addiction Bergen County

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Eating Disorders

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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many people are extremely critical of the person staring back at them in the mirror. We are our own toughest critics; however, harsh self-objectification may lead to a warped body image. Some may attempt to lose excess body fat or weight to adapt to a distorted self-image, but this obsession builds a negative relationship with food. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) causes one to limit their caloric intake and only consume a select few food groups. This disorder is associated with anxiety surrounding the consequences of eating, avoiding food with undesirable tastes, smells, or textures, and losing interest in eating. ARFID is a relatively newly labeled eating disorder, also known to many as selective eating disorder due to its symptoms. Those with ARFID choose a few foods they consider “fine” to consume and eat them sparingly.

Eating sparingly can cause physical symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, significant weight loss, and fatigue. ARFID can also lead to behavioral or mental issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. While the exact cause of this eating disorder is unknown, research suggests it may result from genetics, environmental influences (models or social media), and previous trauma. Psychological treatment can significantly support those with ARFID. Psychologists can identify trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. and help people cope with these grave issues. Psychologists can offer therapeutic techniques to eliminate one’s distorted body image and start the path to recovery. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24869-arfid-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disordern

Anorexia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

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Anorexia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza
People are typically their own worst critics when viewing their physical appearance. However, obsessive thoughts and actions regarding one’s appearance are mentally and physically harmful. Those with anorexia nervosa are hyper-focused on their “flaws” and live in a constant state of fear regarding weight gain. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain and extreme measures to rid the body of excess fat. To accomplish this weight loss goal, many restrict their caloric intake, exercise excessively, abuse laxatives or dieting aids, and induce vomiting. Those with anorexia live in fear and utilize these procedures, regardless of the amount of weight lost. Various factors induce anorexia. Western society idolizes thinness, especially within the young female demographic, while some associate self-worth with body weight.

Behavioral and mental symptoms include hunger denial, daily measurements, lying about the amount of food eaten, etc. While these symptoms harm the mind, anorexia also destroys the body due to low body weight, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, yellow skin, dehydration, etc. Anorexia is a detrimental disorder that can result in death due to organ failure and dehydration. Psychological therapy can be life-saving through negative thought reversal and promoting healthy eating patterns. Psychological intervention and cognitive-behavioral therapy support anorexics through mental health regulation and well-balanced nutrition training. Ultimately, proper intervention enables anorexics to regain control of their thoughts and prevent medical complications by maintaining a healthy weight.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591

Bulimia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

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Bulimia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many people have critiques when observing their appearance in the mirror. However, these critiques may transform into unhealthy and even life-threatening obsessions. Some may hyper-focus on their bodyweight and only see flaws looking back when staring into the mirror. These harsh judgments can lead to dieting, purging, and/or restriction. Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating and purging those unwanted calories. Binge eating is the overconsumption of food, even when one is uncomfortably full. Some feel the uncontrollable need to eat as a coping mechanism for life’s stressors, complex situations, etc. Those who binge-eat typically feel embarrassed or ashamed of their eating habits and attempt to reduce their caloric intake through unhealthy mechanisms. The purging state rids the body of overconsumption through voluntary vomiting, dieting pills, misusing laxatives, etc.

Bulimia nervosa is a complex mental illness that cannot be easily overcome. Those with bulimia nervosa live in fear of gaining weight, despite their involuntary cravings to eat. Purging through laxatives, dieting pills, and excessive vomiting can be potentially fatal. Psychological treatments can help reduce bulimic symptoms through cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of therapy encourages healthy eating patterns and nutrition training to establish a well-balanced diet. Psychological intervention is designed to enable bulimics to regain control of their lives by managing cravings and stress, providing well-balanced nutrition, and instilling emotional stability.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bulimia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353615

Binge Eating Disorder: Eating Disorders

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Binge Eating Disorder: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Overeating is a common occurrence, as most individuals have taken an extra serving or two of a delicious meal or consumed an abundance of sweet treats during the holiday season. However, frequent and uncontrollable overeating may lead to medical and mental health issues. Binge eating disorder involves regular consumption of large amounts of food exceeding the average calorie limit. This amount is far more than the majority consume within a day. Those with a binge eating disorder typically eat quickly and cannot stop eating even when uncomfortably full. These individuals binge at least once a week for several months. Binge eating disorder may be caused by various factors, such as genetics or stress from life’s obstacles. Sometimes people eat to cope or when feeling stressed, and the desire morphs into an involuntary need.

