September Is For Action, Awareness, and Hope – National Recovery Month & Suicide Prevention Month

September 16, 2024 by Vicky Tello

September is an important month for Nicasa. September is a call for action, awareness, and hope. We recognize both National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. While these topics can be difficult to discuss, these are incredibly important conversations that could save a life.

It is unfortunate that substance use, mental health challenges, and suicidal ideation are stigmatized so heavily in our community. Often many suffer through these symptoms and experiences in silence as they worry that by sharing their concerns with someone else will cause them to be perceived as a burden, or permanently brand them in a way that will affect their livelihoods and personal fulfillment for the rest of their lives.

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services wants to remind everyone, you are never defined by one moment. There are options and treatments. There is a way for recovery to work for everyone. There is hope, and there is help always available for everyone.

Many people often wonder how they can help others living with these challenges. One place to start is with compassionate communication. It is always important to be mindful of our words. Often, these have a long-lasting impact on someone’s mental health, rather than just the heat of the moment conversation. One important way to promote a positive conversation in these situations is by using language that shows empathy and compassion towards individuals who might be experiencing challenges.

Avoid Using “Clean” and “Dirty” to Refer to Individuals’ Recovery Status.

Calling someone “dirty” for a substance use challenge is not only rude, but often refers to their character as being less than, their substance use disorder is a permanent mark on their morality and has nothing to do with personal hygiene—or access to basic necessities. Treating a substance use disorder is often less about actual substance and more about connecting meanings to behaviors, finding positive coping skills to deal with trauma and hardship, and working through a complex neurological and chemical response system in their bodies so they can lead healthier lives.

Avoid Using “Crazy,” “Nuts,” “Junkie,” “Addict,” “User,” and Other Derogatory Names.

No one wants to be told they are crazy. No one chooses to have a mental illness or substance use disorder. Using words like this to describe people only further puts them down, removes their humanity, and places the blame back onto the individual who is battling an illness. A better choice would be to recognize their challenges as the medical condition it is and refer to the individual as “a person living with a substance use disorder,” or “a person living with [mental health condition].”

Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Recovery and Suicide.

There is a misconception that talking about recovery or suicide could have the opposite effect for an individual. That these conversations could trigger a crisis that could lead to a return to substance use or suicide attempt. By not talking about these experiences, often individuals feel more afraid and isolated by what they are going through, assuming they are alone. By talking about these topics, it shines a positive light on these difficult topics while showing those who might be experiencing suicidal ideations or on the verge of a mental health crisis, that community, supportive resources, and lifelines are all around them. You may not always understand exactly what that individual is going through, but you can be there to listen without judgement—often that is the best form of support.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing concerns with substance use, mental health, and/or other challenges, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or email info@nicasa.org.

An immediate national support line is always available. Call, text, chat 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This like is available 24/7/365, free of charge, multilingual, and 100% confidential. Please visit https://988lifeline.org/ for more information on this lifesaving service.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

International Overdose Awareness Day

August 12, 2024 by Vicky Tello

August 31^st is International Overdose Awareness Day. Nicasa Behavioral Health Services sees that this is not something only one entity can take on alone. Behavioral health and social service concerns do not occur in a vacuum. The effects of substance use, and overdose have boarder ripple effects. These individuals may not know, but they are never isolated nor alone in this, and their lives are cherished, remembered often by their friends, families, loved ones, classmates, colleagues, and those they impacted in their communities. Together we can end drug overdoses, but we need everyone to do their part.

Drug overdose is not a uniquely American phenomena, but it is one of the leading causes of death for our nation. In 2023, an estimated 107,543 individuals lost their lives to a drug overdose. In Lake County, IL 132 overdose deaths were reported in 2023 with approximately 71% involving fentanyl.

That is an estimated 3,871,548 years of life lost to substance overdose. Those are years of love, laughter, life, and hope lost in a few moments time. Opioid overdose deaths are preventable. We remember those individuals who have been taken by overdose and offer support to friends, families, and loved ones of those who have been lost.

We also honor those who have survived and offer help during any part of their healing journey.

We are committed to our part in the fight to end overdoses. Nicasa is dedicated to spreading awareness by offering facts, resources, and support, as well as providing treatment and recovery services to those who have been both directly and indirectly impacted by overdoses.

Not All Overdoses Look the Same

Many people are informed of what an overdose can look like through movies and television shows. While some depictions are more accurate than others, there are many different symptoms of an overdose depending on the type of substance a person consumed. As opioid misuse has reached a level of being categorized as an epidemic, many people believe the only overdoses that take a life are from opioids, but there are many other substances from which people can experience dangerous outcomes as well. American Addiction Centers provides a quick guide of overdose symptoms for different substances.

Four common categories of substance use are:

Alcohol
Opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and certain prescription pain relievers and other illicit substances
Benzodiazepines, including diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), other prescription medications and illicit substances
Stimulants, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and certain prescription medications

Some signs and symptoms of an alcohol overdose or poisoning include:

Marked mental confusion or stupor.
Difficulty staying conscious (or being completely unconscious).
Lack of responsiveness or unable to be woken up by others.
Seizures.
Vomiting.
Gurgling sound when breathing (could potentially be suffocating on vomit).
Slow or irregular breathing.
Heart rate that slows or stops.
Very low body temperature.
Pale or blue-tinged, clammy skin.

Some signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose are:

Loss of consciousness.
Markedly constricted or pinpoint pupils.
Breathing difficulties (slowed, labored, and/or irregular breathing).
Respiratory arrest (completely stopped breathing).
Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds.
Blue or purple lips or fingertips.
Being unresponsive to loud noises, shaking, or painful stimuli.

