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Andrew McNaughton

Do I Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem and What Can I Do About It?

March 22, 2017

by Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC There are about a dozen criteria in the DSM-5 for diagnosing Substance Use Disorders, but I look for four “red flags” when assessing a patient: Does substance use negatively impact the patient’s money? Relationships? Mental or physical health? Freedom? If the patient answers “yes” to at least one of those questions, substance use is likely creating or contributing to trouble at work, school, home, with personal finances, family, friends, mind and body,…

Rational vs. Irrational Emotions: What Am I Telling Myself?

March 14, 2017

By: Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC, Symmetry Counseling, Chicago There is a difference between guilt and remorse. Let’s say I have done something that goes against my own value system, something that I consider to be bad. I have the choice (yes, it is a choice) to either make myself feel guilty or make myself feel remorseful about it. While on the surface, the two emotions may seem synonymous, the difference is potentially between internalizing the unhealthy negative…