Those with a binge eating disorder often feel embarrassed or ashamed about the amount of food consumed during the binge period. Many attempt to restrict themselves calorically to lose excess weight and reduce binging. However, rapid restriction may increase urges, creating a loop of restrictive binge eating. Binge eating disorder is commonly associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors. Psychological treatment can provide mental support and guidance through this challenging time. Proper treatment enables an individual to take control of the disorder and maintain a well-balanced diet through therapeutic techniques. A psychologist can reduce and eliminate binge periods, allowing healthy weight loss and mental stability. Psychological treatment breaks through guilt and shame to aid struggling binge eating and have a better quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627

Addiction: Drug Abuse

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Addiction: Drug Abuse

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many partake in recreational drug use, assuming addiction is nearly impossible due to occasional drug use in social settings. However, more than 70% of individuals who use drugs recreationally develop an addiction and experience negative consequences associated with said addiction. These behaviors involve compulsiveness, the inability to stop using the drug, undesirable emotions, withdrawal, etc. These unpleasant symptoms and behaviors can also negatively affect the addict’s relationships with work, loved ones, etc. A majority of addicts desire to stop using drugs but find it extremely challenging as the drug creates a physical and neurological dependence. No one wants to become a drug addict; however, drug use neurologically alters the brain, making it burdensome to quit.

Counseling services can identify the triggers leading to continued drug use, provide intensive intervention, supply vital behavioral strategies, offer peer support, and reduce the risk of relapse. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help addicts cope with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, sorrow, etc. A psychologist can also provide intensive care to assist with drug detoxification and withdrawal symptoms that can be grueling to experience by oneself. Therapy provides addicts with behavioral and cognitive tools to cope with triggers, understand past drug abuse, and maintain sobriety. Ultimately, therapy enables drug addicts to reclaim their livelihood and relationships with loved ones by relinquishing the negative consequences of drug abuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction or abuse, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.hanleycenter.org/five-big-benefits-of-counseling-in-drug-addiction/#:~:text=Counseling%20provides%20additional%20benefits%20to,recovery%2C%20and%20reducing%20the%20risk

Addiction: Alcoholism

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Addiction: Alcoholism

By Isabella Favuzza

American society deems alcoholic beverages such as cocktails a social normality, but many walk the fine line between social drinking and alcoholism. Whether you are drinking to socialize, conform, enhance, or cope you may find yourself unable to control the alcohol cravings. Loved ones may describe you as bad tempered or irritable and you may find yourself yearning for that next sip, regardless of the occasion. Many alcoholics are unaware when they cross that fine line; most don’t remember/feel the change.

Alcoholism is a burdensome journey that should never be traveled alone. Asking for help is the first and most challenging step for alcoholics due to guilt, shame, etc. Therapy provides the appropriate and essential tools to aid struggling alcoholics to cope with these anguishing feelings of resentment, anger, and sorrow. Throughout the course of therapy, a psychologist will help alcoholics identify drinking behavior/patterns, identify risk factors, set goals, think positively, provide intensive intervention/care, and routinely monitor the progress. Therapy is designed to construct a recovery plan that enables alcoholics to recover from drinking, regain control of their livelihood, thrive at work, and connect with loved ones. Ultimately, the alcoholic benefits from therapy by regaining control and reestablishing a healthy relationship with friends and family.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Addiction: Family Therapy: Families of Addicts

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment
Why are Support Groups for Families of Drug Addicts Important? - Recovery Centers of America

Addiction: Family Therapy: Families of Addicts  

By: Isabella Favuzza

Addiction is a challenging journey that should never be traveled alone. Asking for help is the first and most challenging step for addicts and their loved ones. Addicts struggle with the painstakingly long road to recovery, but many neglect the pain of the addict’s family. Addiction is not an isolated incident as the disease affects the entire family and other loved ones. Family and friends typically receive most of the backlash and consequences associated with substance abuse. The loved ones may place the addict’s feelings/needs above their own and endure self-guilt due to the addict’s substance abuse and subsequent behavior.

Many families are challenged with the addict’s behavior and their personal emotions, resulting in a lack of self-care. A lack of emotional and/or mental care may lead to depression, and/or anxiety. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Family therapy provides the appropriate tools to help struggling families and friends cope with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, sadness, etc. Family therapy is specifically designed to remedy these undesirable emotions by allowing each individual to be heard and accepted in a nonjudgmental space. Family and friends can feel cared for and fulfilled, creating positive reactions with the addict. Ultimately, family therapy sessions enable loved ones to understand/support one another and cope with the addict’s conflict/behavior in a health manner.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism or alcohol abuse please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/how-to-support-someone-through-substance-use-recovery/

Anxiety Disorder: Caffeine Induced

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

By: Julia Massa

Starbucks, Dunkin, Wawa, and other “on the go” stops will never go out of business. Humans rely heavily on caffeine to get through their shifts, workouts, or even just to post a quick Instagram story. In fact, humans spend five to ten dollars on their caffeine cravings each day. However, there are several caffeine related disorders according to the DSM-IV, including caffeine intoxication, caffeine-induced anxiety disorder, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and caffeine-related disorder not otherwise specified. Some symptoms of caffeine-induced anxiety include red face, shaking, muscle twitching, confused speech, sweating, insomnia, frequent urination, impulsive reactions towards minor inconveniences, and mood swings. Caffeine-Induced Anxiety is caused by the effect of caffeine on the brains neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine. This chemical increases stress hormones, like cortisol, which is linked to many mental disorders and may interact with medications a patient is already taking to manage their anxiety symptoms.

