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Navigating Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Choosing the Right Path to Recovery

Navigating Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Choosing The Right Path To Recovery

Dual diagnosis describes the coexistence of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. This coexistence of conditions presents a significant challenge for those affected and healthcare professionals seeking to provide effective treatment. The complexity of co-occurring disorders can profoundly impact individuals’ lives, exacerbating symptoms and hindering recovery. The purpose of this blog is […]

The Mental Effects of Alcoholism

The Mental Effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholism, a chronic and often progressive illness marked by a persistent pattern of excessive and compulsive alcohol consumption, poses a profound and multifaceted toll on an individual’s mental health. A 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that 29.5 million individuals aged 12 and upwards experienced Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) during the […]

Comprehensive Assessment of Co-Occurring Disorders: A Deeper Dive into Dual Diagnosis

Comprehensive Assessment of Co-Occurring Disorders

The prevalence of co-occurring disorders, also referred to as dual diagnosis, are more common than one might expect. Simultaneously grappling with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder can be exceptionally challenging, but an appropriate and comprehensive assessment can serve as the pivotal first step toward effective treatment and eventual recovery. In […]

How DBT Therapy Can Help You Overcome Addiction

How Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Can Help You Overcome Addiction

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidenced-based therapy program that has been proven to help individuals struggling with addiction and substance abuse recover from their addictions and live healthier lives. DBT utilizes cognitive behavioral treatment techniques like mindfulness, which enable individuals to better manage painful emotions and gain insight into their behavior. It also helps […]

Signs You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Signs You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

More than 7 million people have a dual diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder and another mental health condition. But the substance abuse disorder can cloud the signs of the dual diagnosis. When you’re in the throes of addiction, the substance abuse problem can seem like the most pressing issue to address. While it’s important […]

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Approximately 38% of people with substance abuse disorder have a concurrent mental health disorder. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder than individuals with other anxiety, mood or psychotic disorders. Therefore, it’s important to understand the link between bipolar disorder and addiction. How are Bipolar Disorder and Addiction […]

The Relationship Between Depression and Substance Abuse

The Relationship Between Depression and Substance Abuse

When two or more mental illnesses occur together, it’s known as a dual diagnosis. It’s not uncommon for people with substance use disorder to be diagnosed with depression, and vice versa. Substance use disorder can worsen symptoms of depression, and signs of depression can make a substance use disorder worse. Getting out of the cycle […]

Codependency in Recovery

Codependency in Recovery

Building healthy relationships and getting support from others is essential during recovery. However, people who are trying to get clean often struggle with codependent relationships. Codependency recovery programs allow people with addiction histories and their loved ones to establish balanced, constructive relationships. What Is Codependency? At first glance, codependency can look like a loving, helpful […]

How Weather Affects Your Mood

How Weather Affects Your Mood

Is the weather affecting your mood? Everyone is familiar with the way the weather can influence wellbeing. This can vary from person to person depending on preference and associations.  For example, one person might feel happier on sunny days because they love to go the beach, while another may enjoy the nostalgia of snow during […]

Finding Equilibrium: What to Expect During Recovery

Finding Equilibrium

When it comes to getting clean and sober, you always hear stories, opinions, and suggestions surrounding mental health, but what about our physical health? How do we focus on the thing that is keeping us alive? Our bodies are truly magical, and we see the real magic after we have abused it for years with […]

KRISTINA ROBERTSON, LMSW, LCDC

KRISTINA ROBERTSON

LMSW, LCDC | Counselor
Kristina Robertson serves as Counselor at Burning Tree Ranch. Holding both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work, Kristina’s greatest joy is “watching our clients learn to love themselves again.” An avid equestrian, mother to twenty-one horses, and all-around animal lover, Kristina serves as a bright shining example of long-term recovery in action. Her commitment to whole person health: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual makes her an invaluable member of the Burning Tree Ranch clinical team. As a distinguished Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Zeta member, Kristina believes deeply in each client’s pursuit of becoming their best selves.

"who is a burning tree client?"

Beth Legacki, Burning Tree Ranch Alumni