Some signs and symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose are:

Profoundly impaired mental status.
Confusion.
Slurred speech.
Slowed, labored breathing.
Coma.

Some signs and symptoms of a stimulant overdose are:

Dangerously increased body temperature.
Hyperventilation or rapid breathing.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Very high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular events (e.g., stroke, heart attack, circulatory compromise).
Panic.
Hallucinations.
Paranoia and psychosis.
Aggressive behavior.
Seizures and convulsions.

Response Time Is Important

Regardless of the substance, time is the most critical part of overdose recovery.

If you find a person unresponsive or in distress: CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

There are laws, often referred to as Good Samaritan laws, in Illinois and other states that protect you from actions you take in good faith to assist a person in need. Be cooperative with the 911 operator as they will send appropriate emergency service responders to you quickly. They will also give you supportive measures to help the person until first responders arrive.

If you have Narcan or Naloxone products available, you can provide them as the package instructions indicate.

Narcan, or Naloxone, Is Inactive Unless You Are Experiencing an Opioid Overdose

While Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose, you can still give it to some who is experiencing other kinds of overdoses without fear of further hurting them. More often illicit substances contain opioid products in them. Unfortunately, many individuals are often unaware of this prior to use, or misunderstand their tolerance.

If accidentally administered to someone who is not experiencing an overdose, there is no harm either. Narcan and Naloxone only attach to opioid receptors and block the body from absorbing any more opioids into the system, so there is no medical harm that happens when given to someone who is sober.

Additional Resources

Nicasa offers FREE Narcan and test strips for both fentanyl and xylazine. These products are crucial for reducing harm involved with substance use and overdose reversal. Stop by any of Nicasa’s outpatient offices to receive free training on these products.

Nicasa is proud to be able to provide this valuable, life saving tool to members of our community and assist Lake County first responders with training and access. Nicasa can also provide training and additional resources for those looking to educate their community and workplace. Please contact our Deflection Coordinator, Andrea Usry, at ausry@nicasa.org for more information or to schedule a training.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing concerns with substance use and/or other challenges, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or email info@nicasa.org.

Filed Under: Addiction, Adolescents/Teens, Depression, Grief, Self-Esteem, Trauma / PTSD, Uncategorized

Watch Your Mouth – Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health

July 15, 2024 by Vicky Tello

During 2021, 1 in 5 adults experienced some mental health challenges, while 1 in 20 adults experienced a serious mental health concern. For many, seeking assistance for a mental health concern is a challenge that goes beyond the availability of qualified professionals—in Lake County, IL for every 303 patients there is 1 provider. It starts with being able to even speak about the concern. In some communities and families, stigma is the first barrier that prevents an individual from seeking treatment.

Stigma is not always a direct confrontation, but sometimes a benign comment that has a broader ripple effect. Regardless of its appearance, stigmas are based in misinformation and carry harmful consequences that can affect more than just the person who experiences it today—but possibly for generations to come. Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is committed to removing barriers that prevent an individual from receiving care and learning the skills they need to thrive. A significant barrier for many considering care is the worry of stigmas. We encourage everyone to think more critically about what messages they are sharing with their loved ones and ways to be more supportive of those who are struggling with their mental health. Below are some common stigmas we hear in our community as well as a break down as to why this language is damaging and ways to rephrase it.

Myth: Talking about my mental health challenges is airing out my family’s “dirty laundry.”

This myth is complicated, because family is a difficult, complicated word for many people. While many individuals want to love and honor their families and cultural heritage, sometimes they may find they are directly, and indirectly, hurt by those same people. Often when this is said, it is because there is a feeling of guilt or shame for having not done enough to protect or provide. In other cases, it might be to hide some misdeed that was done. They might worry that by seeking mental health treatment, there might be shame that comes back onto the family.

It is important to remember that mental health services are confidential between you and your provider. Unless you want someone to know what is discussed, no one will talk about your session, diagnosis, or history. Therapy can also empower you with new coping skills to better manage the stress of complex family situations. The most likely outcome to seeking treatment for mental health concerns, is that you will be able to better manage your mental health and positively impact your family group.

Some ways to reframe:

“I can create my own family outside of my biological family.”

“I am allowed to discuss whatever I want with whoever I feel safe and comfortable with, even if we don’t share blood.”

Myth: My family has had it so much worse than me. I have no right to complain.

Some people may experience guilt over their mental health concerns, and worry they are not being grateful enough. Some may also experience intergenerational trauma from serious events that have occurred to your family. Often this unresolved trauma can manifest into many different wants from maladaptive coping skills, physical health problems, difficulty with life skills, and more.

Two things can be true at the same time. You can express gratitude towards your family, while also experiencing your own struggles and challenges. There are many situations where significant traumatic experiences can be carried over from one generation to the next, but that does not have to be the case. These traumatic experiences do not define a person. Often therapy can help unpack these traumatic events to make them easier to carry. While those things happened, and are very real, you do not have to relive it every single day. It can stay in the past, so you can be more engaged with the present with your family so everyone can move forward together.

Some ways to reframe:

“When I care for myself, I am also caring for my family and ancestors.”

“I am worthy and deserve to feel validated and supported. I cannot start fully healing until I am fully heard.”

Myth: If others know I have mental health challenges, they will use it against my family and culture.

