Shoreline Recovery Center, based in San Diego, provides addiction awareness and mental health resources through community education

SAN DIEGO, June 11, 2024 (Newswire.com) –
For people suffering from substance abuse and mental illness, it is important that intentional strategies are put in place to avoid relapses and additional episodes. This is done in part by eliminating the stigma itself by offering understanding and support to those seeking help. This includes compassionate treatment and access to resources so that those affected can find hope and begin their path to recovery. “The first thing we can do as a society is continue to reduce the stigma around substance abuse and mental health issues,” said Shoreline therapist Max Kubota. “Unfortunately, many people still believe that battling addiction and mental health is a choice. Viewing disorders as medical issues such as cancer gives these individuals better access to resources and support.

Generally speaking, the younger a person is when they are introduced to substances, the greater the likelihood that they will be at risk of developing an addiction. “Drug use at a young age is particularly dangerous because the brain is still developing, making an individual more vulnerable to mental health problems…at the very least, overall brain development may be delayed, particularly the prefrontal cortex (executive functioning and decision-making). center of the brain),” Kubota said.

Over the years, Shoreline Recovery Center has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the San Diego Food Bank, and Stepping Stone, as well as other local mental health and substance abuse facilities , to raise awareness about substance use and mental health. related problems.

The establishment participates in various events with these organizations such as walks, presentations and social gatherings. “At these events, we often focus on raising awareness through program presentation, education and resource sharing,” Kubota said. Indeed, the client must be ready, willing and motivated to change for any type of intervention to work. Most clients arrive at Shoreline with a dual diagnosis.

“In most cases, a client benefits most from being mindful and understanding their current situation to accept it and implement change,” Kubota said.

Shoreline Recovery Center uses several modalities to increase awareness of mental wellness. “We have a lot of groups that focus on mental health and the connection between that and substance abuse,” he said. “Our therapists also explore this topic in individual sessions and we also educate families on this topic for additional support.”

During weekly group counseling sessions, clients share prevention stories with each other as a way to connect and heal.

“Exposure to trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACES) contributes greatly to addiction as well as mental health issues/disorders,” Kubota said. “We pride ourselves on being trauma informed here at Shoreline…because of the strong connection between trauma exposure and substance use disorders/mental health disorders.” »

Source: Coastal Recovery Center