
Dr. Michael Olla
Dr. Michael Olla is a renowned medical professional licensed in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in psychiatry and addiction treatment. Currently serving as the Medical Director at Valley Spring Recovery, he oversees clinical operations, editorial staff for the website and is committed to providing the highest standards of patient care. With a focus on holistic healing and evidence-based practices, Dr. Olla has become a leading figure in the field of psychiatric medicine. His dedication to patient well-being and contributions to research make him a standout authority in mental health and recovery.
Read Articles Written By Dr. Michael Olla

Saliva (Oral Fluid) Drug Test: Definition, Usages, Benefits, and Limitations
The saliva drug test, also known as oral fluid drug test, was invented in the 1980s as a non-invasive method…
Early Detection of Substance Use: The Role of the ASSIST Screening Test
The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a comprehensive tool developed by the World Health Organization to…
How the CAGE Questionnaire Helps Identify Alcohol Misuse
The CAGE Questionnaire is a brief, four-question screening tool designed to identify potential alcohol use disorders. Its primary purpose is…
What Is the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) and How Does It Work?
The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) is a trusted tool for detecting alcohol dependence and risky drinking behavior. Clinicians describe…
Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10): Definition, Description, Scoring, Application and Limitation
The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST or DAST-10) is a standardized self-report questionnaire used to assess an individual's lifetime history…
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): How It Detects Problem Drinking
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), developed by the World Health Organization, is a global screening tool used to…
Breathalyzer Tests: Definition, How It Works, Types, How to Read, and Accuracy
Breathalyzer tests are a method of estimating Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) by measuring the alcohol content in a person's breath.…
CRAFFT Screening Test: Definition, Usages, Questionnaire, Scoring and Interpretation, Advantage and Limitations.
The CRAFFT test is a screening tool used to identify potential substance abuse issues in adolescents aged 12-21. It consists…
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT): Definition, Description, Application and Efficacy.
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach used in healthcare settings to address substance abuse…
15 Most Commonly Used Drug Addiction Screening Tests
A drug addiction screening test is a tool used to identify people with substance use disorders. It involves questionnaires or…
Addict Brain Vs Normal Brain: Neurological Impact of Addiction
Addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by a compulsive need for drugs, reduced self-control, and continued use despite negative…
New York Mental Health Statistics
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health in New York City. Even after three years, around one in three New Yorkers…
New York Drug and Alcohol Addiction Statistics
According to the 2022 DEA drug threat assessment, New York is considered to be the largest heroin market in the…
Kratom: Symptoms, Addiction and Treatment
Kratom, commonly referred to as an herbal substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia, is recognized for…
New Jersey DUI Statistics: Arrests, Fatalities, and Accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) remains one of the most pressing public safety issues in New Jersey. It leads to…
Drug Overdose Statistics by Type, State, and Demographic
Deaths by drug overdose spiked by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute…
Habenula: Definition, Function, and Drug Addiction Effect on It
The habenula is a tiny, elongated structure within the brain that integrates emotional, cognitive, and motivational processes. The habenula is…
New Jersey Mental Health Statistics
Mental health in New Jersey shows both strengths and ongoing challenges. According to the 2023 Behavioral Health Barometer, 27.7% of…
Neurotransmitter Imbalance: The Effect of Addiction on Brain Chemistry
Neurotransmitter imbalance, caused by factors like substance use, affects brain communication, leading to mood and behavior changes. This imbalance can…
Amygdala: Definition, Function, and Disorders
The amygdala is a small almond-sized part of the brain forming the limbic system that derives its name from almonds…
Editorial Standards
Valley Spring Recovery Center is committed to providing quality content that is fact-checked and backed by data so that it can be as useful as possible during your search for sobriety, no matter if you are seeking treatment for yourself or for a loved one. Read about our editorial policies here.
Disclaimer: The content written on Valley Spring Recovery Center website is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are in a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately and always consult with a healthcare professional instead of following guidance written on the internet.
