Your compass for growth and healing

Welcome to the AnchorPoint Alliance for Integrated Care blog and resources. Here, we share inspiring stories, practical tips, and expert insights designed to empower women, youth, and families on their journey towards holistic well-being. Discover articles rooted in faith and expertise, guiding you to stronger bonds, greater self-esteem, and lasting recovery.

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Journeys of triumph: From struggle to renewed life

Find hope and inspiration in our collection of successful recovery stories. Read about individuals overcoming challenges, achieving sobriety, and experiencing the profound joy of successful deliveries. These narratives highlight the power of resilience and the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life, supported by faith-based principles. We especially aim to support moms and families with loved ones in recovery.

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Building stronger bonds, fostering confident futures

Explore resources dedicated to uniting families and couples, helping them build deeper connections and overcome obstacles together. We also share insights specifically for teenagers, encouraging self-acceptance and boosting self-esteem, leading to better life decisions and a foundation for future success. Our articles aim to help moms, teenagers, and families find the support they need.

Expert guidance, rooted in faith and research

What makes our advice unique? Our resources are not only faith-based but also peer-reviewed and grounded in extensive research.

Spearheaded by Dr. Cheryl Jackson-Golden, LADAC is an expert with a master's in Addiction Studies and a post-master's certificate in Marriage and Family and Mental Health Counseling, on track to become a clinical mental health therapist. 

We offer unparalleled insights. Dr. Jackson-Golden's commitment to leading community treatment & preventative services since 1997 ensures that you receive credible, compassionate, and deeply knowledgeable support. Working with welfare-to-work mom/families, substance use treatment, case management, program development, grant writing, program planning and management, and program evaluation.

Birthwork began in 1979, providing support to new moms and caring for newborns in a hospital setting. Overseeing a team of volunteer birth workers while she provides doula services. I am currently a UAMS Medical Center doula mentor and serve on the Prevention Research Center (PRC) community advisory board (CAB). The CAB is designed to provide ongoing feedback and direction to the PRC-Arkansas Center for Women's Health. In addition, she is a board member for Little Rock Family Development Center.

She actively exercises her faith through service in her church as a youth leader and has served alongside her husband, teaching Couples Ministry for more than 12 years at various churches throughout Arkansas.

A tenured Professor of higher education with experience at several universities across Arkansas, educating undergrad and graduate students in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, and Addiction Studies. 

 

 

Information

Mental health challenges and substance use are often closely connected. Sometimes people begin using substances to cope with emotional pain, stress, or symptoms they do not fully understand. Over time, that coping strategy can become dependence or addiction.

Here are some common ways mental health difficulties can lead to substance use:

  • Self-medication:
    Someone experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or emotional overwhelm may use alcohol or drugs to temporarily numb feelings, relax, sleep, or escape distress.
  • Difficulty managing emotions:
    Mental health conditions can make it harder to regulate emotions. Substances may seem like a quick way to calm anger, sadness, fear, or loneliness.
  • Trauma and stress:
    Experiences such as abuse, violence, neglect, loss, or chronic stress increase the risk for both mental health struggles and substance use.
  • Social isolation:
    People who feel disconnected, rejected, or unsupported may turn to substances for comfort, belonging, or relief from loneliness.
  • Impulsivity and risk-taking:
    Some conditions, such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, or certain personality disorders, may increase impulsive behavior, including experimenting with substances.
  • Sleep problems:
    Ongoing insomnia or exhaustion related to mental health issues can lead individuals to misuse alcohol, marijuana, or medications to try to sleep.
  • Low self-worth or hopelessness:
    Feelings of shame, failure, or hopelessness can contribute to unhealthy coping patterns, including substance use.
  • Brain chemistry and genetics:
    Mental health disorders and substance use disorders can share biological and genetic risk factors.

It’s also important to know the relationship works both ways: substance use can worsen mental health symptoms and sometimes trigger new ones such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, or mood instability.

This connection is often called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis, where both mental health and substance use need to be addressed together for effective healing. 

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