Understanding Addiction

Alcoholism

Can America Rebrand College From "Partying" to "Purpose"?

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on February 23, 2024

Excessive drinking and substance use on college campuses does not have to be the norm—an examination of collegiate recovery communities can help inform how to rebrand college.

Sex

Dispelling Myths About Sex Addiction

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on October 23, 2023

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “sex addiction”? It’s time to dispel the myths.

Adolescence

The Current State of Addictive Behaviors Among Adolescents

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on August 17, 2023

Many addictive behaviors begin in adolescence, thus it is important to regularly assess the state of addiction among youth. School counselors provide a unique perspective.

Addiction

What Everyone Needs to Know About Fentanyl

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on June 26, 2023

We've all heard about the opioid crisis and the dangers of fentanyl—but how much do you really know about this drug?

Neuroscience

Self-Harm on Social Media

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on March 25, 2023

Why do people post about self-harm on social media, and what's the problem with it?

Media

Raising Kids in a Digital Age

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on February 5, 2023

It can be hard to know how to parent in a tech-driven world. Here are some important considerations.

Cognition

Safe Gaming: What Parents Need to Know

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on January 14, 2023

Does your child game? This is what you need to know.

Attention

Not Your Mother’s Marijuana

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on November 1, 2022

Cannabis products are evolving; shouldn't public perception be evolving, too?

DSM

Online Shopping and "Compulsive Buying-Shopping Disorder"

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on August 16, 2022

Ecommerce is the new normal when it comes to shopping—but might it also contribute to an increase in "compulsive buying-shopping disorder"?

Self-Harm

Why Do People Self-Injure?

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on July 8, 2022

Nonsuicidal self-injury is a complex issue that can be difficult to understand. Why would someone intentionally harm themselves?

Addiction

Understanding Individual Vulnerability to Addiction

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on June 5, 2022

What makes one person more susceptible to addiction than another?

Media

Why Is Social Media So Enticing?

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on April 22, 2022

What keeps us on social media for so long and checking so often?

Pornography

What to Know About Adolescent Pornography Exposure

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on February 27, 2022

Teens are viewing pornography, yet the full affects of this exposure on their development is uncertain.

Addiction

"I Think I Have a Problem With Drugs...Now What?"

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on January 18, 2022

Demystifying the process of professional and peer support for addiction.

Alcoholism

Supporting Those in Recovery During the Holidays

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on November 25, 2021

For the 21 million Americans in recovery, the holidays may be challenging to navigate. We can be intentional about supporting those who are abstaining during the holiday season.