Often in society, there are additional pressures placed on specific communities where one individual represents the whole. That is an unfair burden placed upon specific ethnic, cultural, and racial groups because it only serves to oppress them further. It forces them to internalize their oppressors’ views and project a forced appearance of assimilation. It also makes it far more difficult for someone who is experiencing mental health challenges to seek treatment out of fear of being a bad representation to their community they want to protect.

This stigma needs to be dismantled by the people projecting these harmful, group-think mentalities onto others. Help others by sharing your stories of recovery and treatment, and ways your mental health has been strengthened by embracing your uniqueness as a celebration of your community’s heritage.

Some ways to reframe:

“I am not responsible for the choices and actions of others. I can only be responsible for how I am responsible for myself.”

“I owe myself the opportunity to thrive. I do not owe it to anyone else.”

Myth: If I am struggling it’s because I am not praying hard enough.

Faith, religion, spirituality, and morality are important for many people. These principles and beliefs can be vital to a person’s individual identity and can be the glue that holds a diverse community together. However, for many, mental health challenges can be weaponized against them. That any mental health concerns can be seen as a spiritual or moral failing of that person. That their faith is weak, so therefore they are weak.

While it may be difficult for others to understand, you do not owe them an explanation. Vulnerability is a sign of strength and trust in others. While prayer is a powerful tool for many to work through difficult times, it is also okay to ask for additional help when needed.

Some ways to reframe:

“My faith can support my therapy; my therapy can support my faith.”

“I am allowed to seek additional support when I need it. I am strong because of my faith and because of the choices I make for myself.”

Myth: Going to therapy is only for “crazy” people.

Unfortunately, due to poor representation of many serious medical conditions and mental health concerns in the media, these notions have bled over into how the average person thinks about mental health. Coupled with many social media accounts spouting inaccurate or out-of-context psychological statistics and findings, it has furthered this damaging stigma while discouraging some people from attempting therapy because of this dangerous misinformation.

Therapy is for everyone! We all need some extra support at times, and talking to a therapist can be extremely beneficial regardless of where you are at in your mental health journey. Show yourself some compassion while going through this. Also do research into the kinds of providers that are available in your area. If you do not want to try medication, that is your choice that you can discuss with your provider. A good provider is an ally in your care. They are there to listen, while offering therapeutic insight to help you make the decisions that are most appropriate for your care. They will answer questions you may have while providing relevant information about their recommendations. Most importantly, they are there to help you discover the tools needed so you can stop surviving but learn what is needed to thrive.

Some ways to reframe:

“Going to therapy does not mean I am broken. It means I am learning how to better care for myself.”

“Therapy is giving the space I need to heal and thrive.”

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is here to support and answer any questions you may have in regard to treatment and available care. If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health, substance use, or gambling concerns, please contact us at 847-546-6450 or email us at info@nicasa.org.

Filed Under: equality, Family Therapy, General, Religion / Spirituality, Trauma / PTSD

Celebrating Sober Pride

June 14, 2024 by Vicky Tello

If you are sober or choosing to limit your consumption, it can be difficult to navigate situations and events where there is an increased pressure to consume alcohol and other substances.

For decades, alcohol and substance use have been challenges in LGBTQIAA+ community spaces due to frequent stigmatization individuals face that can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. As the presence of the community and Pride events become more accepted, substance use is a common part of celebration. There are several organizations on a local and national level, such as Gay and Sober, who not only host meetings for members in their community, but promote fun, social events that are not based solely around substances.

During June, you may want to celebrate with your friends and peers without substances. Here are 6 ways to support yourself and celebrate LGBTQIAA+ Pride Month sober!

1) Remember your recovery supports

It is important to remember your support routine, even during a busy, celebratory time. Whether it is attending recovery meetings, therapy, or simply maintaining your morning routine, don’t forget to prioritize yourself in the midst of many events! Your health and safety is more important than anything else.

2) Throw a sober Pride Party

If you are not ready to attend events with alcohol, your city doesn’t have a pride celebration, or you just love to host- throw a fun, themed party for all of your friends! Inform all partygoers ahead of time that it is a dry event. Break the ice playing “Most likely to…” trivia, and fun board games. You can also try making yummy mocktails!

3) Bring friends

If you are going to a public event, having people around that you are already comfortable with and are supportive of your journey can help you feel more confident! Your friends will be familiar with your stressors and be able to check-in throughout the day. Having a game-plan and someone to lean on will be beneficial.

4) Bring your own beverages

Bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks means you won’t have to rely on the venue not having your favorite flavor of soda or sparkling water! Having something to hold that you enjoy along with everyone else can help to avoid the question- “Why aren’t you drinking?” Check in advance to see if the venue permits outside beverages at their event.

5) Check out a dry bar

As numbers trend down in consuming alcohol socially, dry bars have become a more popular social gathering space. There are dozens of incredible dry bar options in the Chicagoland area; “The Other Side” in Crystal Lake is a closer option for those in Lake County looking to try out a dry bar for the first time. Many restaurants have now started to offer well-rounded mocktail menus in addition to their typical non-alcoholic options as well.

6) Find the sober booths

Many Pride festivals have sober booths with resources specific to LGBTQIAA+ individuals, such as community-specific recovery meetings. Here, you’ll likely find some sober peers to celebrate with! Volunteering at these booths is a great option to participate in Pride and find camaraderie in the sober community too.

Nicasa supports the LGBTQIAA+ community and provides evaluations, care plans, and treatment that support individuals in all communities throughout Lake County. Nicasa also connects clients directly to services that may be able to offer additional support during their healing journey.

Remember that it is okay to leave events or not go until you are in a more comfortable spot in your recovery. Have fun and be proud celebrating LGBTQIAA+ Pride Month your way!

