So often in recovery circles we hear someone say, “I’ve had to preserve my self-image at all costs. Because if anyone found out about my problem (with drinking and/or drugs), it would ruin me.” And more often than not, it’s a professional in some field—typically a doctor or nurse or lawyer or business executive—with a…
Given the culture we live in today, with what seems to be its increasing tendencies toward commercialism, materialism and secularism, many of us who seek recovery from a substance use disorder (a.k.a. chemical dependency, addiction to alcohol or drugs) find it surprising to hear that developing spirituality, living according to spiritual principles, and/or nourishing our…
Young adulthood is a period of emotional, biological, and mental development. It also is the life stage that sees the onset of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and mood swings. The enormous change, matched with growing independence, that young adults often experience sometimes results in exposure to addictive substances. Exposure can…
Very rarely do we see people come into recovery from addiction brimming with positivity, honesty and a caring attitude toward others. Instead, it’s much more typical to find “newcomers” feeling weighted down by distrust and defensiveness, callousness and alienation (if not resentment and malevolence), and a substantial amount of self-centeredness. However, as the saying goes,…
As we enter into the month of June, it’s time once again to recognize Men’s Health Awareness Month. Every June since 1994, people across the country have dedicated this month to men’s health initiatives. It’s an important time to remember the many health issues that men face. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, as we…
Recovering from an addiction is challenging. Recent studies show that more than three-quarters of people who receive addiction treatment relapse within the first year. Nonetheless, healing is possible for everyone. Because of how common addiction setbacks can be, particularly in the first weeks following treatment, it is critical to understand and recognize potential addiction setbacks…
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is recognized in the United States annually in June. PTSD Awareness Month was created to increase public understanding and knowledge of PTSD’s causes and symptoms alongside advancing the discussion of its available treatments. Everyone can get involved in making a difference in the lives of those who have experienced…
According to research published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, most physicians who abuse or become addicted to prescription drugs describe their motivation, not as being pleasure- or recreational thrill-seeking, but rather: To relieve stress To diminish physical pain To cope with emotional challenges or upset To cope with undiagnosed depression Nonetheless, if you are…
According to a current assessment published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “Opioids are the most effective and widely used drugs in the treatment of severe pain.”[1] Given they’re so commonly used, what is problematic is how addictive these powerful pharmaceutical drugs are. The Mayo Clinic states, “Opioids are highly addictive, in large…
The title of this article is not a teetotaler’s threat. It’s a recounting of the infamous words countless doctors have told people who try to quit drinking on their own. Of course, the reasoning and science behind this declaration could easily slide right by a man or woman struggling with an alcohol dependency problem, making…