The High-Functioning Alcoholic

Mental Health Stigma

Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on May 29, 2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while many people hear or read references to it, who does it apply to?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while many people hear or read references to it, who does it apply to?

Addiction

The Evolution of Recovery From Addiction

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on May 9, 2024

The recovery process from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) has evolved over time. It also shifts for individuals throughout the course of their sobriety.

The recovery process from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) has evolved over time. It also shifts for individuals throughout the course of their sobriety.

Alcoholism

A High-Functioning Alcoholic: 20 Years Sober

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on February 7, 2024

Personal Perspective: 20 years ago today, I woke up from a typical alcohol-induced blackout in an apartment I did not recognize in an unfamiliar Boston neighborhood.

Personal Perspective: 20 years ago today, I woke up from a typical alcohol-induced blackout in an apartment I did not recognize in an unfamiliar Boston neighborhood.

Addiction

Pandemic Aftershocks

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on November 7, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic federal public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023. Why do addiction and mental health aftershocks still impact so many?

The COVID-19 pandemic federal public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023. Why do addiction and mental health aftershocks still impact so many?

Motivation

Recommitment to Recovery

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on July 17, 2023

Recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) is an ongoing process and those fortunate to have long-term recovery share one thing in common—an ability to recommit.

Recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) is an ongoing process and those fortunate to have long-term recovery share one thing in common—an ability to recommit.

Sleep

Returning to a Routine

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on January 11, 2023

The holiday chaos is behind us…well, sort of. The residual dysregulation of the holidays may still be lingering.

The holiday chaos is behind us…well, sort of. The residual dysregulation of the holidays may still be lingering.

Alcoholism

Summer's Deceptive Drinks

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on August 1, 2022

In 1993, parents were infuriated that a drink called Zima was on the market.

In 1993, parents were infuriated that a drink called Zima was on the market.

Addiction

Behind the Scenes of an Intervention

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on June 7, 2022

There are many ideas as well as misconceptions about being an addiction interventionist. I sat down with Dan Lynch, a board registered interventionist, to learn more.

There are many ideas as well as misconceptions about being an addiction interventionist. I sat down with Dan Lynch, a board registered interventionist, to learn more.

Alcoholism

April Fools Rules for Drinking

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on April 4, 2022

One of the symptoms of an alcohol problem or Alcohol Use Disorder is when individuals make “rules” around their drinking.

One of the symptoms of an alcohol problem or Alcohol Use Disorder is when individuals make “rules” around their drinking.

Alcoholism

Why Are the Holidays So Hard for Those in Recovery?

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on December 1, 2021

This particular holiday season may pose greater challenges than those in the past for individuals in early sobriety. Here are some tips to help.

This particular holiday season may pose greater challenges than those in the past for individuals in early sobriety. Here are some tips to help.

Relationships

What About Me? Why Partners of Those with Substance Use Disorder Need Healing

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on September 13, 2021

So often, books and treatment are focused on the partner with the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) while spouses receive significantly less support but are equally in distress.

So often, books and treatment are focused on the partner with the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) while spouses receive significantly less support but are equally in distress.

Relationships

How to Recover When Your Partner Gets Sober

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on June 30, 2021

Interview with Chantal Jauvin, author "Love Without Martinis."

Interview with Chantal Jauvin, author "Love Without Martinis."

Addiction

Demi Lovato's Recovery Plan

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on April 8, 2021

The riskiest part of Demi Lovato's "California Sober" plan may be that she shared it publicly.

The riskiest part of Demi Lovato's "California Sober" plan may be that she shared it publicly.

Transference

Therapists: Are You Having Political Countertransference?

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on January 12, 2021

The past several years have been politically heated. Here's how to maintain boundaries and gain self-awareness.

The past several years have been politically heated. Here's how to maintain boundaries and gain self-awareness.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Secondary Effects of COVID-19 on Parents

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on September 23, 2020

There is a cumulative impact that can lead to an increase in stress that builds up over time.

There is a cumulative impact that can lead to an increase in stress that builds up over time.

Addiction

What Can Addiction Recovery Teach About Coping With COVID?

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on August 19, 2020

I have been observing the world around us and trying to make sense of it.

I have been observing the world around us and trying to make sense of it.

Mindfulness

Finding Mindfulness Amidst the Mayhem

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on April 1, 2020

One of the simplest and most applicable, at this time, is the practice of mindfulness.

One of the simplest and most applicable, at this time, is the practice of mindfulness.

Media

Empowering Our Minds Against a Pandemic

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on March 23, 2020

It is human nature to grasp onto the external to make us feel safe and secure. These are the lies that we tell ourselves.

It is human nature to grasp onto the external to make us feel safe and secure. These are the lies that we tell ourselves.

Health

Caring for Our Mental Health During COVID-19

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on March 18, 2020

The Coronavirus- COVID-19. The name makes one think about physical health and safety. It may bring up feelings of fear and images of disease and illness.

The Coronavirus- COVID-19. The name makes one think about physical health and safety. It may bring up feelings of fear and images of disease and illness.

Environment

The New Year: Time to De-Clutter Your Mind and Home

Sarah A. Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC on January 13, 2020

It is the start of a new year, a new decade, and a perfect time to clear our homes of “stuff” that is blocking us for our goals! Here are tips to help.

It is the start of a new year, a new decade, and a perfect time to clear our homes of “stuff” that is blocking us for our goals! Here are tips to help.