If you, or a loved one, are having mental health, substance use, and/or problem gambling concerns, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or email us at info@nicasa.org.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mental Health and Financial Worries Are Intricately Linked

May 13, 2024 by Vicky Tello

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Often, when someone considers mental health, they view it in a vacuum. That mental health symptoms and concerns are independent and unrelated to other events happening in a person’s life. While this may be true in some situations, for many people their mental health can be partially dependent on challenges and obstacles in their lives.

Something as benign as saying, “You always seem so put together and strong,” can be incredibly damaging and minimizes the challenges a person might be struggling with privately. They may be looking for someone to speak with, but hearing that phrase—while innocent and well-intended—may discourage them since if they are strong all the time, how can they be vulnerable now? Is there even space available for them in which to be vulnerable? One such challenge that often goes unspoken until it feels utterly desperate are money challenges.

Forbes reported in a survey conducted in 2023, 78% of individuals are living paycheck to paycheck in America. This means entire families and individuals have limited to no savings, no financial means to deal with unexpected emergencies and repair bills, have food insecurity concerns, and may face homelessness if there is a missed paycheck. All of these concerns are direct causes of possible declines in mental and physical health. They have an accumulative effect on a person’s mind. This perpetual state of stress can overstimulate the body’s natural survival instincts as well as lead to maladaptive coping strategies to alleviate that tension.

In another survey, 67% of individuals said their income is not keeping up with inflation and 42% said their standard of living is declining. These uncertain financial times, and repetitive national economic declines are affecting those in poverty all the way up to those traditionally considered upper-middle class.

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services recognizes that a person’s ability to thrive and experience recovery are often tied to their most basic needs being met. Nicasa works with individuals and families to understand their financial situation and find ways to help remove some barriers so they can have improved access to behavioral health and social services. Some of the ways Nicasa offers assistance is:

Having financial institutions come in to talk with groups about debt relief options and strategies to better manage finances.
Providing Marketplace Insurance Navigators at no cost to individuals who need assistance with finding insurance coverage.
Arranging payment plans and exploring sliding scale options to reduce overall cost.
No cost Family Advocacy Services that can help provide individuals with connections to food banks, community partners, and determine eligibility for economic assistance through the state.
Care Coordination case management for individuals in treatment services that includes warm hand-offs to partnering agencies so individuals can have their concerns and unmet needs addressed, allowing them to fully focus on their recovery.

Nicasa also explores grants and fundraising opportunities that can directly support uninsured and underinsured individuals and families to help alleviate the financial burdens of essential mental health and substance use services.

If you or a loved one are experiencing challenges with mental health, gambling, and/or substance use, please contact Nicasa at 847-546-6450 or email info@nicasa.org.

Filed Under: General

Myth Busting: Facts on Substance Use

April 15, 2024 by Vicky Tello

With Spring in full swing, more and more people are getting ready for a busy concert, festival, vacation, and event season. This often means an increase in opportunities for using alcohol and substances in these social settings where people feel “safer” to experiment than they normally would. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and peer pressure isn’t something that only affects teens. Myths about substance use are pervasive. Often the more someone hears a myth, the more likely they are to accept them.

Below are some common myths and evidenced-based facts along with some ways to reduce harm.

Myth 1: I can control how quickly I can sober up if I need to.

FACT: Time is the only proven way to sober up.

Alcohol and substances can vary depending on how they impact a person. What makes one person feel euphoric can make someone else feel incredibly paranoid. Each body is unique and metabolizes substances differently. A body’s ability to metabolize a substance is what allows a person to sober up. For your body to process and break down a substance takes time. There is no proven, reliable way to “trick” your body into sobering up faster. It takes as long as it takes. It should also be noted that mixing substances to feel less intoxicated is incredibly dangerous. While you may feel less intoxicated—like drowsiness—you are still just as intoxicated as you would be without mixing. The more alert feeling, while feeling like sobriety, often leads people to make more dangerous choices and ignore symptoms of over-intoxication and/or potential overdose.

The best way to increase your safety while using substances is to come up with a plan beforehand and communicate your expectations while sober. Make plans for a safe ride home before leaving, and maybe have a back up plan (just in case). Understand your tolerance and pace yourself. Allow some time to pass before continuing to use or drink. This way you can see how you are feeling and check in with yourself.

Myth 2: There aren’t long-term effects from smoking marijuana.

FACT: Marijuana started to become legalized in the U.S. for recreational use in 2012, the truth is they are still doing research on long-term effects.

Similar to early use of cigarettes, vaping, and alcohol, there are undeniable consequences to substance use, but there isn’t large enough body of data to show what long-term health effects a person could experience from use of marijuana because it has only been legalized in a handful of states for 12 years.

Studies are also suggesting marijuana use can cause functional impairment to cognitive abilities, declines in IQ, lowered verbal memory, general memory disruption, and more. New studies are being conducted to investigate these early findings. The problem with prior scientific data was that it was not always collected reliably and without a skewing bias to support results.

The main take away is, there is a growing body of evidence that shows cognitive and mental effects from habitual marijuana use, but more studies are still being conducted. There needs to be more longitudinal studies to better show long term health outcomes for individuals who engage in habitual use of marijuana.

Myth 3: If the product is available without a prescription, then it can’t be that dangerous.

Roughly 178,000 people are hospitalized each year due to adverse drug events from the use of over-the-counter medication. While many medications are safe and effective when used as directed per packaging instructions, there is still some risk to consuming any substance. Many medications that can be found in the OTC aisle are abused to produce a high. Some are even featured as “challenges” on social media apps. The Lake County, IL Coroner reported in 2018, 24 deaths occurred that involved the use of prescription medication as well as included common OTC medications.

