June 26th is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
June 26th is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In honor of this day, I would like to talk about two common misconceptions around substance abuse.
Misconception #1:
“People just need the willpower to quit using substances”. Willpower alone is never going to be enough to stop substance abuse. Many illegal drugs, and even alcohol, alter our brain chemistry in ways that make us more susceptible to substance use over time.
Misconception #2:
“The substance use is the problem”. While using substances often creates problems it is important to realize that using the substance is an attempt to solve some other underlying problem.
Substance use is an unhealthy way that people try and cope with another problem. Instead of looking solely at the substance use it is more effective to examine the problem that led to the substance use and find a healthier way of coping with it.
Alex Lee, LPC-A
Honoring National PTSD Awareness Day – June 27th
June 27th marks National PTSD Awareness Day, a time to recognize the struggles of those living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and to raise awareness about this often-misunderstood condition.
At The Warriors Refuge, we see firsthand the impact PTSD has on veterans and their families.
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, or assault. While the symptoms may vary—nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness—they are very real and often invisible wounds that deserve compassion, understanding, and support.
Our mission is not only to provide shelter and services but to create a space where healing can begin.
We offer counseling, peer support, and holistic care to help our residents move forward with dignity and hope.
This June 27th, we encourage you to take a moment to learn more about PTSD, reach out to someone who may be struggling, and advocate for mental health resources in your community. Together, we can break the stigma and ensure that no one has to fight their battles alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out—healing is possible.
Jeremy Reynolds – Peer Support
How is your Emotional Wellness?
Below are 8 items that you may agree with or disagree with. On a scale of 1 to 7, rate your level of agreement with each item, being honest and open with yourself.
· 7 Strongly Agree
· 6 Agree
· 5 Slightly Agree
· 4 Neither Agree or Disagree
· 3 Slightly disagree
· 2 Disagree
· 1 Strongly disagree
_____
I feel satisfied with who I am and where I am in my life
_____
I refuse to allow regrets and disappointments cloud “today”
_____
I feel a strong sense of connection with others and do not feel isolated
_____
I tend to think rationally and optimistically
_____
I do not hold onto grudges and can forgive others for not living up to my expectations
______
I feel a great sense of control over my emotions, thoughts and feelings
______
I have a healthy sense of humor and can laugh at life’s imperfections
______
I feel more gratitude on how my life is now rather than focus on what’s lacking
Total your score here:
____________
Emotional Wellness Range:
· 51-56 Emotional Wellness is extraordinary!
· 46- 50 High level of Emotional Wellness
· 40-46 Moderate level of Emotional Wellness
· 32-39 Emotional Wellness needs some boosting!
· 24-31 Emotional Wellness is posing problems for optimal health – needs work!
· 16-23 Needs improvement! Actively work on improving your Emotional Wellness.
· Below 15 Danger Zone!
Don’t wait to get professional help for your Emotional Wellness!
https:/ /belmontwellness.com/emotional-wellness
River Christian – LCDC
National PTSD Awareness Month: EDMR
June is National PTSD Awareness Month; PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a mental health condition that can happen after someone experiences something traumatic: like an accident, combat or violence.
PTSD doesn’t just come and go-it often affects people every day. Some may struggle with flashbacks, nightmares or constantly feeling on edge, even if you may be safe. Triggers can come from anywhere at any time, from a smell to a dream that you may feel that you can’t turn off.
When the strong memories or feelings suddenly pour in and become hard to control, this is called flooding. This can be extremely exhausting and stress-inducing. However, with proper treatment things can get better and more manageable.
The treatment options for PTSD include talk therapy and EMDR.
With talk therapy, you can learn how to identify and label what you are feeling and learn how to cope with it. Another helpful treatment is EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. With EMDR, you can process traumatic memories to help lessen the flooding and emotional responses that come due to PTSD.
In EMDR, the therapist often has the individual move their eyes back and forth following the therapist`s hands while thinking of the memory in smaller segments of time. This is part of the reprocessing technique, it’s not about getting rid of the memory but replacing it with less emotional response. Over time, the memory becomes easier to handle and less upsetting to the individual. The Warrior`s Refuge offers EMDR therapy as part of our mental health services.
If you`re interested in learning more, we`re happy to answer questions and support you on this journey. Whether you’re just starting your journey or ready for the next step, we`ll meet you were you are.
