By now, most people have heard of Wegovy and Ozempic, medications originally developed to control diabetes which are now having tremendous success when prescribed for weight loss. What fewer may have heard of is the exciting potential these drugs may have for the treatment of other addictions such as drug and alcohol abuse, smoking, and even compulsive behaviors such as nail biting. What are Wegovy and Ozempic? Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names of semaglutide, and since its widespread introduction for weight loss, patients and doctors have seen that the drug appears to curb addictive tendenci ..read more

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that causes significant issues in multiple areas of a person’s life when left untreated. Many people with PTSD self-medicate their symptoms with drugs and alcohol. Therefore, they need dual-diagnosis treatment for both PTSD and addiction. Harmony Place in Los Angeles, California, is here to help those with symptoms of trauma and trauma-related mental health disorders. Our PTSD treatment helps clients learn healthy ways to cope with their symptoms. The Link Between PTSD and Addiction According to Alcohol Research and Health, duri ..read more

It’s no secret that recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can take a toll—both mentally and physically. After all, addiction is a medical condition. During detox, when a person stops taking substances, they could have withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) can alleviate these symptoms and prevent relapses during early addiction treatment. Harmony Place in Los Angeles, California, is here for clients in need of recovery solutions that work best for them. MAT is one of the many avenues available to quit drugs and alcohol for good. What Is It? The Substance Abuse and Mental Hea ..read more

Addiction to drugs and alcohol can increase a person’s risk of suicidal ideations and behaviors. The connection between addiction and suicide risks stems from a multitude of factors. One of the most prevalent factors is an underlying mental health disorder. Harmony Place in Los Angeles, California, understands the link between mental health and addiction. That is why we offer dual diagnosis treatment for those with both disorders. By treating the underlying causes of addiction, we hope to lower the risk of suicidal behaviors and ideations in those who struggle. How Addiction and Suicide Are Li ..read more

Codependency and addiction can create significant problems in relationships and family dynamics. When the partner of a person with an addiction displays codependent behaviors, they could contribute to their loved one’s addiction—without realizing it. However, much like addictive behaviors, therapeutic interventions can treat codependency in relationships. At Harmony Place in Los Angeles, California, we’re here to help those struggling with addiction as well as their families. Addiction to drugs and alcohol—and co-occurring mental health disorders—affect families and loved ones as much as the p ..read more

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that patients prescribed a higher dose of buprenorphine, specifically 24 mg, for the treatment of opioid use disorder are more likely to remain in treatment compared to those prescribed a lower dose of 16 mg. Led by Laura C. Chambers, PhD, MD, and her colleagues at Brown University School of Public Health, the study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different doses of buprenorphine in improving treatment retention. Buprenorphine is a medication commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as it helps alleviate withdrawal ..read more

The effects of marijuana abuse can lead to negative consequences for users. While marijuana (commonly called “cannabis”) is now legal for both medicinal and recreational use in California, that doesn’t mean that users are free from any risk. Like alcohol and tobacco, even legal marijuana use can lead to addiction, mental health symptoms, social problems, and other concerns. Harmony Place knows that despite the legality of marijuana, some people still struggle with misuse and addiction. We’re here to help clients struggling with addiction to marijuana at our rehab centers in Los Angeles, Califo ..read more

When it comes to addressing severe alcohol use disorder, doctors often face challenges in finding effective medications. Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism, is a chronic condition that can have significant physical, psychological, and social consequences. It is characterized by a compulsive need to consume alcohol despite negative consequences. Relapse prevention and effective treatment options are crucial in helping individuals overcome this disorder and regain control over their lives. Currently, there are only three FDA-approved medications available for the treatment of alcohol ..read more

Addiction is a disease that requires comprehensive treatment to address all areas of health and wellness. Thus, treatment plans must also address a person’s behavioral health needs. Behavioral therapy for addiction will greatly improve the treatment outcomes for those in recovery. Harmony Place in Los Angeles, California, is here to address all of our clients’ therapeutic needs. Clients get the best chance of a successful recovery as a result of our comprehensive, holistic approach to addiction addiction. We offer two common types of behavioral therapies—cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and ..read more

Anxiety is among the most common mental health disorders in the United States. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), “[anxiety disorders] affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.” Many people rely on self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to cope. Thus, there is a connection between substance abuse and anxiety. At Harmony Place, we understand that addiction to alcohol often occurs as a result of underlying mental health symptoms. Due to the high prevalence of anxiety in the US, our treatment center in Los Angeles, California, provides dual-diagnosis treatmen ..read more