When starting a new medication or supplement, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider and pharmacist to see if there are any interactions and side effects. This can help you determine if the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

Myth 4: You can use peyote, LSD, and other hallucinogens to treat schizophrenia, psychosis, and other psychological disorders.

FACT: There needs to be more research conducted to prove it does provide any therapeutic relief and to understand its benefits and risks.

Due to the classification of these substances, research is limited on how these substances actually interact with the brain and the long-term health consequences of habitual use. Coupling that with many researchers still studying disorders, like schizophrenia, to fully understand how the disease affects the brain, it cannot be conclusively said if there is any therapeutic benefit for this type of treatment. While esketamine has shown promise for depression relief, it is NOT recommended as a first option for treatment, should be taken as prescribed by the recommending physician, and has serious side effects. The same cannot conclusively be said for hallucinogens treating disorders like schizophrenia until there is larger body of research showing the benefits as well as the risks.

It is important to remember that often these myths are rooted in anecdotal stories, cultural norms, and at times a small piece of scientific evidence. This makes them spread quickly and makes them difficult to dispel. It is important to share your new knowledge with others so that these myths can be put to rest.

If you, or a loved one, are struggling with substance use, mental health, or other behavioral concerns, or are seeking more information on managing symptoms, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or email info@nicasa.org.

Filed Under: Addiction, General Tagged With: facts, harm reduction, ketamine, marijuana, mental wellness, myth busting, OTC, risk management, sober, sobriety, substance, substance use, talking, tips

Teen Gambling Risks

March 11, 2024 by Vicky Tello

A significant body of research shows that young brains are often the most impressionable and that presence of addictive substances can drastically alter and stunt normal brain tissue development. The influence of these substances can have both immediate social and behavioral consequences, as well as far reaching health impacts that can affect a person for decades to come. The risk of substance use for teens is well known, and talked about with parents, caregivers, and educators. So, why is it that gambling is often left out of this conversation?
It seems like more and more, tech companies and advertising firms want people on their phones as much as possible. While many adults feel they are “immune” to this kind of aggressive marketing technique, often the most vulnerable are kids and young adults.

Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of University of California, Los Angeles’ Gambling Studies Program, said in 2022, “Young people are significantly at higher risk of developing gambling disorder than adults, in part because their brains are not fully developed. Their ability to evaluate risk, their ability to handle loss, isn’t as secure as an adult.” The International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors reports approximately 4-6% of high schoolers have a serious gambling problem. An additional 10-14% are considered at risk for developing disordered gambling.

Gambling in high school, while illegal, can take form in any number of ways. Games of chance and poker, dice, gifted scratch-off and other lottery tickets, and even borrowing access to online gaming apps are all common ways for a young person to gamble. For many it is the simple thrill of small wins and does not escalate much beyond that point. However, sometimes early “big” wins can propel a person to invest more time and energy to continue chasing their next windfall. Some signs and symptoms of teens experiencing gambling harm are:

Lost and stolen money and objects of value
- Often teens do not fully grasp the impact of their gambling costs. They are not able to see the signs that they have or are about to lose money. Teens may become more tightlipped about their finances. They be unable to explain why they have accumulated both debt or large sums of cash. This can look like repetitively borrowing money without repayment, depleted bank accounts, and/or stealing money from friends and family. Teens may also begin to sell personal belongings so they can continue to gamble. In some cases, teens will “barter” objects of value to offset their debts with peers.
Constantly playing games
- Teens are impressionable and can often get hooked early on by video games quickly. This includes traditional gambling platforms like casino games, video poker, and lottery tickets, but also general video games and fantasy sports. You might notice a sudden, increased interest or obsession with sports scores and heightened reactions to gaming outcomes as signs of disordered gambling.
Behavioral changes
- Behavioral changes can include changes in appetite, loss of interest in activities, poor performance in school and/or at work, new or worsening school troubles, friend group fallouts, and at times unexplained injuries or physical altercations with peers. Teens may also have unexplained absences from school.

Some ways you can help a teen in your life with understanding the risks of gambling are:

Have a conversation with them about gambling risks.
- With the increase of accessibility to gambling products and services, it is important to educate yourself and your teens about safer ways to gamble and the risks. It is more impactful to be proactive in these conversations than reactive.
Monitor their gaming and browsing history.
- Often teenage mobile and online games are linked back to their caregiver’s credit cards and banking accounts. Make sure to check your statements often for increased transactions to online games your teen is playing. Loot-crates and in-app purchases to advance in a game can become addictive to teens. If you find your teen is frequenting online betting sites, have a conversation with them about why they are using these sites, what they are getting out of it, and how these actions are impacting them financially. This may be a sign they need to quit gambling or look into additional resources for assistance.
Examine your own betting practices.
- It is important to lead by example for teenagers. Often they may model behaviors they see at home. Apply your education about gambling risks, evaluate your own gambling behaviors, and set a positive example for your teen so they can set reasonable gambling limits as well.

There is never any shame in seeking help when you or your loved ones are experiencing harm from gambling. It is important to seek professional help for gambling as it can have life-long, serious consequences emotionally, physically, and financially. National Problem Gambling Screening Day is 3/12. A free resource that is used by professional counselors is available at the following link: https://e.helplineil.org/screener/. This screening tool is quick and easy to follow.

