Our Blog

Welcome to the Growing Roots Blog page - here we will showcase our involvement within the community, treatment and services that deserve to be highlighted and other exciting activities that we’re working on.

Growing Roots Team Growing Roots Team

Understanding Sexual Assault

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What IS Sexual Assault?

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and we wanted to shed a light on what actually constitutes sexual assault. Sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all ages, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual interaction. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. A person may use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion to commit sexual violence.

Forms of sexual violence include:

  • Rape or sexual assault

  • Child sexual assault and incest

  • Sexual assault by a person’s spouse or partner

  • Unwanted sexual contact/touching

  • Sexual harassment

  • Sexual exploitation and trafficking

  • Exposing one’s genitals or naked body to other(s) without consent

  • Masturbating in public

  • Watching someone engage in private acts without their knowledge or permission

  • Nonconsensual image sharing

Our staff have a vast experience of working with clients who have traumatic pasts that include sexual assault. We understand the delicate nature of this topic and believe trust and respect for the victim is of the upmost importance. If you would like to work with one of our staff therapists please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sexual assault therapy and treatment in Plymouth, NH
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Growing Roots Team Growing Roots Team

Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholism

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Signs of someone with alcohol use disorder

April is Alcohol Awareness Month - understanding what to look for if you, or a loved one is suffering from alcohol use disorder allows you to be aware of the signs sooner to then seek help. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and the colloquial term, alcoholism.

Alcohol use disorder treatment in Plymouth, NH

We have outlined a list of signs to be aware of if you believe yourself, or someone you love may be suffering with alcohol use disorder.

  • Feeling powerless to control one’s level of alcohol use

  • Declining to engage in social activities or hobbies that used to be of interest

  • Having a desire to stop or decrease drinking but being unable to do so

  • Using alcohol in high-risk situations, such as while swimming or driving

  • Devoting significant time and resources to drinking

  • Developing a tolerance for alcohol (i.e., needing more alcohol over time to match the feelings from earlier use)

  • Experiencing cravings for alcohol when not drinking

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking (e.g., cravings, sweating, shaking, and nausea)

  • Facing problems at work, home, or school because of alcohol use

  • In reaction to the discomfort associated with withdrawal, having to drink to feel better

  • Continuing to use alcohol even when it is leading to social, physical, relationship, and personal problems

If you need help for yourself, or a loved one, we can help. Please call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our expert staff therapists.

To speak with someone at the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline, please dial 1-800-662-HELP(4357).

If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis, please dial 911.



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Growing Roots Team Growing Roots Team

Symptoms of self-harm

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How to recognize the signs of self-harm

The shame and stigma surrounding those who self-harm make it incredibly difficult to seek help. Those who self-harm are plagued with intense negative emotions and don’t have the tools to cope so instead seek alternative, dangerous methods to decrease their unease. If you suspect someone you know and care about is self-harming keep these warning signs in mind:

  • Scars

  • Fresh cuts, burns, scratches, or bruises

  • Rubbing an area excessively to create a burn

  • Having sharp objects on hand

  • Wearing long sleeves or long pants, especially in hot weather

  • Difficulties with interpersonal relationships

  • Persistent questions about personal identity

  • Behavioral and emotional instability, impulsiveness, or unpredictability

  • Saying they feel helpless, hopeless, or worthless

There is a crisis text line available for those suffering, you can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our expertly trained staff therapists please contact our office.

signs of self-harm, treatment available in Plymouth, NH
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