The Rise of Delta 8, Vapes and Legal Highs and Why Outpatient Treatment Still Matters
What Parents and Adults Should Know About Today’s “Safer” Substances Over the past few years, Delta 8 products, flavored vapes and a growing list of legal highs have become easy to find in gas stations, vape shops and online stores. Because these items are widely available, many teens and adults assume they are harmless. For people who feel anxious about traditional drugs, these “legal” options can seem like low-risk alternatives. In reality, many of these substances carry serious mental and physical health risks. They are often unregulated, inconsistent from one product to the next and far stronger than people realize. [...]
Recognizing When Stress Becomes Too Much: How Outpatient Therapy Helps You Regain Balance
Stress is a normal part of life. It motivates us to meet deadlines, adapt to change, and face challenges. But when stress stops being manageable and starts affecting your mood, sleep, or relationships, it’s time to take a closer look. In honor of National Stress Awareness Day, observed on the first Wednesday of November, let’s talk about how to recognize when stress has gone too far—and how outpatient therapy can help you find balance again. When Stress Crosses the Line A little stress can keep you alert and focused, but chronic stress can take a toll on both your mind [...]
Are There Any Studies Connecting Screen Time to Drug Addiction Later in Life?
We live in a heavily digital world. Kids are growing up with smartphones, tablets, social media, online gaming, video streaming and more. A question many parents, educators and treatment professionals are asking now is: Does heavy screen time in youth increase the risk of substance use or addiction later on? The answer is nuanced. Research suggests possible links, especially when screen use becomes compulsive, displaces other healthy behaviors or involves exposure to drug-related content. Still, there’s no definitive proof that screen time itself causes drug addiction. Here’s what recent studies show, what’s possible and what High Focus Centers believes is [...]
How to Ask for Help Without Bringing Others Down
Reaching out for help, whether for mental health concerns, substance use or simply overwhelming life stress, can feel intimidating. Many people worry that sharing their struggles will “burden” family, friends or support groups. This fear can keep both teens and adults from getting the care they need. The truth is that asking for help doesn’t have to be a burden on others. With a thoughtful approach and a willingness to communicate honestly, you can get support while also respecting the needs of the people around you. 1. Recognize That Needing Help Is Normal Seeking assistance is a sign of strength, [...]
The Truth About Huffing Aerosols and Why Our Youth Are at Risk
Curiosity, boredom and peer pressure can sometimes lead young people to experiment with risky behaviors. One of the most dangerous, and often overlooked, is huffing aerosols, sometimes called dusting, chroming or bagging. This is not a problem we can afford to ignore. Inhaling the fumes of everyday spray products can have devastating consequences, even after a single use. What Huffing Really Means Huffing is the deliberate inhalation of vapors from household products such as air-duster cans, aerosol deodorants, hair sprays or other chemical propellants. These products contain volatile substances that quickly pass from the lungs to the bloodstream, reaching the [...]
Biofeedback and Stress: How This Science-Backed Technique Can Help
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can take a toll on your mental, emotional and physical health. From headaches and fatigue to anxiety and difficulty sleeping, chronic stress can impact every aspect of your well-being. One innovative tool that’s helping people better manage stress is biofeedback—a technique that teaches you to understand and control your body’s responses in real time. At High Focus Centers, biofeedback is used as part of a comprehensive approach to helping clients build healthier coping strategies. What Is Biofeedback? Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that uses sensors to measure [...]
Building Strong Refusal Skills for a Healthier, Substance-Free Life
Peer pressure, social expectations, and challenging situations can make it difficult to stick to your values and goals—especially when it comes to avoiding drugs, alcohol or risky behaviors. Whether you’re a teen navigating social circles or an adult in recovery, learning and practicing refusal skills can empower you to make choices that protect your health and well-being. At High Focus Centers, we work with clients to build the confidence and communication skills needed to say “no” effectively and maintain a positive path forward. What Are Refusal Skills? Refusal skills are strategies and techniques that help you resist pressure from others [...]
What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)?
When someone is struggling with substance use or another behavioral challenge, it’s common to feel conflicted about making changes. Part of them may want to recover, while another part resists the idea—this inner tug-of-war can stall progress before it even begins. motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is designed to help break through that ambivalence and strengthen a person’s own commitment to change. Understanding Motivational Enhancement Therapy Motivational enhancement therapy is a counseling approach that focuses on building intrinsic motivation rather than using confrontation or persuasion. Unlike some traditional treatment methods, MET isn’t about telling a person why they need to change—it’s [...]
Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Teens with Depression and Anxiety
The start of a new school year can be exciting for many students—but for some adolescents, it’s a source of intense stress and emotional strain. As summer ends, worries about academics, social pressures, extracurriculars and changes in routine can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. At High Focus Centers, we understand that returning to school can be an especially vulnerable time for teens struggling with their mental health. Recognizing the signs early and providing the right support can make a world of difference. Why Back-to-School Season Can Trigger Depression and Anxiety While it’s normal to feel nervous about [...]
The Half-Life of Mental Health Medications: Why Timing and Consistency Matter
When it comes to treating mental health conditions like anxiety, depression or mood disorders, medication can be a powerful tool. But to get the full benefit, it’s essential to take prescriptions exactly as directed—on time, consistently and under the guidance of a medical provider. One of the most important (but often misunderstood) concepts in medication management is something called “half-life.” Understanding the half-life of your medication can help you make sense of why timing matters, why skipping doses can lead to withdrawal or relapse and how medications stay in your system even after you stop taking them. At High Focus [...]
Understanding Cluster A, B and C Personality Disorders: How IOP and PHP Can Support Healing
Personality disorders are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed or stigmatized. Yet millions of individuals live with these conditions, struggling silently with distorted thinking patterns, emotional regulation issues and difficulties in relationships. At High Focus Centers, we believe that understanding is the first step to healing, and we offer specialized care through IOP (intensive outpatient program) and PHP (partial hospitalization program) options to support individuals facing these complex challenges. Let’s explore the three major clusters of personality disorders—A, B and C—and how structured mental health treatment can help manage them. What Are Personality Disorders? Personality disorders are long-term patterns of thinking, feeling and [...]
Alcoholism in Native American Communities: Raising Awareness During National Minority Mental Health Month
August is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the unique mental health challenges faced by underserved and historically marginalized communities. One such community is Native Americans—who continue to experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD), often rooted in generations of trauma, systemic inequality and limited access to culturally sensitive care. At High Focus Centers in Georgia, we believe in recognizing these disparities and providing inclusive, evidence-based treatment that respects the cultural and historical contexts behind addiction. By acknowledging the challenges faced by Native American individuals, we can help break cycles of [...]