If you or a loved one wants to talk about the results of the screen, or are experiencing gambling difficulties, mental health challenges, and/or substance use concerns, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or info@nicasa.org. Whether someone is just starting to gamble, is beginning to experience challenges, or has serious concerns about their gambling or the gambling of a loved one, access to help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential. Illinois helpline staff can be reached 3 ways: phone: 1-800-GAMLBER; text: GAMB to 833234; chat: www.areyoureallywinning.com

Nicasa also offers trainings and classes on gambling. These workshops are available to all who serve Illinois residents of any age. Follow the link to learn more information and register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc02SXbTlL7SMZIlhKobGuqHsucIlh1VlO5YjliVG5x_k-KPA/viewform

Filed Under: Adolescents/Teens, Parenting Tagged With: lootcrate, PGAM, problem gambling awareness, risk management, sports betting, teen gambling

February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month

February 12, 2024 by Vicky Tello

All relationships exist on a spectrum. What might work for one person, might not work for someone else. That is what makes relationships so unique and special. However, it is important to recognize that all healthy relationships have the same building blocks: communication, respect, trust, honesty, and equality. When these blocks are missing, it may lead to some disharmony and to more extreme cases of abuse.

Relationships can be difficult to navigate for many adults, but teens often are the most vulnerable to abuse due to a lack of understanding, experience, and resources. The CDC reports (2023) that experiencing dating violence in high school can put an individual at higher risk of being revictimized during college. Other consequences include depression and anxiety symptoms, developing unhealthy coping strategies like nicotine, vaping, and/or alcohol use, displaying antisocial behaviors like lying, theft, bullying, and physical intimidation or violence, and thoughts of suicide.

“I just feel so betrayed. He said he’d protect me, and now… I’m just scared of him all the time. I don’t know what he’s going to do next, or how he’ll react when I tell him. I’m going stay until he’s happier. Then I’ll break up with him.”

Teens often develop their ideas of dating at home first. They watch and observe the relationship models in their lives then go out to replicate them. The Office on Women’s Health states, “a boy who sees his mother being abused is ten times more likely to abuse his female partner as an adult. A girl who grows up in a home where her father abuses her mother is more than six times as likely to be sexually abused as a girl who grows up in a non-abusive home (2021).” Often violence and abusive behaviors are first learned at home and from other close, trusted authority figures. This can lead to a variety of maladaptive behaviors, but also lead to some individuals repeating these behaviors when exploring connections and relationships as a teenager and adult.

“She’s so controlling. Like, she’s constantly accusing me of cheating. I didn’t even do anything, but she always needs to know where I am and who I’m with. I’m so tired of it, but I love her so much.”

From the CDC (2020), 26% of women and 15% of men who experienced intimate partner violence as adults reported that their first experience was before the age of 18. While many teens often do not talk about it directly, from a caregiver and parent perspective there are some warning signs that can help you identify when a relationship is becoming unhealthy or abusive.

Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
Isolation from friends and family
Unwanted sexual contact
Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
Constantly monitoring social media and needs access to location at all times
Invasions of privacy and/or showing up unannounced
Unwanted gifts, items, or flowers
Misusing over the counter substances or illegal substances
Threating or causing physical violence
Thoughts of suicide

Any one of these warning signs is enough cause for concern. Caregivers and parents can help safeguard a teen and help protect them from dating violence. These conversations can be difficult to have due to stigma, emotional involvement, and general misinformation about what healthy relationships look like. Here are some tips on starting this conversation if you feel a teen in your life is experiencing dating violence:

Talk Honestly and Openly
- Let them know what healthy relationships can look like while expressing violence is NEVER okay in any capacity.
Educate Yourself on Teen Dating Violence
- Look for local support groups, or resources for help. Learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence and related statistics
Pay Attention
- Whether or not your teen verbally tells you what is happening, they may be communicating with you in other ways. Watch for changes in their moods and behaviors, changes in their grades, loss of interest in activities, changes in friend groups, or feeling like they are being watched. Sometimes there can be physical changes like altering appearances, unexplained bruises, or changes to eating habits as well.

Establishing healthy relationships from an early age is important to help teens identify when things are okay. Some additional resources to learn more about dating violence are:

If you or a loved one needs additional support with mental health or substance use due to intimate partner abuse or dating violence, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or email info@nicasa.org

Filed Under: Adolescents/Teens, Anger, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Trauma / PTSD, Women's Issues

Mental Wellness in 2024 – 24 Tips to Turn Into Habits

January 8, 2024 by Vicky Tello

January isn’t only for setting New Years Resolutions, but it is also Mental Wellness Month. This focus helps people prioritize their mental health while exploring new ways to increase their overall wellness. Mental Wellness is more than just the absence of mental illness or mental concerns. It is about promoting healthy strategies to increase your sense of wellbeing and prevention. It is also about shifting from stigmatizing people for their challenges with mental health and restoring a sense of shared humanity with others. Mental wellness works to promote awareness, prevention, and changing attitudes about prioritizing mental concerns, like we do with physical concerns, while extending compassion towards people.

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services has 24 tips to help promote wellness throughout 2024. While working on the practice of mental wellness, we encourage everyone to pick tips that work well for their lifestyle. Start off slowly with intention and you can build upon your progress throughout the year. When starting a new habit, it is important to not get discouraged by a lack of immediate results or progress fallbacks.

Life happens. Keep at it and don’t give up!

