Author: Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT

Dr. Sharif is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who joined 449 Recovery in 2020 and oversees clinical operations as the Chief Clinical Officer. He earned his B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and completed his Doctor of Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. Since 2011, Dr. Sharif has been dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal from co-occurring disorders, including mental health, relational, and substance use challenges. He has led workshops on family dynamics, attachment injuries, spirituality in sobriety, and the impact of trauma on relationships.

Posted on September 23, 2024October 30, 2025
Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT
Treatment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Panic Disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands out as a highly effective treatment for panic disorders thanks to its structured and practical approach. At its core, CBT focuses on transforming the negative thought patterns and behaviors that fuel anxiety, empowering individuals to take control of their mental health.

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Posted on September 4, 2024October 30, 2025
Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT
Mental Health

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Lexapro?

When taking Lexapro to manage anxiety, some of the most common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and changes in weight. While these effects are generally mild, they can vary from person to person. At 449 Recovery, we understand the importance of being informed about your treatment.

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Posted on August 22, 2024October 30, 2025
Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT
Mental Health

High-Functioning Mental Illness: What You Should Know

High-functioning mental illness, also known as high-functioning anxiety or depression, refers to individuals who can maintain a seemingly “normal” life despite struggling with symptoms of a mental health disorder.

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Posted on August 9, 2024October 30, 2025
Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT
Mental Health

How Does Anxiety Affect the Brain?

Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by many individuals, but its effects can extend far beyond just feeling worried or stressed. From altering neural pathways to affecting cognitive abilities, understanding how anxiety affects the brain is crucial in comprehending this complex emotion.

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Posted on August 17, 2023October 30, 2025
Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT
Mental Health

Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that affects a significant number of people globally. This disorder is characterized by a range of symptoms, notably intense emotions, unstable relationships, and frequent struggles with managing emotions.

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The Behaviors of An Addict: How to Recognize Them

Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a serious condition that comes with particular patterns of behavior. Often, when someone is struggling with addiction, there will be tell-tale signs that they are dealing with uncontrolled substance use and physical or mental dependence.

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Posted on August 11, 2023October 30, 2025
Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT
Mental Health

Mental Illness and Isolation: What You Should Know

Physical and mental health are interconnected. The adverse health consequences of social isolation range vary from sleeplessness to lowered immune function. Loneliness is associated with higher anxiety, depression, and suicide rates. There’s a connection between mental illness and isolation, and the effect it has on people’s behaviors

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What to Do When Someone Overdoses: A Guide

In 2021, over 100,000 people in the U.S. died from an overdose. Over 70,000 of these deaths involved fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Since nearly 200 people die from an overdose daily, it is crucial to know what to do when someone overdoses. What is an Overdose? An overdose happens when someone takes too much [...]

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Can Alcohol Poisoning Cause Seizures?

Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition that can happen more quickly than you might think, especially if you're not used to the effects of alcohol or you've built up a high tolerance. One scary complication of alcohol poisoning that few people know about is seizures. Seizures are a potential complication of severe alcohol intoxication. It [...]

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PTSD Awareness Month: June 2023

Many organizations take part in PTSD-awareness activities throughout June every year to focus on information about post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and treatments that are available. Over the past few years, PTSD awareness has had a significant role as communities nationwide have experienced mass casualty events involving children and people targeted because of being members of [...]

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