be a great way to start. However, because finding an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) nearby is significant; it can feel nearly impossible to find the right one. If you have been looking to get treatment for a while and start feeling discouraged,…
Data indicates COVID-19 Depression in Los Angeles and Ventura County has skyrocketed. Since March 2020, everyone worldwide has been struggling from the major public health crisis known as the COVID-19 pandemic (Ettman, Abdulla, & Cohen, 2020). Everyone has experienced social distancing, isolation, and, for many people, losing a job (Green, Compas, Dickey, &Pegg, 2020). These…
Mentally healthy holiday season is different for everyone You would think staying mentally healthy during the holidays is easy. For most people the holidays are a time of fun, family, and fellowship. Rituals around meals, cultural and religious traditions, and music/lore are a welcome sign for many. The issue for some, however, is that, for…
Covid 19 has changed how we live causing mental stress on the family For the last several months, we’ve had to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though many have been able to navigate the changes at this point, our lives are inevitably still feeling out of balance. Of course, staying home means…
Shame and addiction often play a role with substance use disorders. Understanding substance use disorders lead to several questions. One of the questions that people struggle with when they are trying to understand addiction is why people “keep using when they know it’s so bad for you.” This is a fair question, especially if you…
Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors are the 3 components of human psychology The classical model of human psychology was that feelings influence thoughts, which influence behavior, in that order. Much research for the past 50 years has questioned that order and the assumption that our feelings come before anything. What seems to be most important is:…
Overview Most people struggle with anxiety, depression, panic, and/or trauma at some point in their life. Many people experience occasionally intense “highs” (ex. Anxiety), and, occasionally, intense “lows” (i.e., depression). It’s often difficult for people to know when their mental struggles are significant enough to seek out help. We hope to help clear some confusion…
Returning to Normal Overview At the time of writing of this article it is September 18th, 2020. It has been quite a journey making it through the COVID-19 pandemic since March, 2020. Intense fear/anxiety, massive job loss, increases in substance use disorder problems, and suicide have occurred for the past six months. As the lockdowns…
Why Respect Matters Overview We live in an increasingly confusing and complicated world. As we all learn more about the intricacies of social issues, mental health, and addiction, we begin to see that people (and their treatment) is more complex than just: person X has an Alcohol Use Disorder, Moderate. Over the last 20 years…
Overview It’s often the case that people struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs), especially the most severe cases, which we typically call “addictions,”have learned some myths about what “addiction” is and how it “should” be treated. In this article, we’re going to explore briefly our Top 5 Myths about substance use disorders and their treatment….
The topic of mental illness has become widespread in our current culture. The stigma of being thought of as crazy or abnormal for struggling with issues pertaining to mental wellness has diminished, and society is much more open when it comes to discussing what prevents us from achieving a life that is successful, peaceful, and…
History is full of stories about people who drank too much, depicting “partying” all the time – such as with the Greek deity Bacchus. Or its counter-opposite is portraying them as needy and homeless. The reality is that many people who need alcohol addiction treatment fall somewhere in between these two extremes. During the COVID-19…
As a part of ongoing efforts to support our community amid the outbreak of COVID-19, PCI is offering an open and interactive virtual discussion with Dr. Miriam Hamideh and Dr. Joshua Diamond to patients, friends, and family to provide helpful information and respond to any concerns. We will be discussing what measures PCI is taking…
Helping someone with drug addiction and depression is difficult but necessary undertaking in order to restore a healthier lifestyle. A struggle with addiction and mental health disorder affects more than just the individual who is diagnosed. Friends and family members may feel continually stressed, guilty, or helpless while watching a loved one grow more distant…