Talk to someone.
1. Now is always the right time to talk to someone if you need help. Don’t put it off any longer and stop minimizing your concerns. Your problems are real because they are real to you. You owe it to yourself to find a trusted person to talk about them with. While talking may not resolve the issue immediately, it does strengthen your resolve to find a better solution for them.
Practice self-compassion.
1. Compassion means: a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others and a wish to help them. Self-compassion is turning that definition inward to extend yourself the same sympathy and wish to help that you show others. This can be incredibly healing while also assisting in reframing your internal dialogue of how you see yourself.
Practice mindfulness.
1. Carve out a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness. You do not need to do a full meditation, but practice being present, in the moment, and letting your thoughts go without immediate reaction. It can be a challenge at first, especially if stressed out, but with practice you will get better at it.
Redecorate.
1. New year, new you! Don’t wait until spring to freshen up your space. Often a cluttered, disorganized space can cause increased anxiety and avoidance to deal with other tasks. Find new ways to organize your space. There are a ton of cheap, DIY projects online that can allow you to add more of your personality back into your home.
Practice deep breathing.
1. Deep breathing is a great way to refocus your mind. Practicing deep breathing can help you gain a sense of control and balance, while focusing your attention on things that are within your control. Take time to practice while making decisions, or to recenter yourself after a long day at work.
Journal.
1. Journaling can be anything! It can be elaborate, simple, or electronic. You can practice creating your own writing templates, or using a blank note book you bought from Dollar Tree. You can even create sketches, paintings, and collages to represent your thoughts. The act of journaling allows you to record your thoughts and daily activities as you see them. It is a time for yourself, to reconnect with your thoughts and inner self.
Exercise.
1. Exercise in the gym, at home, or around your neighborhood. Sometimes when starting to work out, people will often create their own barriers—like needing an expensive gym membership, extra workout clothing, new equipment, etc. Keep the goal simple: to invite more physical activity into your life. Small steps can build up to bigger progress. Start with what objects around you, or explore new exercise programs. After you find something you enjoy, then you can consider investing into it.
Practice gratitude.
1. Showing gratitude can enhance your enjoyment of day-to-day activities, and improve your mental health. It can help ground you back to things that bring you joy, while noticing the everyday details that are often overlooked when bogged down by stress.
Limit caffeine and alcohol.
1. Limiting caffeine can be difficult when there are so many hidden sources in our food and drinks. Keep in mind, when healthcare providers reference a “standard serving size” a serving of coffee is 8oz with 80-100 milligrams of caffeine, and a drink of 14 grams of pure alcohol (approximately 12oz beer, 5oz wine, 8oz malt liquor, and 1.5oz spirits). Record your daily habits with caffeine and alcohol and set reasonable goals to start with. Remember to be honest with yourself while setting these goals and expectations for success, there will be days where it is easier to cut back than others but make sure you are keeping yourself accountable to this new goal.
Work on incorporating more nutrient-dense foods, and being mindful of habits around meal times.
1. After the holidays, dieting should be easy, right? With the holidays fueling overindulgence, you might feel like you are so full you might not eat again until February anyways. Many people struggle to adhere to a calorie deficient diet in the winter due to our natural biological response to cold weather and perceived natural scarcity that winter causes. Many people also struggle with fasting diets, fad diets, and restrictive diets. Sometimes it is easier to start with a food log of things you eat in a typical month, and create modifications based on foods you already like and ways to make snacking healthier than eliminate your favorite items.
Get more sleep.
1. Sleep eludes many people all year round. It’s tough with daily stressors creeping into your dreams. Sometimes the food and drink choices we make while awake follow us into bed. Caffeine and alcohol often cause people to stay up for longer than they anticipated. Some prescription medications can throw off your circadian rhythm as well. Try to limit your consumption of food and drinks that contain stimulants. Also creating a sleep routine, limiting blue-light from electronics, and kicking the television out of your bedroom can help.
Meditation and Yoga.
1. Yoga and Meditation are a powerful blend of self-compassion, mindfulness, and exercise. Sometimes yoga can be a series of stretches that can improve your flexibility. Don’t let the laid-back nature of the practice fool you though, there are some variations of yoga that are high-intensity workouts, in high-heat and humid rooms, and with animals. Wherever your practice takes you, yoga and meditation are often joined together because they synergize the body and mind while allowing the practitioner space to clear their heads while focusing on being present in the moment.
Set boundaries to improve relationships.
1. Setting boundaries isn’t meant to block people out, they are meant to communicate what you are comfortable with. More importantly, communicating what you are uncomfortable with in a direct way. Everyone has boundaries regardless of how they are communicated. Some people also have different boundaries for different people, or for different places. Only you can decide what is an appropriate boundary for you and how it gets communicated to others. An example: At a holiday party a family member repeatedly said something inappropriate to your partner, and in the moment, you may not have said anything for fears of making the situation worse for your partner or with other family members. You may choose to communicate to that person a few weeks later that you are not okay with how they addressed your partner and in the future you will leave the gathering if they do not show them the same respect they show you. Thus, establishing a clear boundary when you feel safer to do so and a consequence for going over it.
Take a break from social media.
1. Doomscrolling is a modern phenomenon in which someone binges potentially negative content on the internet or social media apps (WebMD). Doomscrolling and obsessive social media checking can increase anxiety, depression, and overall have a negative impact on your mental health. Set limits to how long you use social media or limit the kinds of content you allow yourself to view.
Hydrate.
1. Staying hydrated can make you feel better, inside and out. If you normally do not drink water, getting in 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water can be overwhelming. Increase your amount slowly and explore water flavorings. Try adding frozen fruit into your water inside of ice cubes, or cold brew herbal tea bags—just check to see if they have caffeine in them so you know how much you are consuming throughout your day. Find what works for you.
Be outside more and bring nature inside with plants.
1. House plants help to establish house care routines and liven up a space. Talk to a local green house to see what plants are native to your area, or if your green thumb is more on the brown side, what plants are more forgiving to beginners. Gardening outdoors can also improve your mood as well as your appreciation for your home. Hiking and outdoor walks are also a great way to connect with nature and improve your mental health.
Play music and dance.
1. Research has shown listening to music can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, improve memory, sleep quality, mental alertness, and decrease blood pressure (org). Throw in dancing and you have great physical activity to improve your mood. Dance like no one is watching or learn to ballroom dance with your partner. However you do it, including music into your daily routine can help get you into a better headspace.
Limit how much you multitask.
1. Even though many jobs seem to require it, multitasking can take a toll on you mentally. Regular multitasking can lead to cognitive loss, memory problems, loss in productivity, increased anxiety and social anxiety, chronic stress, and errors that can harm yourself and others around you (com). Even though society has come a very far way, our brains are still only made to handle one task at a time. Even with people who proclaim they are excellent multitaskers, their brains still have to make the same adjustments to switch between tasks and make the reward analysis decisions which slow everyone down—leading to a loss in productivity and errors in work. Try to limit how much and when you multitask. Like avoid talking on the phone while driving in a car or completing several complex tasks at once (working on a report while scheduling appointments).
Set goals.
1. Set realistic goals that do not have an “all-or-nothing” catch to them. Example of all or nothing goals are, “I’m going to workout every day,” “I’m going to grow my business by 200%,” or “I’m never going to eat out again.” These goals do not account for life-events that may get in the way of their achievements, and many people are immediately discouraged by fallbacks in progress. Goals should be something to help set new habits and make improvements that are appropriate to your life.
Celebrate achievements.
1. Life has many reasons to celebrate successes. Celebrate a promotion, completing a certificate program, avoiding a bad habit, and/or reaching a recovery milestone. Celebrating small achievements can keep you motivated as you work your way to bigger ones.
Plan a vacation or a getaway.
1. Making a plan gives you something to look forward to. When you are looking forward, there is hope that better days are coming soon. Making plans can increase positive feelings and decrease depression and anxiety. Even if it is a small weekend getaway, getting out of your normal routine every once in a while, is good for your mental health.
Try something new.
1. Try a new workout class, take an art class, or try out a DIY home décor tutorial for beginners. Learning a new skill can make you feel empowered, increase your self-esteem, and decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Remember, being bad at something is the first step to being good at anything. A project flop is a fun story, and sometimes can create an even more interesting piece than a successful one.
Practice forgiveness.
1. Forgiving is hard. It’s hard to forgive others, and at times it is even harder to forgive yourself. Work on ways to incorporate forgiveness into your mental health journey. If you cannot forgive the person or situation that happened, then work on forgiving yourself to carry that experience differently with you. Eventually it will become easier with time.
Work towards bringing balance into your life.
1. Striking a balance can be an interesting opportunity to fold in all the new habits you want to create into your established routine. If you find that work is consuming more time away from doing the things you want to do, or being with the people you want to be with, then find ways to build balance there. Sometimes it is not practical to cut back on hours, but work on finding ways to leave without bringing it home.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, General, Self-Esteem Tagged With: balance, boundaries, exercise, forgiveness, goals, hydrate, journal, meditation, mental wellness, mindfulness, music, sleep, talking, tips, yoga