Caffeine is listed as a drug in both medical and psychiatric literature since it is a central nervous stimulant and can be fatal if a person exceeds the daily recommendation of 400mg. For those with anxiety, 200mg or less is the recommended dose. Though it is rare, consuming a caffeine pill of a high dose can lead to ventricular fibrillation and death. Caffeine is legal and unregulated, which is why many people do not realize how their medium hot caramel coffee with almond milk can exaggerate their anxiety symptoms or cause anxiety-related symptoms. When people limit their caffeine intake suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms similar to addictive drugs like cocaine. These symptoms include headache, irritability, drowsiness, loss of focus, insomnia, stomach pain, etc. For this reason, many individuals continue to drink caffeinated beverages to prevent these symptoms. In fact, more than 97% of caffeine consumed by adolescents and adults come from beverages.

Though the prevalence rate for caffeine-induced psychiatric disorders has not been well established, there is a high comorbidity rate between caffeine and several mood and substance abuse disorders.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

http://www.americanmedtech.org/files/STEP_Online_articles/353.pdf

https://vantagepointrecovery.com/caffeine-induced-anxiety-disorder/

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/caffeine-induced-anxiety/

Addiction: Ways to Overcome it

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

 

Addiction: Ways to Overcome it

By: Daniela Vargas

Falling into addiction can feel like you have lost control of your life. But, you can gain that control back. Addiction can involve different substances like alcohol, gambling, drugs like cocaine and heroin. Now, you may ask how addiction starts or why people continue using these substances? The reason for this is that when you take a substance or do a certain behavior it makes you feel good and stress free. That “good feeling” is a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that your brain releases when you feel pleasure or satisfaction.

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy can help one overcome addiction. Psychotherapy has many ways which therapists can use depending on the situation. Here are some that can help with addiction.

  • Supportive Psychotherapy: Can help patients feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences and troubles. A therapist can be a strong guide throughout your journey and give advice to help you push through.
  • Coping- focused psychotherapy: This method can teach patients ways to cope with substance abuse. This method, combines individual therapy with a Relapse Prevention programs.
  • Exploratory Psychotherapy: It is important to find the root of the problem. This type of psychotherapy can help uncover connections with your addiction.

Medication:

Medication or a combination of both medication and Psychotherapy can help overcome addiction.

  • Naltrexone: can help reduce craving of alcohol
  • Buprenorphine: this medication can help reduce Opioid withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine helps to block and activate the opioid receptors in the brain.
  • Methadone: Can also reduce Opioid withdrawal symptoms
  • Bupropion: can reduce withdrawal symptoms for nicotine addiction. This medication is also prescribed for people battling with depression.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/addiction

https://www.mentalhelp.net/substance-abuse/psychotherapy/

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/evidence-based-approaches-to-treating-adolescent-substance-use-disorders/addiction-medications

Image: https://www.google.com/search?q=addiction&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS752US752&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi88tufv6juAhXjct8KHR3ZAF0Q_AUoAnoECBAQBA&biw=1434&bih=687#imgrc=qyOm9dPoiVdWaM

 

COVID-19: Addiction and Relapse

GalleryJudy Gurfein 1 Comment

    By: Elyse Ganss

    It is currently unclear how COVID-19 will affect addiction. As a result of the nature of the coronavirus and its’ effect on the lungs, people who smoke tobacco, marijuana, or vape are at an increased risk for getting the virus. Besides an increased risk for getting the virus, people who suffer from addiction may be negatively affected in other ways as well.

     Isolation can have negative effects on people who suffer from substance abuse, particularly for those who are in recovery. Isolation can trigger anxiety and depression and without proper coping skills, this can trigger relapse.

    Social distancing has put a stop to people attending peer-support groups in person, which are typically very beneficial for people who are recovering from addiction. While there are online support groups, it is unknown how many people will utilize them. Similarly, while family support is still available through phone calls and texts, it is no longer available in person. These changes have the possibility to increase levels of addiction.

    In some states, access to critical medications, like methadone and buprenophrine that allow addicts to wean off of opioids, have been severely regulated and almost stalled. This could increase self-medication of drugs and alcohol and cause drug overdoses to occur. Receiving treatment, like teletherapy, with a licensed mental health professional to discuss a treatment plan, coping strategies, and what your support network looks like could be extremely beneficial for those who are recovering or currently struggling with addiction.

    If you or someone you know is looking for support, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/ .

    Sources:

    https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2020/04/covid-19-potential-implications-individuals-substance-use-disorders

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/healing-addiction/202003/coronavirus-and-addiction

    https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20200407.290720/full/

    Image Source:

    https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/alcohol