People most frequently discuss gratitude and being thankful during the holiday season. They are often acknowledging the benefits they have or received or will receive. While it is possible to express insincere gratitude, most people give thanks because they are truly happy with something in their life. This positive mindset is beneficial for both mental and physical health. It can provide people … [Read more...]
PTSD, Trauma and Addiction Recovery
Experiencing trauma does not mean a person will develop an addiction, but studies suggest those who have suffered trauma are more at risk. Trauma does not have to be a catastrophic life-altering event to have a substantial impact on someone. While trauma may involve experiencing physical harm, it is more often linked to the emotional response of a person following an event. How Can PTSD and … [Read more...]
#FitLife: Regaining Health Through Exercise
It seems as though every day is the new World [fill in the blank] Day. This month, posts about World Mental Health Day flooded social media. These posts spanned from general mental health awareness to “call me if you need a friend” messages to heartfelt stories of individuals who know or are someone personally struggling with mental health issues. For many, these troubles end in drug or alcohol … [Read more...]
How Do Drugs Damage Your Brain? Common Neurological Risks of Drug Use
Substance abuse can negatively affect the brain in numerous ways. The risks associated with use vary from person to person and can range in severity depending on the substance used. Almost all mind and mood-altering substances pose some risk to physical and mental health, but some can carry more damaging consequences. Neurological damage is associated with nearly all drugs or alcohol, and chronic … [Read more...]
Myths & Truths about Addiction Recovery: Breaking the Stigma of Addiction
Addiction is a hot topic for discussion and it’s ripe with misinformation and myths. It is a highly charged topic and many tend to have strong opinions about it, even if it has not affected them personally. These myths create stigmas about substance abuse that make it difficult for people to seek help. Common misconceptions about addiction and the character of a person can make it difficult for … [Read more...]
Challenges for Young Adults in Addiction Treatment
Addiction recovery is a difficult process for anyone, but young adults face a unique set of challenges that can make the process more daunting. Young adults are in a unique phase of life. In addition to the numerous biological changes they’re experiencing, they often are embarking on their own in the world for the first time. All of these changes happening simultaneously can be both overwhelming … [Read more...]
Acupuncture as an Alternative to Opioids
Opioid addiction is one of the fastest growing epidemics in the United States. Pain medications are prescribed at alarmingly high rates, for anything from a dental procedure to a major surgery or chronic illness. While opioids tend to be safe when taken as prescribed by the person for whom they are intended, it is incredibly easy to develop dependencies that make them difficult to stop using. The … [Read more...]
Benefits of an Intervention | How to Prepare for an Intervention
When a loved one struggles with addiction, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Addiction is a powerful disease that consumes a person’s life. It affects them physically, mentally, and emotionally, and often negatively impacts those closest to them. Thus, addiction is often seen as a disease that causes a variety of dysfunctions, and treatment is often required for those closest to the … [Read more...]
Healing the Body With Food: Nutritional & Diet Tips for Addicts in Recovery
Nutrition programs are rapidly gaining popularity in treatment programs because of their ability to positively impact recovery. Diet and nutrition have an enormous impact on overall health. The connection between the two has affected the way many conditions are treated, including addiction. While nutrition is generally not the main focus in early recovery for those working to overcome addiction, … [Read more...]