Dialectical Dilemmas
by Tom Horvath, PhD, ABPP Dialectical is a word with a long history (back to the Greeks), but for now let’s define it as “focusing or acting on the interaction of opposing forces or ideas.” Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) identifies and addresses three common dialectical dilemmas, in order to improve emotional self-regulation, one of the […]
Is Walmart to Blame For The Opioid Epidemic?
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Villains certainly make prime scapegoats. Because villains make great targets they are also susceptible to false allegations and wrongful convictions. Despite its dominance in the retail sector, global mega-merchant Wal-Mart manages to retain a special sort of derision from many. Recently, Wal-Mart’s been under fire for ignoring red flags as opioid […]
Family Communication: Be PIUS This Holiday Season
By Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Holidays are ripe with tales of family gatherings gone sour. Many families anticipate disruptive antics from at least one family member, maybe more. As the beloved Lion King character, Zazu, memorably proclaimed about rabble-rousing kin, there’s one in every family, two in mine actually! Whether there are one, two, or 10 […]
Alcohol and Sexual Performance: Too Much May Mean Not Enough
by Tom Horvath, PhD., ABPP Macbeth, Act II, Scene 3: [Alcohol] provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance It was not until 1976 that scientific evidence supporting this line from Shakespeare was published. In a study of 16 male volunteers, ages 18-24 (mean age 20), the diameter of erections was approximately 10% larger […]
How Absorbing Activities Can Help Addictive Problems
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Addiction is characterized by a narrowing of behavior patterns. As a particular behavior begins to dominate others, problems are likely to arise. Expanding and diversifying behavior patterns is vital to overcoming addictive problems. Identifying and participating in activities that capture and sustain our engaged interest is essential to well-being, and improved […]
Disputing Irrational Beliefs & The Power of the Question
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Humans are renowned for our cranial horsepower. To maximize efficiency, our brains developed a number of shortcuts to thinking that are rarely questioned. The discovery of the brain’s cognitive shortcuts made researcher Daniel Kahneman one of only two psychologists ever to with both the Nobel and Grawemeyer prizes, and for those […]
Four Tips for Getting Sober During Coronavirus Pandemic
Coronavirus Update: We are still seeing and accepting new clients via online rehab. Sessions and groups occur by video or phone. Call 858-546-1100 for details and to schedule. We are presently authorized to work in some other states (in addition to California). Call to find out about your state. Need intensive treatment, but fearful about […]
Get Out of Your Head
It Can Be Good to Get Out of Your Head by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Our website content is no stranger to controversy. A few months back a blog on the benefits of drugs may have been our single best pot-stirrer to-date based on the number of fervent responses of discontent. Never mind that we live in a society that uses […]
How to Forgive
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Forgiveness is often discussed in addiction treatment, and in general has been shown to bolster mental health, hope, and self-esteem. People are frequently told that they ‘should’ forgive a loved one, or that they ‘need to’ forgive themselves. Tangible tactics on how to forgive are oft-omitted. This article neglects philosophical pontifications […]
Holiday Tips: Seven Secrets for Successful Holidays
Holiday Tips Navigating the holidays can be tough. The holidays can also be wondrous and joyful. As we put 2022 in the books and look ahead to a new year, a few last minute tricks might be useful as the heart of the holidays hits home. Below are some holiday tips to help make the […]