Young woman standing in a kitchen, eating from a bowl and appearing contemplative, symbolizing the emotional complexities tied to eating disorders and substance use.

The Connection Between Substance Use Disorder and Eating Disorders

Articles, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Mental Health / By 12 South Recovery

Substance use disorder (SUD) and eating disorders often seem like two separate struggles. One centers around drugs or alcohol. The other focuses on food, weight, or body image. But, research and clinical experience show that these two conditions are deeply connected—often overlapping in ways that complicate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. At 12 South Recovery, we […]

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Confident person wearing rainbow-striped clothing and yellow sunglasses standing against a rainbow mural, symbolizing LGBTQIA+ pride and self-expression.

How Can LGBTQIA+ Individuals Cope With Social Anxiety Related to Their Identity?

Articles, Anxiety, Mental Health / By 12 South Recovery

Many LGBTQIA+ individuals struggle with their identity. One reason for this struggle is that they often can’t share their truths with people due to fears of judgment and safety concerns. It is common for individuals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community to experience intense feelings of social anxiety when meeting new people because they

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Black and white image of a woman holding a broken mirror fragment that reflects part of her face, symbolizing identity fragmentation and dissociation.

The Causes of Dissociative Symptoms

Articles, Mental Health / By 12 South Recovery

Mental health disorders – including substance use disorder (SUD) – can cause various physical and mental symptoms. Some symptoms are caused by substance abuse or chemical imbalances in the brain, while others manifest in an attempt to address the underlying trauma. While often left under-discussed, dissociative symptoms often result from the latter and can be

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Beach essentials like a backpack, swim fins, and camera gear laid out in the sand, symbolizing escape and avoidance, metaphorically reflecting the misuse of alcohol to mute intrusive thoughts.

Why Shouldn’t Alcohol Be Used for Muting Intrusive Thoughts Associated With OCD?

Articles, Mental Health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / By 12 South Recovery

When an individual is living with untreated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), their intrusive thoughts and compulsive routines and rituals can be quite troubling. To deal with those symptoms, many individuals self-medicate by drinking alcohol daily. While this reaction can be understandable, alcohol may not be the best way to address these symptoms. Choosing addiction and mental

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Assorted white wooden numbers scattered on a bright blue background, with 1, 2, and 3 neatly arranged—symbolizing steps or structured therapy like ERP for managing OCD.

How Can Exposure and Response Prevention Help One Manage Their OCD?

Articles, Mental Health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / By 12 South Recovery

It can be difficult to manage the effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) without professional treatment. Many different areas in one’s life can be negatively impacted by OCD. Aspects of one’s life that can be impacted include the workplace, academic life, and relationships with family and friends. Fortunately, 12 South Recovery can provide professional support for

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How Can Someone With Bipolar Disorder Move Forward From an Alcohol Relapse?

Alcohol, Alcohol Addiction, Articles, Bipolar / By 12 South Recovery

Living with untreated alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be difficult. It can be especially difficult when a person consumes alcoholic beverages to deal with the troubling symptoms of bipolar disorder. When a person drinks alcohol to deal with bipolar symptoms like mood swings and impulsivity, intoxication can feel like a warm and calming hug. It

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Person riding a horse along a dirt trail surrounded by trees, illustrating the therapeutic environment of equine-assisted therapy for managing bipolar disorder symptoms.

How Can Equine Therapy Help Treat Symptoms Associated With Bipolar Disorder?

Articles, Bipolar, Therapy / By 12 South Recovery

September 2, 2023 Living with untreated bipolar disorder can be frustrating for many individuals. Bipolar disorder involves a variety of symptoms including impulsive behaviors and erratic mood swings. Many areas of a person’s life can be disrupted if they don’t seek professional care. Having professional help is imperative, as it can be confusing to manage

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Woman holding a Tibetan singing bowl with a mallet in a holistic healing or meditation session, wearing white shawl and beaded bracelets.

How Can I Holistically Treat OCD?

Articles, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / By 12 South Recovery

The compulsions and rituals that come with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can consume an individual’s everyday life. Spending too much time completing tasks can create an abundance of stress. The compulsion to do rituals can make an individual feel as if their mental health condition is taking over their entire life. Although different prescription medications and

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Silhouette of a family of four holding hands at sunset by the ocean, symbolizing unity and support in mental health recovery

How Can Family Members Benefit From Family Therapy for Schizophrenia?

Articles, Schizophrenia, Therapy / By 12 South Recovery

Family members of those with schizophrenia often lack awareness about the condition. This lack of knowledge can make it difficult for individuals to understand their loved one’s circumstances. Due to this, families may experience a great deal of confusion and frustration. Whether the person is receiving treatment or not, loved ones still may have the

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Smiling young woman with curly hair and glasses sitting at a desk with a laptop and books, representing youth mental health and academic stress.

The Unique Risks of Mental Illness in Young Adults

Articles, Mental Health / By 12 South Recovery

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, “Millions of young adults are living with a mental or substance use disorder and many either do not realize they have one or are not paying attention to the signs and not seeking help.” Likewise, millions of young adults are exposed to intense

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