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Substance Addiction vs. Process Addiction

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By Tyrone Totten Tyrone is a counseling intern and graduate student working towards his Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of San Diego. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, San Marcos, and served in the United States Navy as an Information Systems Technician. Tyrone is passionate about increasing accessibility of resources, and reducing the stigma and beliefs attached to mental health for people of color. Often when we think about addiction our minds turn to substance addiction. Substance addiction is a significant public health issue in the United States, affecting millions of individuals, families and communities. Emphasizing mental healthcare is a critical component in addressing substance addiction, as the connection between mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) is well-documented. However, there is another form of addiction that lacks widespread recognition in the Unit...
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What’s SMART you ask?

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By Tammah Watts, LMFT, SMART Recovery Facilitator The SMART-informed Recovery Meeting through the Student Health Services  is informed by the principles, techniques and strategies of  SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) , using a non-12 Step approach to cope with maladaptive behaviors:  Are you feeling overwhelmed by an addiction to? Alcohol Illegal drugs Nicotine Marijuana Prescription Medications Or an addictive behavior such as? Gaming Eating Shopping Sex Self-Harming (cutting, other) Gambling Social Media Technology  Learn to use the SMART Recovery 4-POINT PROGRAM® Building and Maintaining Motivation Coping with Urges Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Living a Balanced Life When are the meetings held? Every Wednesday from 12P to 1P on Zoom while school is in session What else is good to know about the meetings? It’s ...
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Understanding Interpersonal Violence: A Call to Action for National Coming Out Day and LGBTQPIA2S+ History Month

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By Van Ethan Levy, LMFT 118131, LPCC 8269  Van is a queer, non-binary, trans, AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth), POC (Person of Color), dually licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Van is passionate about holding space for all intersections of one’s identity(ies). Van is dedicated to social justice & believes it is vital to cultivate an awareness of our own internal strengths, specifically our resilience as we continue to grow and discover ourselves. Van also provides trainings on trans and non-binary identities and is author of the interactive book Exploring My Identity(ies) (2020). As we approach National Coming Out Day on October 11th and celebrate LGBTQPIA2S+ History Month, it’s crucial to shed light on a pervasive issue that often goes unnoticed: Interpersonal Violence (IPV). Many individuals may not recognize the signs of healthy versus unhealthy dynamics in relationships. IPV can take many forms, including physic...
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Alcoholics Anonymous

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By Melissa Collins-Porter Melissa is a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee who is currently enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University’s Masters in Applied Clinical Counseling program. Melissa received a B.A. in Communication from UC San Diego and an M.A. in Film from SDSU. Melissa taught as an adjunct at MiraCosta for 20 years in the Department of Theatre and Film. After the COVID lockdown, she noticed that many of her students were struggling with mental health and was called to make a career change. Her approach to client care is informed by psychodynamic theory, social justice, neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirmation. What is AA? AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a 12 Step Recovery Program for people with Substance Use Disorder. There are other AA-based groups for people who are addicted to drugs, gambling, or sex. Anyone who struggles with Substance Use Disorder and desires recovery is welcome at an AA meeting. The “anonymous” part means that attendance at an AA meeting an...
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TWO QUESTIONS: Adela Sanchez on Narcan Trainings

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TWO QUESTIONS FOR Adela Sanchez on Narcan Training  1.       What led you to bring Narcan training to MiraCosta? Narcan (naloxone) training in community colleges, especially when provided by a nurse, offers numerous benefits. As someone who grew up in this community being able to offer training for students, faculty, and staff is especially important to me. There are so many obstacles in healthcare so when there are opportunities for free programs and resources, I am immediately drawn to them. Empowering community members, especially in a college setting, fosters a sense of responsibility and community care. Trained individuals can act confidently in emergencies, contributing to a safer environment for everyone! I’ve seen too many accidents turn fatal so anything we can do to help is worth it. ·          Narcan equips us with the ability to respond swiftly to opioid overdoses. This can save lives in situation...
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TWO QUESTIONS: Tammah Watts on Recovery

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TWO QUESTIONS FOR:  Tammah Watts about Recovery Meetings on Campus 1.   What led you to become a SMART Recovery Group facilitator?   Oh, I love this question because it’s a testament to the power of friends and their influence on us. By this I mean that I first heard about SMART Recovery from a longtime friend of mine, who also happens to work in the mental health field. I became curious about how she spent her Sunday mornings and she began to share about SMART Recovery and her volunteerism with the organization as a facilitator for several years. Eventually, she asked me if I would consider becoming a facilitator because the  program was growing throughout San Diego and there was a need for more facilitators to provide meetings online and in person. The more I learned, the more I became interested in the organization -in particular, the 4-Points Program   and their evidence-based approach and ...
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Understanding Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism: Embracing Intentionality

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By: Abby (Abigail) Burd, MSW, LCSW, LCS26867 Coping mechanisms are the strategies and behaviors we use to manage stress, navigate challenges, or cope with difficult emotions. These can range from healthy habits to less optimal choices. Sometimes we reach for alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. It’s important to recognize that these coping strategies emerge from a genuine need for relief, comfort, or escape. MiraCosta College mental health counselors emphasize understanding and acceptance without judgment. This helps us approach discussions around substance use with compassion and empathy. The Role of Coping Mechanisms Many of us turn to substances not out of recklessness, but as a way to manage stress, pain, or overwhelming emotions. This coping mechanism is rooted in a basic human desire for relief and well-being. Acknowledging this can shift the conversation from stigma and shame to understanding and support.  What might it be like to say, “thank you” to the substance for serv...
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