Victoria Shaw, MS, LPC, CAADC
Victoria Shaw writes about mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders for MPower Wellness. Her writing draws on her clinical work in inpatient and outpatient treatment. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and she holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Victoria started at MPower as a clinician, running individual and group therapy for clients with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, mood and personality disorders, OCD, emotional dysregulation, and substance use disorders. Her articles use the same evidence-based approaches she uses in treatment, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed, person-centered care.
Have you ever found yourself thinking about your relationship with drinking alcohol? Maybe youโve wondered if youโd feel better, sleep deeper, or have more energy if you cut back a little. Youโre not alone. More and more adults are asking these same questions, not because they have a problem, but because theyโre curious about a different way of living. This growing curiosity has a name: being sober curious. Itโs not about all-or-nothing sobriety; itโs about exploring what it feels like to drink less and live more intentionally.
If youโre asking, "why are drugs bad for you?" you're likely feeling a mix of concern, curiosity, and maybe even a little fear. Itโs a heavy question, whether youโre asking for yourself or someone you care about. The reality is that substance use can feel like a tangled web, affecting not just your body but your entire life. Itโs okay to feel overwhelmed by it all. The first step, just asking this question, is a huge move toward understanding. We want you to know you're not alone in this, and we're here to walk through the answers with you, without judgment and with a focus on hope and healing.
When youโre ready to seek help for addiction, the last thing you want to worry about is money. Yet, for so many people, the question of cost becomes a huge roadblock. Itโs completely understandable to feel concerned or even overwhelmed when you see the price tags associated with treatment. Please know this: youโre not just looking at an expense. Youโre looking at an investment in your future, your health, and your happiness. Trying to figure out the average cost for rehab can be confusing, but weโre here to walk you through it, step by step.
If youโve ever used cannabis and suddenly felt sick, dizzy, and overwhelmed with anxiety, you might have experienced whatโs known as โgreening out.โ Itโs that awful feeling when a pleasant high takes a sharp turn, leaving you feeling terrible instead of relaxed. It can be a frightening and confusing experience, especially if you donโt know whatโs happening.
Detoxing from alcohol is never one-size-fits-all. The process is highly individual, shaped by the severity of alcohol dependence, overall health, and even the presence of other substances in the body. What remains constant, though, is the importance of knowing when alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin, peak, and subside. For some, detox may bring only mild discomfort, while others experience severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
When mental health challenges and substance use disorder happen at the same time, often called co-occurring disorders, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. Healing is possible, but it requires care that sees the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Drug-related crimes are defined as a crime by someone who uses, has, creates, or distributes illegal drugs that are listed on the DEA's Drug Scheduling list. These are drugs labeled as abusive to the individuals consuming them, their families, and their communities.
Yes, your Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance plan most likely provides coverage for drug and alcohol rehab. Thanks to federal laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), health insurance providers are required to cover treatment for substance use disorder and mental health conditions just as they would for any other medical issue. This means your plan canโt put more restrictive limits on your addiction treatment than it does for surgical or medical care.
It's common for addicts to say hurtful things to their loved ones, which can cause a lot of pain and damage to relationships.
The Pennsylvania Drug Task Force (PDTF) stands at the forefront of the state's efforts to combat substance abuse, reduce drug trafficking, and improve public safety.