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.

man reaching for pills because of his psychological dependence

Psychological Dependence

When people talk about drinking alcohol or taking a particular substance, usually, they focus on how it makes them feel physically. Little is said or acknowledged about the psychological dependence behind every person's addiction. We must acknowledge the role of such dependence and develop a plan to address it. This way, they can reach true [...]
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friends learning about coping skills together

What are Some Coping Skills for Addiction Recovery?

Stress is a known risk factor in addiction relapse. Finding the right coping skills is an essential part of creating a relapse prevention plan. For many, the stress triggers in their life are the underlying cause of drug or alcohol use. For others, it’s the stress of maintaining their sobriety that leads to relapse. Either […]

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Dangers And Side Effects Of The Shatter Drug

The first drugs were likely discovered through accident and observation. As early humans tried different plant, animal, and mineral substances, they realized that some substances produced special medicinal effects. They were then able to use the substances that had beneficial effects to achieve desired results, and they passed their knowledge of these drugs from generation [...]
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man learning core values to guide recovery

The Importance of Core Values to Guide Recovery

Values are important to recovery because they steer you in the right direction. When your life has value, it has meaning and purpose. Your days have structure. You play healthy roles in family, community, and social groups. And the choices you make align with your personal goals of health and happiness. For those who have […]

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club drugs

Dangerous Effects Of Club Drugs And Party Drugs

Get Help Today 1-855-815-9727 Psychoactive drug use is on the rise in America today, affecting demographics from all age groups, but particularly angling in on young people who, “like to party”. Originally prevalent in the nightlife “club” scene, these drugs have found their way into all sorts of venues, like raves, nightclubs, and private parties. [...]
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dying from alcoholism

Middle Aged People Are Dying from Alcoholism

Get Help Today 1-855-815-9727 Today when we hear about substance abuse issues in this country the first point of discussion is the escalated opioid epidemic here in the United States. After all, it is most often reported in the news and is currently considered the most severe addiction problem in the US. Unfortunately, there is […]

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meth comedown symptoms

Meth Comedown Withdrawal Symptoms And Treatment

Meth is a highly addictive drug that causes a serious comedown. For many individuals who use meth, avoiding this comedown is a priority. The symptoms can be extremely severe, even life-threatening in some cases, and those who are addicted to the drug might continue to stay high for days, sometimes weeks, to keep themselves from [...]
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Important Recovery Questions to Ask

Get Help Today 1-855-815-9727 The recovery stage is the last stage in the treatment process. However, it is the stage that will continuously need to be addressed important recovery questions throughout a recovering addict’s lifetime. Recovery happens after a drug or alcohol addict successfully completes their primary treatment and detox programs. Typically, the recovering individual […]

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can you die from withdrawal

Can You Die from Withdrawal?

Substance abuse issues have plagued America since the country’s early days. One of the signers of our original Declaration of Independence, Dr. Benjamin Rush, sought to prevent alcohol addiction from plaguing our nation. American morphine addiction – the first prescribed opiate derivative – was uncovered during the late 1800s, and Prohibition sought, again, to stem […]

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