Nicasa’s Teen Court and GivingTuesday

December 11, 2023 by Vicky Tello

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is proud of the work our Teen Court program does for the youth of Lake County, IL. Since the program started in 1996, more than 5,820 youths have been helped with making positive lifestyle changes that they will use for the rest of their lives. The is almost the population of Highwood, IL!

That is an entire community of teens aged 13 to 17 years old who participated in a balanced and restorative justice program without going through costly administrative hearings and receiving a criminal charge that could follow them the rest of their lives. These teens did commit criminal acts, but through Teen Court they connected with an actual jury of their peers, learned to connect meaning with behaviors, received support for their mental health and underlying causes for their maladaptive coping strategies, and found a way to make positive, healthy lifestyle changes they could carry with them the rest of their lives. Teen Court does not use punitive methods of atonement for wrongdoing, but works with the youth in the community to help them achieve a brighter future of which they could not see a way of achieving on their own.

Teen Court also helps the teens learn an important skill that even some adults struggle with, making amends and apologizing for wrong actions. Teen participants connect meaning to their behaviors while learning how their actions harmed others. Many youth participants see how their actions have directly impacted another person and see the cost (monetary and/or emotional) to restore what was broken. The teen participants work alongside the victim to help with healing from their transgression, and the victim feels heard by the community.

Teen Court is 100% privately funded. It does not receive any state or federal grant funding, but rather it is directly funded by the community it supports, because it works. It has a historic success rate in Illinois, and a proven track record of rehabilitation for the youth who participate in the program. Not only that, but the volunteer peer jurors also learn invaluable skills on how to build community connections, empathy, gaining perspective on just how large and diverse their community is, leadership skills, as well as first-hand experience with the legal system.

During the giving season, Nicasa participates in GivingTuesday, a global leader in fundraising efforts for nonprofits and grassroots community organizations. This initiative allows us to amplify our community voice as well receive recognition for our program’s hard work. During GivingTuesday Teen Court receives a fundraising match from the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County of $10,000 for any new and/or increased donations from November 21^st through December 19^th.

If you are interested in donating, please follow the link here: https://nicasa.org/donate/ or text TEENCOURT to 707070 for other ways to give.

Filed Under: Adolescents/Teens, Children