The drug and alcohol recovery process works in steps. First, an addict will realize that their substance abuse has become an issue. Then, they will look into treatment options and take note of which ones they like. After choosing, even though treatment programs vary in scope and focus, an addict will always go through medical…
I have had many loved ones now go through substance abuse rehab. Their mental health needed a huge check and inpatient treatment was the way to do that. Looking for a rehab facility was easier than they realized, they found amazing options close to home. While it seems like going far away is the best…
There are many misconceptions about addiction. One of them is that it is always a choice. Mental health plays a huge factor in the forming of serious addiction. The American Psychiatric Association classifies addiction as a complex condition. Major depressive disorder or depression goes hand in hand with addiction. It is important to think about…
It is natural to be uncomfortable when you first come to your addiction recovery center. Treatment facilities are intimidating. You’re in a new place. You’re being constantly monitored. You have no social media and no internet. You’re put in the position to think about your alcohol or drug addiction nonstop. You’re completely changing the way…
It’s not unusual to find depression or anxiety in alcoholics. Mental health disorders are often closely linked with alcoholism. Many alcoholics find relief from stress and other inner issues by drinking. The alcohol lowers their inhibition and enhances their mood. It’s an escape. While alcohol can help improve moods and reduce stress from anxiety and…
The effects of alcohol abuse are serious. Alcohol makes you tired and depressed. It makes daily tasks hard to do. It even makes your body want to use it again. These effects make adult life even more stressful than it already is. Being a working-class citizen requires lots of time commitment and mental strength. Alcohol…
For centuries, cultures across the world have used meditation for a number of purposes. Some practitioners seek enlightenment, while others simply wish to increase their sense of present-moment awareness. Many believe that calming the mind can help us to seek answers, while others put their focus toward the development of feelings such as gratitude, compassion…
Aside from addicts and alcoholics themselves, nobody suffers more than those forced to watch a loved one suffer. They sometimes blame themselves for their loved one’s disease, especially if they can identify past enabling behaviors. Such people experience constant fear, depression, self-pity, and quite often resentments. They lie on behalf of their beloved addict or…
If you’ve ever seen certain movies, such as Limitless or Lucy, you’re well aware of the commonly regurgitated myth that we only use approximately 10% of our brains. This myth stems from the fact that different parts of the brain control different functions. And in many cases, these functions work involuntarily. This led some to…
One of the hardest things to overcome after years of addiction is our guilt. For quite some time, we remain convinced that our disease hurt no one but ourselves. Eventually, however, we come to realize that this isn’t quite true. In many cases, this realization leaves us devastated. Tortured by the pain of our own…