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.
Teen substance use is a topic of great concern for parents, educators, and policymakers. Adolescence is a time of experimentation, but when does experimentation with substances cross the line into substance abuse?
Substance abuse is a major problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, different age groups are more susceptible to different types of substance abuse.
While there is no definitive evidence that chocolate is addictive in the same way that drugs like cocaine or nicotine are addictive, there is some evidence that chocolate can activate certain reward pathways in the brain.
Addiction relapse is a common occurrence during the recovery process, and it can be a source of discouragement for those who are trying to overcome their addiction.
The question: Is weed illegal in Pennsylvania? continues to be a popular inquiry, especially as marijuana laws evolve around the country. The answer is nuanced. While medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania, recreational marijuana remains illegal under state law. This distinction often causes confusion, particularly for individuals who assume marijuana is fully legal or carries little legal or health risk. At MPower Wellness, we work with individuals affected not only by substance use but also by the stress, legal consequences, and mental health challenges that can arise from marijuana.
While addiction may appear as a personal choice or a moral failing, it is crucial to recognize that various risk factors contribute to its development.
Alcohol withdrawal is a set of physiological and psychological symptoms that occur when an individual abruptly stops or reduces their alcohol intake after prolonged and heavy use.
Wendy Williams is a well-known television personality who has been in the industry for over three decades. She is known for her bold personality and her unapologetic attitude, but recently she has released information about her struggles with addiction.
Teenage years are a time of experimentation, exploration, and discovery. While this is a natural part of growing up, it can also lead to some unhealthy behaviors, such as drug use.
There are many risk factors associated with dementia, including genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. One lifestyle choice that has been linked to dementia is smoking.