Depression and Substance Abuse

woman looking out window representing Depression and substance abuse

If you are experiencing addiction and depression at the same time, you’re not alone. While depression and addiction are aggravating and disruptive conditions, they are also highly treatable. Read on to learn more about addressing addiction and mental health issues effectively. The Links Between Depression and Substance Abuse When you’re grappling with both substance abuse […]

Valium and Alcohol: Can You Mix Them?

A man being comforted representing am i addicted to prescription drugs

Mixing alcohol and valium poses a significant health risk due to the synergistic effect they exert on each other. Both Valium and alcohol act as CNS depressants, diminishing functional activity in the brain and central nervous system. When used together, these substances overload the body, leading to symptoms such as: In more severe cases, the […]

Sleeping Pills and Depression

A woman sits upright on her bed, representing being addicted to prescription drugs

Insomnia and depression share a bidirectional relationship, where sleep issues can serve as both a symptom and a risk factor for depression. Insomnia encompasses difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up at the intended time, leading to insufficient sleep for optimal functioning. Meanwhile, depression spans from experiencing a few depressive symptoms to a […]

The Effects of Mixing Marijuana and Alcohol

A woman with her hands to her head, representing prescription drug addiction

Many people use alcohol and marijuana simultaneously, but the combined effects can elevate THC levels, intensify impairment, and lead to alcohol poisoning. While people often mix these substances to enhance effects or counter side effects, it poses risks and can be unsafe. Alcohol and Marijuana Co-Use Alcohol and marijuana are the two most abused addictive […]

What is Behavioral Health?

A woman sits across from a therapist to represent facts about alcohol abuse

Many who are anticipating an addiction recovery treatment may wonder, what is behavioral health? Behavioral health refers to the connection between an individual’s behaviors, decisions, and well-being, encompassing both mental and physical health. The field of behavioral health care focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. It recognizes the intricate interplay between […]

The Connection Between Trauma and Drug Addiction

A black and white photo of three young children running in a field, signifying the connection between childhood trauma and addiction.

Traumatic events can shape you. Whether it’s a childhood experience or trauma you faced in adult life, exposure to distressing situations can change how you view yourself and how you see the world. For many people, trauma is the root cause of addiction. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) reports that 46 million […]

Anxiety and Substance Abuse

an image of someone dealing with anxiety and drug addiction

Anxiety and substance abuse are both pervasive issues in the United States. ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) reports that 40 million adults are affected by anxiety in any given year. Data from SAMHSA’s NSDUH 2020 – the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health – shows that 40 million people had […]

Alcoholism and Depression: A Common Dual Diagnosis

someone getting help with depression and alcoholism at Ohio Recovery Centers

Alcoholism and depression are often interlinked and often manifest simultaneously in a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.  Alcoholism is a chronic and relapsing brain condition clinically described as alcohol use disorder that is a demanding condition when it presents in isolation. If alcohol use disorder co-occurs with major depressive disorder, you’ll need to engage with […]

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn