Author: Medical Reviewer | Dr. Deena Manion, PsyD, LCSW

Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.

an addiction specialist smiles while she does her job

What Is an Addiction Specialist?

In the early stages of recovery or while looking to help a loved one, you may have come across the term "addiction specialist." This professional plays a special role in substance abuse treatment programs. For those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, addiction specialists can be invaluable resources on the road to recovery. If you're [...]
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overcome wet brain at westwind recovery today

Wet Brain Symptoms And Signs To Watch Out

Many people know that alcohol, when overused, can create serious side effects for the individual who is drinking as well as those close to them. Alcohol addiction can cause conflict in relationships, impact your physical and mental health, and lead to legal, financial, or professional issues. In addition, alcohol poisoning and the problems resulting from [...]
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there are many movies available about bipolar disorder

8 Movies About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects around 2.8 percent of the adult population in the United States. This mental health issue can be treated through therapy and medication, and if you or a loved one is struggling, it’s important to reach out for help. At Westwind Recovery®, we offer dual diagnosis treatment to help […]

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a person undergoes an alternative addiction therapy method

5 Alternative Therapy Strategies for Addiction

Addiction is a complex condition. It affects the whole person and often infiltrates every area of their life. Substance use issues can interfere with the ability to live, work, and play. Left untreated, it claims thousands of lives, breaks up families, and steals joy away from people who would otherwise be giving so much back [...]
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a man utilizes a chronic pain management program

Where to Get Chronic Pain Management in LA

Pain is a natural reaction to illness or injury, alerting us that something is wrong. Usually, when the illness or the injury is healed, the pain goes away. When pain persists for at least three months or longer, it is considered to be chronic. The underlying causes of chronic pain are wide-reaching. Research indicates that [...]
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a woman learns self esteem tips

9 Tips for Building Self Esteem During Recovery

In recovery, many people have a wide range of feelings about the past, including guilt, shame, remorse, self-judgment, worry, and even fear. Depending on your experiences, you might struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem. In fact, commonly, substance use helps to mask those feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. But without the use of substances, those feelings [...]
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a flag represents lgbtq rehab for addiction

Addiction in the LGBTQ Community

Among American adults, the prevalence of substance abuse and addiction in the LGBTQ community is significantly higher than that of the general population. A major reason for this is that historically, people who identify as LGBTQ have experienced greater discrimination and other familial and societal challenges than those who identify as heterosexual. Individuals who identify [...]
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a sample of prescription drug abuse

What You Should Know About Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is one of the most dangerous drug addictions today. Opioids, which are highly addictive, are often prescribed to treat chronic pain. The client may have had a painful surgery, they may be suffering from complications from an accident, or they may be suffering from the painful side effects of an illness, like […]

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a woman struggles with grief and substance abuse

How Grief and Substance Abuse Are Connected

Grief is an emotion that occurs after loss, especially the loss of a loved one. Symptoms of grief may be denial, shock, guilt, or anger. The trauma experienced from a loss of this kind can be all-consuming and debilitating, causing some individuals to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope or develop other mental health [...]
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